How To Hang Kitchen Cabinets

Properly hanging kitchen cabinets involves several hours of labor, a few tools and some know-how. Realistically, you might also want to have a second set of hands for this task. Cabinets are heavy and awkward to lift, especially the upper level of cabinets. Given their weight and the need to shim and level them to make sure that they are square to the wall, cabinet installation is better (and safer) to work with another person.

Tools and Materials Needed:

* Pencil
* Tape Measure
* Straight Edge
* 1 X 4 Wood Strips
* Clamps
* Screwdriver
* Hammer
* Level
* Wood Screws
* Drill


Step 1: Mark a Line for Hanging the Cabinets

Using a tape measure or straight edge, make a line indicating where the cabinets will be hung. Pre-drill holes into the 1x4 wood strips that will be used to hang the cabinets. The wood strips should be attached to the wall at 16-inch intervals to match the location of the wall studs. 16 inches is the building industry standard for the placement of wall studs so your measurements should match their location in order to secure the cabinets to the wall.

Step 2: Hang the Upper Cabinets

Hang the upper cabinets by placing them level against the wood strip and screwing them into the wall with wood screws. As you hang the adjoining the cabinets, make sure that they are square and level which each other. Use the level to line them up and as you attach the next cabinet, use a clamp to hold them together. The clamps can be removed after the last upper cabinet is hung or after all of the cabinets are set in place.

Step 3: Install the Lower Cabinets

Use the hammer to remove the baseboard in order to install the lower cabinets. Pull the baseboards out using the claw end of the hammer, gently placing it on the baseboard and the wall and pulling outward.

Install the corner unit first and secure it into the wall studs. Install each adjacent unit in a similar manner, also securing it to the wall with wood screws. Use clamps to hold the units together. When the last unit has been secured to the wall, remove the clamps from the upper and lower units (if still in place) and they should be set.

Step 4: Install Drawers and Door Fronts

Attach the door hinges on the inside of each of the cabinets. Place the doors into position and attach them to the hinges or each cabinet. The door slides for the drawers should also be installed if not already in the cabinet. Finish the drawers and door fronts with the hardware accessory to finish the look.