How To Easily Mount Upper And Base Cabinets On Your Kitchen Wall

Installing kitchen cabinets can transform the look and feel of your cooking space. While the prospect of mounting cabinets yourself may seem daunting, with the right preparation and techniques, you can hang wall-mounted upper and base cabinets with ease. Properly installed cabinets keep stored items secure, maintain alignment despite daily use, and become a seamless part of your kitchen's style.

With details on mounting hardware, locating studs, leveling, and step-by-step instructions, you'll have the knowledge to mount your cabinets like a pro.

Preparing Walls for Cabinet Installation

Removing Existing Materials

Before mounting any cabinets, ensure your walls provide an even, stable surface. Remove any existing wall coverings like tile, laminate, or wallpaper down to the drywall layer. Eliminating these materials provides a smooth foundation for attaching cabinets.

Use a putty knife or oscillating multi-tool to scrape off adhesives or detach vinyl coverings. For tile, a hammer and chisel can be used break apart sections before prying off completely.

Repairing Drywall

Inspect walls for any holes, cracks or imperfections in the exposed drywall. Fill small holes with drywall compound, allowing it to fully dry before sanding smooth. Use fiberglass mesh drywall tape and compound to patch larger cracks or gaps for a seamless surface.

Be sure to apply compound over all screw or nail heads protruding from the drywall. Sand any areas as needed until perfectly smooth and flat for cabinet mounting.

Adding Backerboard

For enhanced strength and stability, many installers recommend adding sheets of plywood or cement backerboard over walls prior to cabinet installation. This provides a more robust attachment surface and prevents sagging.

Measure and cut boards to size with a circular saw. Attach to wall studs in horizontal strips using screws. Be sure boards are perfectly flush for a level surface.

Locating Studs

Wall studs provide the strongest anchoring points for mounting kitchen cabinets. Locate these wood framing members using a stud finder tool. Mark positions with painter's tape.

Try to align cabinet mounting locations with the identified studs. Having solid wood behind brackets or rails prevents detachment and wobbling.

Creating Level Surface

To achieve a professional installation, cabinets must mount to a level and plumb wall surface. Use a 4' level tool to identify any high or low spots on prepared walls.

Use drywall shims in recessed areas to build out to the same surface plane. Recheck with the level and make any final adjustments needed to ensure the wall is perfectly straight.

Mounting Rails and Hardware

Positioning Rails

Wall-mounted cabinets require horizontal mounting strips or cleats attached to the wall as anchoring points. Position mounting rails level and aligned with studs for stability.

Allow proper spacing between rails based on the width of the cabinets. Measuring and marking mounting locations with a tape measure helps keep rails straight.

Screws vs. Anchors

For the strongest attachment, use 3-4" wood screws to connect mounting rails directly into wall studs. Pre-drilling holes prevents cracking or splitting studs.

For added support or when unavoidable gaps occur between studs, use hollow wall anchors. Drive anchors into drywall with a drill before inserting mounting screws.

Load-bearing Hardware

In addition to rails, various L-brackets, metal cleats, or specialty hardware pieces distribute cabinet weight across the wall. Angle support pieces under or on the sides of cabinets.

Position hardware to align with wall studs whenever possible. Follow manufacturer instructions for proper installation and weight capacities.

Hanging Upper Cabinets

Mounting Process

Before mounting, use a level to double check the cabinet box is square. Place shims if one corner is higher or lower. Then, lift the cabinet into place against the wall, centered on the mounting rail.

Insert hanging screws through the cabinet's back frame into rail clips. Tighten gradually, alternating between screws to keep the cabinet balanced.

Achieving Proper Height

Standard kitchen design recommends mounting upper cabinets 18" above the countertop. Measure up from the counter surface and make a level line on the wall to guide height.

For comfort, install corner cabinets 1-2" higher than other uppers. Adjust any adjacent cabinets to match.

Securing to Studs

Where possible, install additional screws through the cabinet sides or frame directly into wall studs for reinforced stability. Predrill holes to avoid splitting cabinet material.

For stud alignment inside cabinet, use a right angle drill and flexible screw bit to reach the wall behind.

Leveling and Adjusting

Check levelness with doors closed. Insert shims above cabinets that sag or tilt forward. Add felt pads on the rear cabinet edge to prevent scratching walls.

Loosen mounting screws and adjust until level lines up perfectly across front of cabinets. Retighten all hardware securely.

Installing Base Cabinets

Placement and Spacing

Layout begins with corner base cabinet, then work outward. Allow proper clearance for cabinet doors and drawers to open and close.

For spacing between bases, allow approximately 54-55" for sink base, 30-36" for stove base, and 15" between other adjacent cabinets.

Securing to Wall Studs

Screw through the cabinet back panels into wall studs wherever possible for stability. For blind corner cabinets, use L-brackets inside the cabinet to reach studs.

Alternatively, run screws through side walls into neighboring cabinets to link them together securely.

Leveling and Shimming

Use a level on front face frames and side walls to identify any unevenness in base cabinet boxes. Insert shims beneath cabinets as needed to make plumb and vertical.

Recheck alignment and doors after securing in place. Make any final leveling adjustments.

Optional Anchoring to Floor

For freestanding island or peninsula base cabinets, lag screws through the bottom cabinets into the floor provides stability. Predrill holes to avoid cracking flooring.

Tips for Cabinet Installation Success

Measuring Twice

Accurate measurements make a difference in achieving level cabinets and optimal spacing. Always double check cabinet openings, distance between bases, and mounting heights.

Catching small measurement errors ahead of time prevents major problems down the road.

Having Proper Tools

Gather essential tools like a drill, stud finder, screw guns, ladder, and safety equipment before starting. Having proper tools on hand prevents frustration and makes installation much simpler.

A laser level also simplifies the process of checking alignments and levelness.

Following Safety Precautions

Use caution when working on a ladder, wearing protective eyewear, and lifting heavy cabinets. Proper assistance for lifting large bases prevents injury.

Keep your work area clean and watch for potential hazards like protruding screws or nails in walls.

Securing Properly

Improperly mounted cabinets detach easily and become crooked or damaged. Take time to attach securely into studs and allow adhesives or anchors to cure fully.

Hardware links like corner braces or L-brackets provide crucial reinforcement for durability.

By taking preparation, time, and care with your project, you can achieve stunning results installing kitchen cabinets yourself. Focus on creating a smooth and secure mounting surface, using adequate hardware, and double-checking alignments as you go.

Your cabinets will maintain structural stability for years while giving your kitchen a fresh, cohesive look. Just follow each step carefully and don't be afraid to get hands-on with this rewarding DIY project.