How to Install Base Cabinets into Concrete

Base cabinets aren't difficult to install in concrete, despite what you may think. If you want to install a base cabinet or 2 in a mudroom, laundry room, or basement, you can install these on their own, without professional assistance, with just a few tools.

Step 1 - Mark the Area

Place the cabinet on the floor in the area you want to install it. Use the pencil to create a template, by tracing around the cabinet. This serves as a guide for installation, so be sure you can see the outline. Move the cabinets out of the way until later. If you don't have a lot of room to work with, bring in 1 cabinet at a time. This way, you can just push it to the other side of the room or hallway while you prepare the area.

Step 2 - Create a Base

You need to create a base to install the cabinets on. This will give a finished look, and will elevate the cabinets off the floor slightly. Measure the length and the width of the template you created and add 2/3 to the width. This will be the length you need to cut the 2X4's for the base. Place the prepared 2X4's 3/4 inch inside the marked area. Make another mark at this spot. This will be where the concrete anchors will be installed.

Step 3 - Create the Pilot Holes

Drill 3 pilot holes in each prepared 2x4. Create a square, using a T-square if necessary. This is needed so you can ensure everything is even. Skipping this could cause a cabinet that doesn't sit on a straight line on the floor. If you are installing more than one cabinet it will also allow you to make sure all the cabinets line up with one another. Use a hammer drill to create pilot holes in the concrete to correspond with the pilot holes in the base. You need the pilot holes in the concrete to be at least 2 inches deep.

Step 4 - Attach the Base

You can now install the base to the concrete, using the concrete anchor screws. From here, you can begin install the cabinets. Place them on the base, and use wood screws to attach the cabinets along the bottom inside panel to the base. This will secure the cabinet to the floor. Use shims if necessary, when you install the rest of the cabinets, to create an even surface.

Step 5- Finishing

If the base for the cabinets is noticeable, you can cover it with decorative trim. Baseboard trim works very well for this, and creates a much neater, finished look. You may need to have baseboards cut to size. Toe kick boards also work well for larger bases. You can attach these to the base, using a drill and wood screws, and fill in the screw holes with putty. You can also use a strong adhesive, if you don't want to deal with drilling. Just be aware that an adhesives bond may wear with time, especially in humid areas like bathrooms, basements and laundry rooms.