An Easy Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Kitchen Base Cabinets in Your Home

Installing kitchen base cabinets is a great way to freshen up the look of your kitchen. When it comes to installation, however, it’s important to take it one step at a time and make sure that you do everything correctly. This article will provide you with a step by step guide on how to install kitchen base cabinets correctly, Part 1.

First, determine the location of the wall studs and the height of the cabinets. This is important to get the cabinets installed correctly. To start, measure the total height of the cabinets, plus 1.5 inches for the countertops; and 18 inches for the back splash. Also measure the height from the floor up to the bottom of the upper cabinets. After you’re done measuring, draw a horizontal line across the kitchen wall using a level and pencil to serve as your guideline.

Once all of the measurements have been taken, use a stud finder to locate the wall studs. The wall studs are usually 2×4 inches and are pivotal in getting the cabinet secured correctly. Once you have found all the studs, mark their locations using the pencil.

In order to install the cabinets, you will need a ledger board, a long piece of wood that will temporarily support the cabinets while they are being installed. Drill the ledger board onto the wall starting from the horizontal line you drew when you measured the entire height of the cabinet.

Next, start installing the cabinets with the first cabinet. The size and shape of the first cabinet can more or less determine how the rest will fit, so it is important to test fit it and make sure that it is level in all the directions. Position the cabinet and raise it up with a wood shim until it reaches the reference line. Once leveled, screw the ledger of the base cabinet into the wall studs.

This completes the first step in installing kitchen base cabinets! In Part 2, we’ll explain how to attach the cabinets to one another, cut the countertop to size, attach it to the cabinets, and complete the installation. With the right tools and knowledge, you’ll have your cabinets up in no time! Good luck!