Installing kitchen cabinets can be an intimidating task, especially if you’re unsure about how to properly attach them to the wall. Wobbly or misaligned cabinets not only look unprofessional, but can cause headaches down the road with doors and drawers that don’t function properly.
Fortunately, armed with the right tools, materials, and techniques for your specific wall type, you can mount your cabinets securely on your own.
Gather Tools And Materials
Having the proper gear for the job will make cabinet installation much smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Power drill
- Stud finder
- Level
- Cabinet jack
- Wood, metal, or masonry screws
The specific screws you’ll use depends on your wall construction. Long wood screws are ideal for penetrating drywall and securing firmly into wood studs. For metal studs, grab specialty screws designed for high strength in metal. And for concrete or block walls, opt for masonry screws or screws with concrete anchors.
Prep The Installation Site
Before mounting new cabinets, you’ll need to get the work area ready. This involves:
- Removing old cabinets if necessary
- Constructing or repairing walls
- Locating studs and marking positions
Use your stud finder to detect studs behind the wall and mark their centers with painter’s tape. Having access to those wood or metal vertical beams is key for securely fastening your cabinets in place.
Wall Construction And Condition
Carefully inspect the condition of your walls prior to starting, and reinforce them if needed. Cracks, holes, or excessive drywall tape bubbles can indicate underlying issues. You may want to add support beams, anchors, or repair patches so your walls can handle the cabinet load.
Using Adhesives For Extra Strength
In addition to mechanical wall fasteners, construction adhesive provides another layer of reinforcement. After locating your studs, apply heavy duty adhesive to the back of cabinets before mounting them. This bonds to the wall for a super tight fit.
Cabinet Basics
Before drilling and attaching, get familiar with your cabinet anatomy. Typical kitchen cabinets contain:
- Side panels – form the left, right, top and bottom
- Face frames – front structural border
- Doors and drawers
It’s also essential to understand the dimensions and layout of your cabinets so you can map exactly where screws should penetrate based on the located studs.
Consider Cabinet Weight Capacity
Take note of the storage weight your cabinets are designed to handle, based on their size and construction. Don’t overload their capacity once mounted or you risk pulling them off the wall. Reinforce as needed before loading them up.
Measure Carefully
Meticulous measuring prevents headaches down the road. Mark where the cabinet perimeter will contact the wall, accounting for:
- Uneven floors and walls
- Spacers and filler strips
- Test fits before permanent attachment
Trial fitting with temporary supports enables you to detect and adjust for any gaps or leveling issues. This also allows accurate drill point marking on cabinet backs where screws will penetrate the wall anchoring points.
Use A Stud Finder For Increased Reliability
Even though your main screws will be driven into located studs, using a stud finder provides an extra layer of assurance you’re penetrating structural framing instead of just drywall. This prevents loose cabinets down the road as the house settles.
Attach To The Wall
Now comes the exciting part! Get your cabinets locked firmly onto your walls:
- Pre-drill pilot holes in the cabinet backs’ predetermined marks
- Lift cabinet into place with helper
- Partially drive lag screws through backing holes into studs
- Double check level and plumb
- Tighten screws completely
Take care not to strip the pilot holes by overtightening. Shim between the wall and cabinet if any gaps exist for a custom fit.
Consider Using Wall Anchors
For seriously heavy upper cabinets or unstable walls, substituting wall anchors for the wood/metal stud provides an ultra-secure mount. Pre-drill holes for anchors and follow manufacturer instructions for insertion and screw attachment.
Get Cabinets Level And Plumb
Aligning your cabinets both horizontally and vertically ensures proper function and a seamless aesthetic:
- Level – Use a bubble level on cabinet face frames and sides to achieve left/right straightness
- Plumb – Check vertical front gap alignments with neighboring cabinets
Carefully shim under cabinets and adjust mounting screws until completely straight relative to the floor and ceiling. Don’t settle for “close enough” or you’ll regret it later.
Invest In An Integrated Leveling System
Many modern cabinets now feature built-in levelers in their construction. These allow minor height adjustments via screwing adjustable leveling feet. This simplifies getting perfectly plumb cabinets, even on uneven floors.
Mount Remaining Cabinets
Once one cabinet is securely fastened and aligned, it’s time to systematically install its neighbors:
- Pre-drill adjoining pilot holes
- Drive screws into wall studs (and anchors if desired)
- Attach cabinets together with screws
- Re-check alignment
- Make any necessary adjustments
Take care to preserve proper spacing and gaps for appliances, countertops, and other fittings as you work. Continually confirm level and plumb alignment with both the floor and your first mounted cabinet.
Avoid Future Problems With Careful Alignment
It’s extremely important to maintain pristine cabinet alignment as you build out your whole assembly. Uneven mounting stresses door hinges and cabinet frames. Take the extra time to scrutinize positions rather than discovering problems months later once fully loaded.
Doors And Drawers
Beautiful cabinets don’t mean much if the doors and drawers don’t function smoothly. Now’s the ideal time to adjust and test them by:
- Adjusting hinge tension
- Tightening/aligning slides
- Confirming full open/close motion
Eliminating rub points now also prevents damage later on. Plus, you’ll know your cabinet alignment was done right if doors close cleanly without drifting.
Test Weight Capacity
Fully load drawers and cabinet interiors with the maximum intended weight. This checks for any settling issues under realistic conditions. Tighten wall mounts and internal attachments as needed until contents can be smoothly inserted and removed.
Finish Touches
You’re nearing the home stretch! Apply finishing elements like:
- Trim molding
- End panels
- Filler strips
- Caulking gaps
Complete a final inspection to confirm proper installation and seamless functionality before loading up your gleaming new cabinets!
Before storing a single plate or pan, reconfirm cabinet mounting security and door/drawer function when empty. Identify any minor tweaks needed to avoid issues when loaded. Anticipating pressure points and movement prevents damage plus long-term wear and tear.
With attention to detail and the right techniques, you can install cabinets that will serve your family for many years. This guide has covered the full process start to finish. Now with a bit of time and elbow grease, you can save thousands over hiring a professional. Get ready to enjoy your dream kitchen!
