How to Install New Kitchen Cabinets

1. Measure and Plan the Layout

Accurate measurement is the most critical phase of cabinet installation. Even a small measuring error of ¼ inch can cause alignment issues, appliance fit problems, uneven reveals, or gaps that are difficult to correct later.

Begin by measuring the total wall length where the cabinets will be installed. Measure from corner to corner at three different heights:

• Bottom
• Middle
• Top

Walls are rarely perfectly straight. If the measurements vary, use the smallest dimension to prevent cabinets from being forced into tight spaces.

Measure the Ceiling Height

Next, measure the ceiling height in multiple areas. Many homes have slight variations in ceiling level, especially in older construction. This matters if cabinets extend to the ceiling or if crown molding will be installed.

Check Floor Level Variations

Now check for floor level variations. Place a long level on the floor along the cabinet line. If the floor slopes, identify the highest point, this is where base cabinet installation should begin.

Starting at the highest floor point prevents cabinets from being too low and avoids excessive shimming.

Mark Utility and Reference Lines

Before installation begins, carefully identify and mark all critical utilities and layout reference points. Accurate markings ensure cabinets align properly, appliances fit correctly, and no plumbing or electrical components interfere during installation. Also carefully measure and mark:

• Location of plumbing supply lines
• Drain pipe positions
• Electrical outlets and switches
• Window and door clearances
• Vent hood or appliance centerlines

Using a level, draw a horizontal reference line for the bottom of the upper cabinets. Standard distance from floor to bottom of upper cabinets is typically 54 inches (based on 36-inch base cabinets plus 18-inch backsplash space). However, always confirm based on cabinet specifications.

Mark vertical reference lines at cabinet edges to maintain alignment. Proper planning ensures:

• Appliances fit correctly
• Countertops align seamlessly
• Upper and base cabinets line up vertically
• Crown molding sits evenly

Skipping this detailed planning phase often leads to expensive corrections later.

2. Remove Old Cabinets (If Replacing)

Removing old cabinets requires careful planning and controlled demolition. Rushing this step can damage drywall, plumbing lines, electrical wiring, and even structural studs. Proper removal protects your workspace and creates a stable foundation for the new cabinet installation.

Turn Off Utilities Before Starting

Before beginning removal, make sure all connected utilities are safely disconnected. Cabinets often surround electrical wiring and plumbing fixtures, and failing to shut off services can result in injury or costly repairs.

• Turn off electricity to kitchen circuits at the breaker panel.
• Shut off the water supply if the sink base cabinet is being removed.
• Disconnect plumbing fixtures, including supply lines and drain connections.

Remove Cabinet Components First

Start by removing cabinet doors, drawers, and adjustable shelves. This reduces weight and makes cabinets easier to handle.

If replacing countertops, remove them next. Stone countertops may require professional removal due to their weight and adhesive bonding. For laminate or wood tops, carefully detach screws or adhesive connections.

Reducing the load before detaching cabinets prevents sudden shifting and minimizes wall damage.

Detach Cabinets from the Wall Safely

Locate the mounting screws inside the cabinets securing them to wall studs. Support the cabinet’s weight while unscrewing fasteners.

Work methodically from top cabinets downward. Removing upper cabinets first prevents hazards and improves safety.

Never pry or force cabinets off the wall. Excessive pressure can:

• Tear drywall
• Crack studs
• Damage surrounding finishes
• Create uneven surfaces for new installation

Inspect and Prepare the Wall Surface

After removal, inspect the wall thoroughly. Any hidden issues should be addressed before new cabinets are installed.

Check for:

• Damaged or cracked drywall
• Loose or weak studs
• Nail or screw holes
• Uneven surfaces

Repair torn drywall paper, patch holes, and confirm studs are securely anchored. If the wall is uneven, sand high spots or install backer strips to create a flat mounting surface. Proper wall preparation directly affects cabinet alignment, stability, and long-term durability.

3. Locate and Mark Wall Studs

Wall studs provide the structural support necessary to hold cabinet weight. A fully loaded upper cabinet can weigh over 200 pounds once dishes and contents are added. Drywall alone cannot support this load, so proper stud anchoring is critical for long-term stability.

Find Stud Locations Accurately

Use a quality stud finder to locate studs along the cabinet installation line. Move the device slowly and mark both edges of each stud to determine its center.

If needed, confirm stud positions by driving a small test nail in an inconspicuous area. This ensures you are fastening into solid framing rather than hollow drywall. Accurate stud identification prevents weak mounting points and cabinet shifting over time.

Understand Standard Stud Spacing

In most modern homes, studs are spaced 16 inches on center, meaning the center of one stud is typically 16 inches from the next. However, spacing can vary in older homes or around windows and doors. Never assume spacing without verifying. Confirm each stud location before installation.

Mark Stud Lines for Installation

Once located, mark stud positions vertically from top to bottom using a pencil and level. Extend these lines above the cabinet installation line so they remain visible during mounting.

Clear stud markings allow you to align mounting screws quickly and accurately while supporting cabinet weight.

When installing cabinets:

• Screws must penetrate studs at least 1½ inches
• Use cabinet-grade mounting screws
• Avoid using drywall anchors

Anchoring directly into studs ensures long-term structural stability and prevents sagging.

4. Install Upper Cabinets First

Upper cabinets are installed first because working above base cabinets is easier without obstruction. This approach reduces physical strain and prevents accidental damage to lower cabinets during installation. It also allows for easier adjustment and alignment before heavy base cabinets are secured.

Install a Temporary Ledger Board

Before lifting cabinets into place, attach a temporary ledger board along the previously marked horizontal reference line. Secure it firmly into studs.

This ledger board:

• Supports cabinet weight during installation
• Maintains consistent height
• Reduces strain while positioning cabinets

The ledger acts as a temporary shelf, allowing precise alignment before final fastening.

Position and Support the First Cabinet

Lift the first cabinet into place and rest it on the ledger board. If working alone, consider using a cabinet jack or temporary support braces.

Start with a corner cabinet if applicable. This establishes alignment for the rest of the cabinet run. Careful positioning at the beginning ensures smoother installation for subsequent cabinets.

Align and Clamp Adjacent Cabinets

Before fastening, clamp adjacent cabinets together to ensure flush front faces. Use a level to check:

• Front-to-back level
• Side-to-side level
• Vertical plumb alignment

Shim and Secure Cabinets to Studs

If the wall is uneven, insert wood shims between the cabinet and wall at stud locations. Only tighten screws after confirming correct alignment.

Secure cabinets using 2½ to 3-inch mounting screws driven directly into wall studs. Do not overtighten screws before verifying level, as this can pull cabinets out of alignment.

Recheck Alignment After Each Cabinet

After installing each cabinet, recheck level and plumb alignment. Minor misalignments can compound quickly across multiple cabinets, leading to visible gaps and uneven finishes.

Correct leveling at this stage prevents:

• Uneven door gaps
• Crooked crown molding
• Misaligned base cabinets below
• Countertop installation issues

Taking time here ensures the entire upper cabinet run remains straight and structurally secure.

5. Install Base Cabinets

Base cabinets carry the weight of countertops, appliances, and daily use. Because they support significant structural load, precision during installation is critical. Even small leveling errors at this stage can affect countertop alignment, appliance fit, and drawer operation.

Start at the Highest Floor Point

Begin installation at the highest point of the floor identified earlier. Starting at this point prevents cabinets from sitting too low in one area and reduces the need for excessive shimming across the run. Establishing a stable starting reference ensures the rest of the base cabinets align consistently.

Position and Level the First Cabinet

Place the corner cabinet first (if applicable). The corner cabinet sets alignment for the entire cabinet run and determines how the remaining cabinets will sit.

Set the cabinet in position and carefully check:

• Level front-to-back
• Level side-to-side
• Vertical alignment against the wall

Shim and Secure Properly

If the floor is uneven, insert shims beneath the cabinet base where needed. Shims must be placed directly under the cabinet frame, not just under the toe kick, to provide proper structural support.

Once the cabinet is fully level and aligned, secure it into wall studs using appropriate mounting screws. Avoid fully tightening screws until alignment has been double-checked. Proper shimming prevents long-term stress on countertops and cabinet joints.

Align and Fasten Adjacent Cabinets

Continue installing adjacent base cabinets one at a time. Maintaining consistent alignment across the entire run is essential for seamless appearance and structural stability.

When installing adjacent cabinets:

• Clamp them together tightly
• Ensure front faces remain flush
• Fasten through the side panels
• Recheck level after tightening

Clamping before fastening prevents uneven seams and misaligned drawer fronts.

Recheck Leveling After Each Cabinet

Minor misalignments compound quickly as cabinets are added. After installing each cabinet, recheck level and alignment before proceeding to the next one.

Small errors at this stage can cause:

• Countertop stress
• Visible gaps
• Appliance misfit
• Drawer misalignment

Taking time to verify alignment after each cabinet ensures a stable base for countertops and upper cabinets.

6. Install Filler Strips and Panels

Walls are rarely perfectly straight. Small gaps between cabinets and walls are common, especially near corners. Filler strips create a clean finish and allow for proper door clearance.

Measure the gap width at multiple points because walls may taper slightly. Cut filler strips carefully using a circular saw.

Attach filler strips to cabinet frames before final tightening. Secure with screws from inside the cabinet.

Proper filler installation ensures:

• Doors open without rubbing
• No visible wall gaps
• Professional appearance

7. Secure Cabinets Together

Fastening cabinets together improves structural integrity and visual alignment. Clamp adjacent cabinets so their front faces are perfectly flush. Drill pilot holes through the cabinet frame (face frame area) to prevent wood splitting.

Insert cabinet screws and tighten securely. This creates a unified cabinet system rather than separate units. Securing cabinets together reduces:

• Movement over time
• Frame twisting
• Door misalignment

8. Install Cabinet Doors and Hardware

After all cabinets are fully secured, leveled, and aligned, reinstall cabinet doors and drawers. This stage focuses on precision adjustments that refine both appearance and functionality. Even if cabinets are installed correctly, minor hinge and hardware adjustments are often necessary for a polished finish.

Reinstall Doors and Drawers Carefully

Start by reattaching cabinet doors using their original hinges. Install drawers back into their tracks and confirm they slide smoothly.

Ensure hinges are secured firmly but not overtightened. Doors should hang evenly before final adjustments begin. Proper installation at this stage sets the foundation for precise alignment.

Adjust Cabinet Hinges for Perfect Alignment

Most modern concealed hinges include built-in adjustment screws that allow fine-tuning in multiple directions. These adjustments correct small alignment issues without removing the door.

Modern hinges typically allow:

• Side-to-side adjustment (for even spacing between doors)
• Up-and-down adjustment (for height alignment)
• Depth adjustment (for proper door closing position)

Make small adjustments gradually and recheck alignment after each change. Over-adjusting can create new alignment problems. Correct hinge adjustment ensures consistent gaps and smooth door operation.

Install Handles and Knobs Accurately

Use a hardware template or jig to mark drilling points. Consistent placement is critical for a professional appearance.

Measure carefully before drilling, especially for drawer pulls that require two mounting holes. Drill pilot holes to prevent wood splitting.

Secure hardware firmly but avoid overtightening, which can damage cabinet faces. Uniform hardware placement significantly enhances the overall visual finish.

9. Final Level and Stability Check

Before installing countertops, perform a complete structural inspection of the entire cabinet system. This final review ensures that all components are properly aligned, securely anchored, and ready to support additional weight.

Skipping this step can lead to costly corrections once countertops, backsplashes, and appliances are installed.

Verify:

• All cabinets are level
• Front faces align evenly
• No rocking or movement
• Secure anchoring into studs
• Smooth drawer operation
• Proper door alignment

Run a long level across base cabinets to confirm countertop surface readiness. A properly installed cabinet system should feel solid and rigid with no shifting.

Tools Required for Kitchen Cabinet Installation

Using the right tools makes kitchen cabinet installation more accurate, safer, and less stressful. Proper tools help you measure precisely, keep cabinets level, and secure them firmly to wall studs. Without the correct tools, cabinets can shift, loosen, or install unevenly. Preparing tools in advance saves time and avoids installation errors.

These tools are required for almost every cabinet installation and should be available before starting.

Kitchen Cabinet Installation Cost Breakdown

Kitchen cabinet installation cost depends on several practical factors, not just the price of the cabinets themselves. Labor effort, kitchen layout, wall condition, and cabinet type all affect the final cost. Larger kitchens or complex layouts require more time and precision, which increases labor charges. Understanding these cost elements helps homeowners plan a realistic installation budget.

Average Cost to Install Kitchen Cabinets

Most homeowners spend between $2,000 and $6,000 for professional kitchen cabinet installation in an average-sized kitchen. Smaller kitchens with basic layouts may fall closer to the lower end, while larger kitchens with many cabinets cost more. Custom cabinets, tall wall units, or heavy materials can also increase the total price. The final cost mainly reflects labor time and installation complexity rather than cabinet price alone.

Final Takeaway

Installing new kitchen cabinets requires careful planning, accurate measuring, and step-by-step execution. From wall preparation and leveling to anchoring and finishing details, each step affects how well cabinets perform over time. While DIY installation is possible for simple kitchens, professional installation reduces alignment errors and protects long-term durability. When installed correctly, kitchen cabinets provide reliable storage, smooth operation, and a clean, professional finish that supports everyday use for many years.