How to Install Base Kitchen Cabinets
Base cabinets are the foundation of your kitchen - literally. They support your countertops, house your plumbing, and define your workflow. Getting them level and secure isn't just about aesthetics; it's about ensuring everything else fits properly.
Quick Summary
2-4 days
Moderate to Hard
$100-300
Why Leveling Is Everything
Here's the uncomfortable truth about cabinet installation: your floor isn't level. Almost no floor is. Even new construction floors can vary by 1/4 inch or more across a kitchen. This matters because countertops don't bend - they're rigid slabs of stone, quartz, or laminate that will expose every inconsistency.
If cabinets aren't level, you'll see gaps between the countertop and cabinets, uneven seams where slabs meet, and doors that swing open or closed on their own. Once the countertop is installed, there's no fixing it without removing everything. The extra hour spent on leveling now saves days of frustration later.
Tools and Materials You'll Need
Essential Tools
- 4-foot level - Essential for checking cabinet runs; a 2-foot level is too short
- Stud finder - Electronic preferred over magnetic for accuracy
- Drill/driver - Cordless with good torque for driving cabinet screws
- Cabinet clamps - For holding cabinets together during connection
- Tape measure - 25-foot for measuring runs and appliance openings
- Pencil - For marking stud locations and level lines
Materials
- Wood shims - Multiple packages; you'll use more than expected
- Cabinet screws - 2.5-3 inch structural screws with washer heads
- Filler strips - To close gaps between cabinets and walls
- 1.25-inch screws - For connecting face frames between cabinets
Step-by-Step Installation
Step 1: Find and Mark All Studs
Cabinets must be secured to wall studs - drywall alone can't support the weight, especially with dishes and countertops. Mark every stud location clearly.
- Use a stud finder to locate studs along the entire cabinet run
- Mark stud centers above where cabinet tops will be (so marks remain visible)
- Verify by driving a small nail at each mark - hit solid wood, not drywall
- Studs are typically 16 inches on center, sometimes 24 inches in older homes
Step 2: Find the High Point
This is the critical measurement that everything else references. The highest point of the floor determines where your cabinet tops will be.
- Place your level along the floor where cabinets will sit
- Move it around to find where the floor is highest
- Mark this point - all cabinets will be shimmed up to this level
- From the high point, measure up your cabinet height (usually 34.5 inches)
Step 3: Draw Level Lines
Create reference lines on the wall that will guide cabinet placement.
- From the high point, draw a level line at cabinet-top height (34.5 inches typical)
- Extend this line around all walls that will have base cabinets
- Use a laser level for the most accurate line across long runs
- Double-check the line is truly level before starting installation
Step 4: Start at the Corner or Fixed Point
Always begin installation at a corner cabinet or next to a fixed point like an appliance opening.
- Corner cabinets are tricky - ensure both walls are addressed
- If no corner, start next to range or refrigerator location
- Dry-fit (place without securing) the first few cabinets to verify layout
- Measure appliance openings before committing to positions
Step 5: Level, Shim, and Secure
Each cabinet must be perfectly level and plumb before securing.
- 1.Place cabinet in position and check level front-to-back and side-to-side
- 2.Insert shims under low points until cabinet is level in both directions
- 3.Check that cabinet face aligns with your level line on the wall
- 4.Pre-drill through the cabinet back at stud locations
- 5.Drive cabinet screws into studs - don't overtighten (you'll pull it out of level)
- 6.Re-check level after securing; adjust if needed
Step 6: Connect Cabinets Together
Adjacent cabinets must be clamped and connected for a unified appearance.
- Use cabinet clamps to pull face frames flush together
- Pre-drill through face frames where they meet
- Drive 1.25-inch screws to connect face frames
- Hide screws inside the cabinet where they won't show with doors closed
Pro Tip: Drill face-frame screws from the less visible cabinet into the more visible one. For example, drill from inside a blind corner cabinet into the visible cabinet next to it.
Planning for Appliance Gaps
Getting appliance openings wrong is a costly mistake. Measure twice (or three times) and verify your specific appliance dimensions.
| Appliance | Standard Width | Opening to Leave |
|---|---|---|
| Dishwasher | 24 inches | 24 - 24.5 inches |
| Range (Standard) | 30 inches | 30 - 30.5 inches |
| Range (Large) | 36 inches | 36 - 36.5 inches |
| Refrigerator | Varies (30-36 inches) | Width + 1-2 inches each side |
| Trash Compactor | 15 inches | 15.5 inches |
Important: Always check your specific appliance specifications. Dimensions vary by manufacturer and model. Too-tight openings mean the appliance won't fit; too-large openings look unprofessional and may require filler panels.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring the Floor Slope
Assuming the floor is level is the most common mistake. Always find the high point and shim all cabinets up to that level. Skipping this creates a domino effect of problems with countertops and appliances.
Missing the Studs
Cabinets secured only to drywall will eventually pull away from the wall, especially once loaded with dishes. Every cabinet must have at least two screws into studs. If studs don't align well, add a structural ledger board.
Overtightening Screws
Cranking down screws too hard pulls the cabinet back out of level and can crack the cabinet back. Tighten just until snug, then verify level. You can always tighten more if needed.
Not Checking as You Go
Installers get in a rhythm and forget to check level frequently. An error early in the run compounds across all subsequent cabinets. Check level after every single cabinet.
FAQ
Why do base cabinets need to be perfectly level?
Countertops are rigid and reveal any inconsistency in cabinet leveling. Out-of-level cabinets cause countertop gaps, uneven seams, and doors that don't close properly. Once the countertop is installed, there's no fixing it without removing everything.
How much space should I leave for appliances?
Standard dishwasher: 24-24.5 inches. Standard range: 30-30.5 inches (some are 36 inches - verify yours). Refrigerator space varies widely - measure your unit and add 1 inch on each side for air circulation.
Can I install base cabinets myself?
It's a challenging DIY project that requires precision. If you're comfortable with power tools, can work methodically, and have a helper, it's doable. Key skills: finding studs, working with a level, using shims effectively. Most homeowners find it takes 2-4 full days.
What screws should I use for cabinet installation?
Use 2.5-3 inch cabinet screws (structural screws with washer heads) for securing to studs. For connecting face frames, use 1.25-inch screws. Never use drywall screws - they're not strong enough and can snap under load.