Novice Guide to Installing Kitchen Cabinets

If you're taking on a kitchen remodel or building a kitchen in a new home, installing the cabinets yourself can save thousands compared to hiring pros. With careful planning, the right tools, and a helping hand, putting up your own kitchen cabinets is completely doable for novices. This beginner's guide breaks down the key steps for a successful DIY kitchen cabinet installation.

Research Before Installing Kitchen Cabinets

The first step is gathering information so you know what you're getting into. There are some great tutorials online going through the entire cabinet installation process from start to finish.

Study these to understand the scope of the project. Pay attention to the tools, materials, and skills involved at each step. Make notes on the main steps like removing old cabinets, prepping the walls, hanging uppers first, adding fillers, securing lowers, etc. Having an overview will make you more prepared.

1.1 Necessary Tools and Supplies

These are the basic tools and materials you'll need for DIY kitchen cabinet installation:

• Standard tools - cordless drill, tape measure, 5' level, pry bar, ladder, clamps, pin nailer, extension cord, drill bits, table saw, jig saw, circular saw, miter box, stud finder, framing square, wood shims, finish nails, #10 x 2 1/2 pan head screws, #8 x 2 1/2 trim head screws, pencil, hammer, screwdrivers
• Cabinet supplies - filler strips, cabinet doors and drawers, trim pieces, crowns, panels
• Safety gear - work gloves, eye protection, ear protection, dust mask

1.2 Skills and Concepts to Learn

Aside from having the right tools, installing kitchen cabinets requires some new skills including:

• How to use a stud finder to locate wood framing inside the walls
• How to use a miter box to get clean 45-degree angle cuts for trim
• How to properly level and plumb cabinets using a spirit level
• How to cut and install baseboards and trim pieces with neat seams
• How to properly install filler strips between cabinet runs

If some of this sounds unfamiliar, read through cabinet installation guides carefully. Watch online video tutorials to see the process. The more prepared you are before starting, the smoother your install will go.

Prepare the Kitchen for Cabinet Installation

With your tools and game plan ready, now you can start prepping. First up is clearing the space and getting floors, walls, etc ready for the new cabinets.

2.1 Remove Existing Cabinets

If replacing old cabinets instead of doing a from-scratch install, the first step is taking out the old. Start emptying out the cabinets and drawers. Remove doors and drawers. Take out shelving and scrape off any shelf paper or liner.

Use a pry bar and hammer to remove trim pieces, nails, and screws. You may need to cut caulk or construction adhesive between cabinets and walls. Carefully pry cabinets away from the walls. Take your time to avoid damaging walls or cabinets you intend to reuse.

Consider hiring a junk removal service to take away old cabinets and debris. This leaves you with an empty canvas to work on.

2.2 Prepare Walls and Flooring

Now tackle wall and floor prep:

• Patch holes and cracks in walls with drywall compound
• Sand and prime walls so they're smooth
• Use painter's tape for clean edges and paint walls
• Make sure subflooring is even and doesn't sag anywhere
• Install any new flooring materials like tile or laminate

Prepping now means you won't be trying to work around half-demolished walls or temporary flooring later. Taking care of this first makes the actual cabinet installation much simpler.

Install Wall Cabinets

With a blank canvas to work with, now the real construction starts. You'll begin with installing upper wall cabinets, working your way down to lowers, filler strips, and finally doors, drawers and hardware.

3.1 Measure and Mark Positions

• Mark a level line to guide both upper and lower cabinet placement
• Locate and mark the wall studs for securing the cabinets later
• Decide on placement, accounting for size of cabinets and space between them
• Mark positions on the wall studs for drilling pilot holes

3.2 Mount Wall Cabinets

• Drill pilot holes into wall studs at your marks
• Insert shims on the wall side to fill any gaps for levelness
• Secure cabinets to the wall using a spirit level to keep plumb
• Follow manufacturer's instructions for wall anchors and weight limits

Take your time measuring and drilling to get upper cabinets perfectly positioned. They'll set the alignment for base cabinets later.

Add Filler Pieces and Install Base Cabinets

With your upper cabinets mounted strong and straight, shift focus downward.

4.1 Cut and Attach Fillers

Fillers bridge gaps between cabinets. Measure and cut filler strips for a custom fit:

• Hold filler piece in place and mark where cuts are needed
• Use a miter box for accurate 45-degree miter cuts
• Attach fillers to cabins with finish nails or screws

4.2 Set Base Unit Locations

• Measure from highest point of floor to keep base units level
• Mark plumb lines on wall for front of cabinets
• Drill pilot holes into wall studs
• Secure cabinets through back panel into studs
• Check level and plumb with spirit level

Having a helper hold units while you drill in screws makes this easier. With uppers and lowers installed solid, you're past the most challenging part.

Install Cabinet Doors and Drawers

Next is adding all the finishing touches:

• Install hinges and hang cabinet doors
• Insert drawer slides and mount drawers
• Attach knobs and handles on doors and drawers

Follow manufacturer instructions so doors and drawers align right. Having a second set of hands helps here too.

Finish Cabinet Installation

The cabinets themselves are now mounted up strong. Last is completing the surrounding spaces.

6.1 Make Final Adjustments

• Use shims to adjust any cabinets that aren't level or plumb
• Recheck measurements and drill new screw holes if needed
• Caulk around cabinets with colored silicone caulk
• Apply wood putty in screw holes and gaps, let dry overnight

• Measure and cut filler strips and panels to finish open spaces
• Install backsplash tile or panels
• Add matching trim pieces around tops, bottoms, and sides
• Attach any crown molding to smooth transitions