Interior PhaseStep 50 of 65

Cabinetry Installation

Install custom cabinetry throughout your home. From kitchen cabinets to bathroom vanities, built-ins, and closet systems, this step transforms empty rooms into functional living spaces with quality storage solutions.

Quick Summary

Typical Cost

$25,000 - $80,000

Time Frame

1-2 weeks

Difficulty

Professional Required

Why Cabinetry Installation Matters

Cabinetry represents one of the largest single investments in your whole-home remodel, typically accounting for 10-15% of your total budget. Quality cabinets installed correctly will last 20-50 years, making proper planning and installation critical for long-term satisfaction.

Beyond aesthetics, cabinets determine how functional your kitchen, bathrooms, and storage areas will be for daily life. Poor layout decisions or installation errors cannot be easily corrected once countertops are installed. The 8-16 week lead time for custom cabinets also means that ordering must happen early in your project timeline.

Modern cabinet features like soft-close hinges, full-extension drawers, and specialized organizers dramatically improve daily usability. Taking time to specify the right accessories and interior fittings during the design phase ensures you get maximum value from your cabinet investment.

Step-by-Step Guide

Finalize Cabinet Designs and Shop Drawings

Review all cabinet shop drawings with your designer and installer before manufacturing begins. Verify every dimension, finish, hardware specification, and accessory selection. Check appliance cutouts match your actual appliances.

Confirm cabinet heights for ceiling conditions
Verify sink base sizing for your sink selection
Check that appliance panels match actual appliances
Review filler locations and crown molding details
Approve hardware finish and style selections

Verify Delivery and Staging Logistics

Confirm delivery dates and coordinate cabinet storage. Cabinets need climate-controlled storage and protection from construction dust. Plan delivery to minimize handling and storage time on site.

Designate clean, dry storage area for cabinets
Schedule delivery to align with installation start
Inspect all boxes upon delivery for damage
Inventory all pieces against packing list
Report any damage or missing items immediately

Prepare Installation Areas

Ensure all prerequisite work is complete before cabinet installation begins. Walls should be finished and primed, electrical and plumbing rough-ins properly located, and flooring decisions finalized.

Complete all drywall finishing and priming
Mark stud locations for cabinet mounting
Verify outlet and switch locations are correct
Confirm plumbing rough-in locations match cabinet plans
Establish level reference lines around rooms

Install Upper Kitchen Cabinets

Begin with upper wall cabinets while you have clear floor access. Use cabinet jacks or a temporary ledger board to support cabinets at the correct height during installation. Secure to studs with proper cabinet screws.

Mark cabinet bottom line typically 54 inches up
Install corner cabinets first, then work outward
Clamp cabinets together before screwing to wall
Use shims to ensure cabinets are plumb and level
Screw through cabinet backs into wall studs

Install Base Kitchen Cabinets

Install base cabinets starting from the highest point in the floor. Use shims liberally to achieve level, as base cabinets must be perfectly level for countertop installation. Connect cabinets to each other and secure to wall studs.

Find highest floor point and start installation there
Shim up low areas to match highest point
Connect adjacent cabinets with cabinet screws
Secure to wall studs through mounting rail
Check diagonal measurements for square alignment

Install Bathroom Vanities

Set bathroom vanity cabinets with careful attention to plumbing access. Wall-mounted vanities require blocking installed during framing. Confirm drain and supply line locations before final positioning.

Mark drain and supply locations on vanity back
Cut access holes for plumbing connections
Level vanity front-to-back and side-to-side
Secure wall-mounted units to blocking with lag bolts
Leave space for countertop overhang if applicable

Install Built-In Cabinetry

Complete built-in entertainment centers, bookcases, mudroom storage, home offices, and other custom millwork. These pieces often require scribe fitting to walls and careful integration with adjacent finishes.

Scribe side panels to match wall contours
Install adjustable shelf standards and pins
Route wiring for electronics before final placement
Secure to wall studs and floor as required
Fill and finish visible screw holes

Install Closet Systems

Mount closet organizers, shelving systems, and custom closet cabinetry in all bedrooms and storage areas. Consider a mix of hanging, shelving, and drawer storage based on wardrobe needs.

Install wall-mounted systems at proper heights
Position double-hang rods at 42 and 84 inches
Include mix of long-hang and double-hang sections
Add drawer units for folded items and accessories
Include adequate lighting for closet interiors

Install Hardware and Accessories

Attach all cabinet doors, drawer fronts, pulls, knobs, and interior accessories. Use templates for consistent hardware placement. Install interior organizers like lazy Susans, pull-outs, and dividers.

Install soft-close door hinges and adjust
Mount drawer slides and test operation
Use hardware jigs for consistent placement
Install pull-out trash, recycling, and organizers
Add under-cabinet lighting connections

Final Adjustments and Touch-Up

Complete final adjustments to all doors and drawers. Fill any nail holes, touch up finish as needed, and install remaining trim pieces like toe kicks, crown molding, and light rails.

Adjust door hinges for even gaps and alignment
Fine-tune drawer slides for smooth operation
Install toe kicks and scribe moldings
Add crown molding and light valances
Touch up any scratches or finish damage

Cabinet Quality Levels Comparison

Stock Cabinets

Pre-manufactured in standard sizes, available quickly at lowest cost.

Cost: $100-200/linear foot
Lead Time: 1-2 weeks
Box Material: Particleboard common
Customization: None - fixed sizes only
Finish Options: Limited selections
Best For: Rentals, tight budgets

Semi-Custom Cabinets

More size and finish options with moderate customization available.

Cost: $200-450/linear foot
Lead Time: 4-8 weeks
Box Material: Plywood typical
Customization: Depth/height adjustments
Finish Options: Many standard choices
Best For: Most home remodels

Custom Cabinets

Built to exact specifications with unlimited design options.

Cost: $500-1,200+/linear foot
Lead Time: 8-16 weeks
Box Material: Premium plywood
Customization: Unlimited options
Finish Options: Any finish possible
Best For: High-end, unique spaces

Popular Cabinet Door Styles

Shaker Style

Five-piece door with flat center panel and simple frame. Timeless design that works with traditional and modern interiors. Most popular style for its versatility and clean lines.

Flat Panel (Slab)

Single flat surface with no frames or panels. Creates sleek, contemporary aesthetic. Works well with high-gloss finishes and wood grain patterns.

Raised Panel

Classic traditional style with dimensional center panel. Available in many profile variations. Suits formal kitchens and traditional home styles.

Beaded Inset

Doors set flush within frame with decorative bead detail. Premium craftsmanship required. Traditional, high-end look with precise tolerances.

Cost Breakdown

Area/Component	Stock	Semi-Custom	Custom
Kitchen (30 linear ft)	$3,000-6,000	$6,000-13,500	$15,000-36,000
Master Bath Vanity (6 ft)	$600-1,200	$1,200-2,700	$3,000-7,200
Secondary Bath Vanities (x2)	$800-1,600	$1,600-3,600	$4,000-9,600
Mudroom/Laundry	$1,000-2,000	$2,000-4,500	$5,000-12,000
Built-In Entertainment	N/A	$3,000-6,000	$6,000-15,000
Master Closet System	$1,500-3,000	$3,000-6,000	$6,000-15,000
Installation Labor	$2,000-4,000	$4,000-8,000	$6,000-12,000
Whole-Home Total	$12,000-22,000	$25,000-50,000	$50,000-110,000

Pro Tips

Order Early

Place cabinet orders 12-16 weeks before you need them. Supply chain delays are common, and waiting for cabinets can stall your entire project. Have backup delivery dates planned.

Measure Three Times

Have your installer verify all field dimensions before final cabinet order. Walls are rarely square or plumb. Professional templating catches issues that shop drawings miss.

Invest in Drawer Bases

Deep drawers are more functional than door-and-shelf base cabinets. Everything is visible and accessible. Budget for drawer bases in high-use areas like kitchens.

Consider Full-Extension Slides

Full-extension drawer slides let you access the entire drawer depth. Standard slides hide 4-6 inches in the back. The upgrade cost is minimal for daily convenience.

Protect During Construction

Cover installed cabinets with moving blankets during remaining construction. Dust, debris, and accidental bumps can damage finishes before the project completes.

Plan Lighting Early

Under-cabinet and in-cabinet lighting requires electrical rough-in during framing. Discuss lighting locations with your electrician before walls are closed up.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping Filler Pieces

Without proper filler strips, drawers may not open fully next to walls or appliances. Always include 3-inch fillers at walls and anywhere drawers need clearance for handles.

Ignoring Appliance Dimensions

Refrigerator, range, and dishwasher cutouts must match actual appliances. Standard sizes vary by manufacturer. Verify exact dimensions from spec sheets before finalizing cabinet layout.

Underestimating Lead Times

Waiting to order cabinets until demolition starts can delay your project by months. Place orders during design phase based on final plans. Lead times are firm commitments.

Poor Corner Solutions

Blind corner cabinets create inaccessible dead space. Budget for lazy Susans, magic corners, or pull-out systems. Corner storage solutions dramatically improve cabinet usability.

Not Leveling Properly

Cabinets installed out of level cause countertop problems, door alignment issues, and visible gaps. Take extra time to shim and level base cabinets perfectly before securing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does custom cabinetry take to manufacture?

Custom cabinetry typically takes 8-16 weeks from order to delivery. Semi-custom cabinets take 4-8 weeks, while stock cabinets are available in 1-2 weeks. Plan your project timeline around these lead times and order as early as possible to avoid construction delays.

What's the difference between custom, semi-custom, and stock cabinets?

Stock cabinets come in fixed sizes and limited finishes at the lowest cost. Semi-custom cabinets offer more size options and finishes with moderate customization. Custom cabinets are built to exact specifications with unlimited design options but at the highest cost and longest lead time.

Should cabinets be installed before or after flooring?

For most flooring types, install cabinets first on the subfloor, then run flooring up to the toe kick. This saves flooring material and allows easier future cabinet replacement. However, some floating floors should run under cabinets to allow proper expansion.

How do I know if my cabinet boxes are high quality?

Quality cabinet boxes use 3/4-inch plywood construction with dovetail drawer joints, soft-close hinges, and full-extension drawer slides. Check that backs are dadoed into sides, shelves are adjustable, and all edges are finished. Avoid particleboard boxes in wet areas like kitchens and baths.

What cabinet accessories are worth the investment?

Most valuable accessories include pull-out trash/recycling, lazy Susans for corners, drawer organizers, pull-out spice racks, and roll-out shelves for base cabinets. These improve functionality daily. Skip trendy gadgets that may break or rarely get used.