How to Install Kitchen Cabinets, the DIY Way!
Ever wondered how to install kitchen cabinets without the help of a pro? Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or just looking to cut costs on your renovation, installing kitchen cabinets yourself is more doable than you might think. According to Houzz’s 2022/23 Kitchen Trends Study, 77% of cabinetry upgrades involved replacing all cabinets—and 6% of savvy renovators opted for pre-assembled stock cabinets, the easiest option for a DIY install. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we’re all about making DIY simple, especially with our pre-assembled cabinets designed to take the stress out of the process.
Before you begin, it’s crucial to realise that not all kitchen cabinets are the same—some require minimal effort to install, while others may challenge your patience and even your sanity.
Types of Kitchen Cabinets: Which One is for You?
There are three main types of kitchen cabinets to consider:
- Easy-to-Install Cabinets: These are pre-assembled cabinets, like the ones we sell at Ross’s Discount Home Centre. They come ready to install straight out of the box, making them the go-to choice for DIYers who value time and simplicity.
- Moderately Easy-to-Install Cabinets: Flat-pack kitchen cabinets may seem budget-friendly at first, but assembling them can take hours, test your patience, and occasionally result in frustration over missing screws or misaligned panels.
- You’d Have to Be Crazy Cabinets: Custom-made cabinets, while tailor-designed, can be challenging to install on your own. They require meticulous measurements, professional tools, and serious expertise—best left to the pros.
If you’re smart, you’ll choose easy-to-install cabinets. They’re hassle-free and allow you to focus on creating your dream kitchen without unnecessary headaches. In the next section, we’ll show you how to install kitchen cabinets step by step, so you can complete your DIY project like a pro. Let’s dive in!
Unwrap the Cabinets
Ross’s Discount Home Centre delivers cabinets fully assembled and securely packaged to prevent damage during delivery. Once you’ve carried the cabinets into the kitchen area, use a Stanley knife to carefully cut along the edges of the packaging. Make sure not to extend the blade too far to avoid scratching the cabinets. It’s a good idea to unwrap the cabinets in a clear, open space so you can organise all the parts. Dispose of the packaging in an environmentally friendly manner.
Tip: Check for any signs of damage as soon as you unwrap the cabinets. If you notice anything unusual, contact customer service before proceeding with installation.
Prepare the Space
Before installing, ensure your kitchen space is clean, level, and free of debris. If you’re installing on a tiled floor, make sure there are no uneven spots that could affect cabinet alignment. If you used our 3D Kitchen Planner, review your saved layout to check where each cabinet should go. If you’re using your own layout, ensure measurements and placement are correct; you can do so by following our step-by-step guide on How to Measure Your Kitchen for Renovation.
Tip: Mark the wall with the location of each cabinet to avoid confusion and to easily see where each cabinet will go.
Mark and Locate Wall Studs
For a secure installation, it’s essential to anchor the cabinets into wall studs. Locate and mark the wall studs where you will secure the cabinets using a stud finder. Ensure the markings are visible when you begin positioning the cabinets.
Tip: If studs are not conveniently located, use heavy-duty wall anchors designed for your wall type (drywall, plaster, or brick) to secure the cabinets.
Position the Base Cabinets
Start by placing the base cabinets in their designated spots to ensure everything fits. You must align the first cabinet perfectly because it will set the tone for the others. Begin with the corner cabinet if you have a U-shaped or L-shaped kitchen. In galley or one-wall kitchens, start from the centre and work outward.
Tip: Place shims under the cabinets if your floor is uneven to make sure everything is level.
Level and Secure the First Cabinet
Once the first cabinet is in position, use a level to ensure it’s perfectly straight both front to back and side to side. If it’s not, adjust using shims. Once the cabinet is level, drill pilot holes through the back of the cabinet into the wall studs. Secure the cabinet using screws long enough to anchor into the studs by at least 25mm.
Tip: Be cautious not to overtighten the screws, as this could warp the cabinet back or cause misalignment.
Install the Remaining Base Cabinets
Move on to the next cabinet, aligning it with the first one. Use clamps to hold the cabinets together while you work. Check each cabinet’s alignment and level with the adjacent unit before securing it to the wall. As you go along, attach each cabinet to its neighbour by drilling small pilot holes through the side panels and securing them with screws.
Tip: Apply masking tape around the pilot holes to prevent the wood from splitting.
Check for Final Alignment and Secure the Cabinets Together
After all base cabinets are in place, make sure they are still level across the top. Adjust shims as needed and then tighten all screws. To avoid gaps, drill through the frames or side panels to connect the cabinets. Tightening these screws too much could shift the cabinets, so tighten just enough to hold them securely together.
Tip: Monitor the level closely throughout this process to prevent minor shifts that could lead to larger alignment issues later.
Position and Secure the Wall Cabinets
Start by installing the upper wall cabinets once the base units are secure. It’s easiest to install the wall cabinets with a second person to help lift and hold them in place. Like the base cabinets, start in the corner (if applicable) and work outward. Use a temporary ledger board screwed into the wall to support the weight of the cabinets while you’re securing them. Just like with the base cabinets, make sure to level the top and firmly anchor the cabinets into the wall studs.
Tip: Pre-drill the cabinet backs before lifting them to the wall to save time and reduce the risk of movement while securing them.
Install the Packers and Finishing Panels (If Needed)
If your kitchen design includes packers and finishing panels to bridge gaps between cabinets and walls or appliances, now is the time to install them. Measure carefully and cut to size. Secure the filler strips to the cabinets using screws or finish nails, ensuring a tight and flush fit.
Tip: Use painter’s tape to protect the cabinets from scratches while you cut or sand the filler strips for a precise fit.
Final Adjustments and Touch-Ups
Once all the cabinets are in place, double-check the levelling and alignment one last time. Adjust shims as needed, and ensure that all screws are tight. Install any additional trim pieces, such as kickboards or crown mouldings, to give the cabinets a polished, professional look.
Tip: If you’ve drilled any visible holes or scratched the surface, use wood filler or a touch-up pen to cover them up.
Conclusion
If you’re considering installing your own kitchen cabinets, it would be foolish to opt for anything other than pre-assembled cabinets. As their name suggests, pre-assembled kitchen cabinets are delivered as a complete unit, already assembled and only needing fixing into place for their installation. There is no more straightforward, more efficient solution!
For top-quality pre-assembled kitchen cabinets with a white two-pack finish, be sure to view Ross’s Discount Home Centre’s range. They’re modern in design and competitive in price.
View our pre-assembled kitchen cabinet range and use our 3D Kitchen Planner to plan out your cabinets today.