How to Install Kitchen Wall Cabinets Part 2

After measuring, marking, and installing the first cabinet of the kitchen wall cabinets, it is now time to install the succeeding cabinets making sure that it is in level with the first. This may sound like a difficult task to do but once you have successfully installed the next cabinet the rest will be easy.

Step 1 – Installing the Next Cabinet

After securing the corner cabinet or the first wall cabinet, you can now proceed installing the next one. Make sure you remove all the fixtures and doors before you proceed. To install the next cabinet, nail on a wood furring strip onto the wall making sure that the bottom edge of the strip is on the wall cabinet line that was marked.

Measure the studs that will be hit by the second cabinet. Inside the 2nd cabinet you will find a side rail, drill holes on the rail, approximately ¾ of an inch long, one near the top and one near the bottom. Lift the 2nd cabinet next to the 1st cabinet. Use a wood t-brace to ensure that the 2nd cabinet will remain in place while installing it. Once the 2nd cabinet is in place, screw the cabinet into place making sure that you do not screw it tightly so you can make necessary adjustments if the cabinets are not level once you have installed all the cabinets.

Step 2 – Checking to Make Sure it is Level

It is important that every time you put in a new cabinet, you check if the newly installed cabinet is level with the previous ones. To do this, place the level between the top of the newly installed and the previous cabinets. You also need to put the level on the side of the cabinet to ensure that the cabinet is aligned in all directions. So, make sure the 2nd cabinet is level to the 1st cabinet. If the cabinets are level, use a c-clamp to hold the 2 cabinets together.

Step 3 – Installing the Other Kitchen Wall Cabinets

To install the other wall cabinets, follow the same procedure as Step 1 also making sure that the frames of the cabinets are aligned together. After you are done repeating step 1 and aligning the cabinets, clamp the cabinets.

After clamping the cabinets together, always drill a hole on the hinge level of a cabinet then screw the next cabinet to it. Always make sure that the cabinets are level and loosely screwed on the wall before putting the next cabinet. Repeat this process for all the other cabinets making sure that each is level with the other. After checking for level and plumb, you can secure all the kitchen wall cabinets tightly onto the wall.

Step 4 – Inserting Shims (if necessary)

It is important that the top of the cabinet is level and the front is plumb. In case the front wall cabinets are not plumb, you may need to insert wooden shims to align the kitchen wall cabinets. To do this, insert the shims behind the bottom and top of the kitchen wall cabinets. You may need to loosen a few screws to do this properly. Insert the shims to the areas behind the cabinets until the front face of the kitchen wall cabinets are plumb.