How To Install Upper Kitchen Cabinets Step-by-Step

Can you install upper kitchen cabinets yourself? Yes, with careful planning and the right tools, you can successfully install upper kitchen cabinets as a DIY project. This comprehensive kitchen cabinet installation guide will walk you through every step. Hanging upper cabinets might seem daunting, but breaking it down makes it manageable. This DIY kitchen cabinet install will give your kitchen a fresh look. We’ll cover everything from preparation to securing wall cabinets perfectly.

Essential Cabinet Installation Tools and Materials

Before you begin, gather all the necessary cabinet installation tools and materials. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more efficient.

Tools You’ll Need:

Stud Finder: To locate wall studs for secure mounting.
Level (4-foot recommended): Crucial for leveling kitchen cabinets accurately.
Measuring Tape: For precise measurements and layout.
Pencil: For marking guidelines on the wall.
Drill/Driver: For pre-drilling holes and driving screws.
Circular Saw or Miter Saw: If you need to adjust cabinet dimensions or cut filler strips.
Safety Glasses: Always protect your eyes.
Dust Mask: For protection from drywall dust.
Utility Knife: For opening boxes and cutting materials.
Caulking Gun and Caulk: For sealing gaps.
Screwdriver Set: For various screw types.
Hammer: For tapping in shims or fasteners.
Putty Knife: For applying wood filler.
Optional: Cabinet Lifting System or Helpers: Upper cabinets are heavy and awkward.

Materials You’ll Need:

Upper Kitchen Cabinets: Your chosen cabinets.
Cabinet Mounting Hardware: This typically includes sturdy screws. For securing wall cabinets, #8 or #10 screws, 2.5 to 3 inches long, are usually recommended. Ensure they are designed for wood and capable of penetrating studs.
Shims: Thin pieces of wood or plastic to make minor adjustments for leveling.
Wood Screws: For joining cabinets together.
Cabinet Backing Plates: Sometimes used for extra reinforcement, especially if studs aren’t perfectly aligned or for heavy items.
Screws for Cabinet Backing Plates: If using.
Wood Glue: For reinforcing cabinet joints.
Filler Strips: If you have gaps between cabinets or between cabinets and walls.
Paint or Stain: To match your cabinets if you cut or adjust them.
Sandpaper: For smoothing any rough edges.

Planning Your Upper Cabinet Layout

Proper planning is the first of the essential cabinet installation steps. This is where you determine where each cabinet will go and how they will align.

Measuring and Marking Wall Locations

Determine Cabinet Height: Decide on the desired height for your upper cabinets. The standard distance between the countertop and the bottom of upper cabinets is 18 inches. However, this can vary based on your ceiling height and personal preference.
Draw a Level Line: Using your level and pencil, draw a horizontal line on the wall where the bottom of your upper cabinets will sit. This line is your guide. It’s crucial for hanging upper cabinets correctly.
Locate Wall Studs: Use your stud finder to locate all the wall studs behind where your cabinets will be installed. Mark the center of each stud along your guideline and every 16 or 24 inches on center, depending on your stud spacing. These marks are critical for securing wall cabinets firmly.
Layout Cabinet Positions: Measure the width of each upper cabinet and mark their positions on your guideline. This helps visualize the final layout and identify where cabinet joints will be.

Accounting for Obstructions

Windows and Doors: Plan how cabinets will fit around windows and doors. You may need to use filler strips or adjust cabinet placement.
Vents and Outlets: Note the location of any electrical outlets, vents, or plumbing fixtures. You may need to reroute wiring or plumbing, or carefully cut openings in the cabinets.

Preparing the Cabinets for Installation

Before mounting, ensure your cabinets are ready. This might involve minor adjustments or assembly.

Assembling and Pre-Drilling

Assemble Cabinets: If your cabinets came flat-packed, assemble them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure all joints are square and tight.
Pre-Drill for Mounting: Most cabinet manufacturers recommend pre-drilling holes through the cabinet’s top and bottom support rails where they will meet the wall studs. These holes should be slightly smaller than the diameter of your cabinet installation screws. This prevents the wood from splitting when you drive the screws.

Reinforcing Cabinet Joints (Optional but Recommended)

Joining Cabinets: If you are installing multiple cabinets side-by-side, you’ll need to join them. Apply wood glue to the edges that will meet and clamp them together. Then, drill pilot holes and drive wood screws through the face frames and into the adjoining cabinet. Use at least two screws per joint.
Cabinet Backing Plates: For added strength, especially for heavier cabinets or if stud alignment is problematic, consider attaching cabinet backing plates to the back of the cabinet frame where it will meet a stud. Use appropriate screws for these plates.

Mounting the First Cabinet

The first cabinet sets the standard for the rest. Getting it level and plumb is crucial.

Creating a Support Ledger

Temporary Support: Before you can securely attach a cabinet, you’ll need a way to hold it in place while you work. A common method is to create a temporary ledger board.
Install Ledger: Use your level to draw a perfectly horizontal line on the wall at the exact height where the bottom of your cabinets will rest. Then, temporarily attach a straight piece of lumber (like a 1×4 or 2×4) to the wall, just below your guideline, using screws into the wall studs. This ledger board will support the weight of the cabinet as you install it.

Attaching the First Cabinet

Position the Cabinet: Lift the first cabinet into place, resting its bottom edge on the ledger board.
Check for Level: Use your level to ensure the cabinet is perfectly level both horizontally and vertically. Adjust its position by tapping gently with a hammer or by inserting shims between the cabinet and the wall where needed.
Secure to the Wall: Once the cabinet is level, drive cabinet installation screws through the pre-drilled holes in the cabinet’s top and bottom rails and into the wall studs. Use at least two screws into the stud at the top and two at the bottom for robust cabinet mounting hardware. Don’t overtighten, which can strip the wood or damage the cabinet.
Add Shims: If there are any gaps between the cabinet and the wall after screwing it in, insert shims to fill the void and ensure the cabinet is pressed firmly against the wall. Trim excess shim material with a utility knife.

Installing Subsequent Upper Cabinets

With the first cabinet securely in place, the rest of the installation becomes more straightforward.

Joining Adjacent Cabinets

Position Next Cabinet: Lift the next cabinet into position next to the first one. Ensure the face frames are flush.
Level and Shim: Use your level to ensure this cabinet is also level and plumb. Use shims behind the cabinet where necessary to bring it into alignment with the first cabinet and the wall.
Join Cabinets: Apply wood glue to the edge of the face frame of the first cabinet where it will meet the second. Clamp the two cabinets together, making sure their front edges are perfectly aligned.
Drill and Screw: Drill pilot holes through the face frames of both cabinets, typically two or three per joint, spaced evenly. Drive wood screws to firmly join the cabinets.

Securing to the Wall

Find Studs: For each subsequent cabinet, locate the wall studs behind it.
Drive Screws: Drive cabinet installation screws through the pre-drilled holes in the cabinet’s rails and into the studs. Use your level to ensure each cabinet is plumb and level before fully tightening the screws. Continue to use shims as needed to maintain alignment and a flush fit against the wall.
Cabinet Backing Plates: If you’re using cabinet backing plates for extra support, attach them now to the cabinet frame, screwing them into the studs.

Adjusting and Finishing

Once all cabinets are hung, you’ll fine-tune the installation and add finishing touches.

Final Adjustments for Leveling Kitchen Cabinets

Check Alignment: Step back and look at the entire run of cabinets. Check that they are all aligned horizontally and vertically, and that the gaps between them are consistent.
Shim Adjustments: Make any final adjustments with shims to correct minor misalignments.

Filling Gaps and Securing

Trim Shims: Use a sharp utility knife or a small hand saw to carefully trim any protruding shims flush with the cabinet.
Fill Gaps: If there are small gaps between cabinets or between cabinets and the wall, you can fill these with wood filler or caulk. For larger gaps, you might need to cut and install filler strips, then sand and paint or stain them to match.
Caulking: Apply a thin bead of paintable caulk along the top edge where the cabinets meet the wall and any seams between cabinets to create a clean, finished look and seal out dust and moisture.

Installing Doors and Shelves

Attach Hinges: Install the cabinet doors and hinges according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Adjust Doors: Most hinges allow for adjustment to ensure doors hang straight and close properly.
Insert Shelves: Place the shelves into their designated spots.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How high should upper kitchen cabinets be mounted?

A1: The standard height from the countertop to the bottom of upper cabinets is 18 inches. However, this can be adjusted based on ceiling height, the height of the homeowner, and the type of backsplash being used. Always ensure there is enough clearance for countertop appliances and for comfortable use.

Q2: What type of screws should I use for mounting wall cabinets?

A2: You need strong screws specifically designed for wood, such as #8 or #10 wood screws, typically 2.5 to 3 inches long. These screws must be long enough to pass through the cabinet’s mounting rails and securely anchor into the wall studs.

Q3: Can I install upper kitchen cabinets on a wall without studs?

A3: It is strongly recommended to mount cabinets directly into wall studs. If studs are not available or conveniently located, you must use heavy-duty drywall anchors specifically designed for cabinet installation and rated for significant weight. However, anchoring into studs provides the most secure and long-lasting installation.

Q4: How do I ensure my cabinets are level?

A4: Use a long level (4 feet is ideal) placed on the top, bottom, and sides of each cabinet as you install it. Shims are your best friend for making minor adjustments to achieve perfect level and plumb.

Q5: What is the purpose of cabinet backing plates?

A5: Cabinet backing plates are often used for extra reinforcement, particularly if you are hanging particularly heavy cabinets or if the alignment of your wall studs is not ideal. They provide an additional surface to screw into, distributing the weight more effectively and ensuring a more robust connection.

Q6: What is a ledger board, and why do I need it?

A6: A ledger board is a temporary piece of wood screwed horizontally into the wall studs. It acts as a support for the bottom of the cabinets as you are installing them, holding them at the correct height while you secure them to the wall. This makes the installation process much easier and safer, as you don’t have to hold the full weight of the cabinet.

Q7: How do I join two upper cabinets together?

A7: To join cabinets, apply wood glue to the edges of their face frames where they will meet. Clamp the cabinets together so their front edges are perfectly flush. Then, drill pilot holes through the face frames and drive wood screws (usually 2-3 per joint) to securely connect them.

This comprehensive kitchen cabinet installation guide has provided you with the cabinet installation steps necessary for a successful DIY kitchen cabinet install. By following these steps carefully and using the right cabinet installation tools, you can achieve professional-looking results when hanging upper cabinets and securing wall cabinets. Remember that accuracy in leveling kitchen cabinets and using appropriate cabinet mounting hardware are key to a safe and beautiful finished product.