How to Install Cabinets

Specialty Skill Level: Advanced (Level 3)

Estimated Time: 60-90 Minutes Per Cabinet #

Introduction #

Installing cabinets is a critical step in any new construction or remodeling project. This Old House covers cabinet basics for homeowners; this guide is the production method our crews run. Proper installation ensures that the cabinets are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. In a typical workflow, cabinet installation follows the completion of drywall and flooring, setting the stage for the finishing touches that bring a space together. The single most important concept to master in cabinet installation is precision. Accurate measurements and alignment are crucial to avoid gaps and ensure seamless integration with other elements like countertops and moldings.

Another key aspect is the integration of cabinet accessories such as base shoe moldings and toe kicks, which enhance both functionality and appearance. As a finish carpenter, your role is to ensure that these elements are installed correctly, providing a polished and cohesive look. Attention to detail in these areas can significantly reduce the likelihood of callbacks and ensure client satisfaction.

Before You Begin #

Before you install cabinets, confirm that the following prerequisites are complete.

Prerequisites #

• Drywall installation and finishing are complete.
• Flooring is installed and cleaned.
• All rough-ins for plumbing and electrical are finalized.

What You Need To Know #

When you install cabinets, understanding these core techniques will save you time and prevent callbacks.

• Ensure all necessary hardware and components are available before starting installation.
• Use a laser level to maintain consistent alignment across all cabinets.
• Calculate the amount of shoe molding needed based on the total length of base installed.

Tools #

• Laser Level - for precise alignment
• Drill/Driver - for securing cabinets and hardware
• Coping Saw - for fitting moldings
• Miter Saw - for cutting base and shoe moldings

Materials #

• Cabinets - pre-fabricated or custom, as specified
• Base Shoe Molding - poplar for a painted shoe, otherwise match the cabinet species
• Toe Kicks - matching the cabinet material
• Hardware - handles, knobs, and soft-close mechanisms

Installation Steps #

Step 1. Position the Base Cabinets #

Set the base cabinets in place according to the layout plan. Use shims to level them if necessary.

• Check for level and plumb with a laser level.
• Secure cabinets to the wall studs using screws.

Step 2. Install Upper Cabinets #

Mount the upper cabinets, ensuring they are aligned with the base cabinets.

• Use a ledger board to support the weight during installation.
• Screw into wall studs for secure attachment.

Step 3. Attach Toe Kicks #

Install toe kicks to cover the gap between the base cabinets and the floor.

• Ensure they match the cabinet material for a cohesive look.

Step 4. Install Base Shoe Molding #

Run base shoe molding into the cabinets with square cuts.

• Consider mitering if the cabinet shoe and base shoe are different thicknesses.

Step 5. Secure Cabinet Hardware #

Install handles, knobs, and any other hardware on the cabinets.

• Ensure all hardware is securely fastened and aligned.

Step 6. Final Adjustments #

Make any necessary adjustments to ensure doors and drawers operate smoothly.

• Check alignment and make adjustments as needed.

Pro Tips #

Common Mistakes #

• Mistake: Misalignment of cabinets. Use a laser level to ensure all cabinets are level and plumb.
• Mistake: Incorrect hardware installation. Verify that you have the correct hardware before installation.
• Mistake: Skipping shoe molding. Ensure shoe molding is installed to cover gaps and provide a finished look.

QC / Punch Checklist #

• Verify all cabinets are level and securely attached to the wall.
• Check that all doors and drawers operate smoothly without binding.
• Ensure all moldings, including base shoe, are installed and aligned properly.
• Confirm that all hardware is installed correctly and securely.

Related Guides #

• How to Install Base Shoe
• How to Install a Closet Countertop Shelf
• How to Install Granite Support
• How to Install a Butcher Block Countertop
• Closet and Cabinet Trim Parts

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Reference Photos #

The following photos show examples of this type of work completed in the field. These serve as visual references for quality standards, proper installation techniques, and finished results.

All (100) Before (3) During (24)

Showing 100 of 100 photos

Kitchen cabinet installation with upper, lower, and island boxes in unfinished raw wood stage

Painted cabinet door with recessed panel and brushed gold knob hardware, finished stage

Unfinished closet shelf with particle board bullnose top and raw plywood sides, ready for paint

Installed cabinet boxes wrapped in plastic sheeting for protection during construction

Kitchen or bath cabinetry install in progress, cabinets wrapped in plastic near bare drywall

Finished kitchen and great room with painted cabinets, wood ceiling detail, and trim complete

Open face wall shelving with multiple square compartments, white painted frame, mounted high on the wall

Butcher block counter over white lower cabinetry and shelving, with LVP flooring in progress

Finished space with painted dark cabinetry, open shelving, and hardwood flooring

Built-in cabinetry and shelving around a fireplace, raw wood shelves and cabinet bases mid-construction

Drywall panel with electrical outlet cutouts, being installed during interior construction

Butcher block countertop on black painted wall cabinetry with hardware installed

Painted cabinet installation with inset panel doors and interior shelving visible

Kitchen cabinet boxes installed with open shelving above, in progress before hardware and finish

Layout marking on a bedroom wall for a double shelf stack installation, before construction

Kitchen mid-install with painted cabinetry, hexagon tile backsplash, and appliances staged

Painted face-frame closet cabinet with hanging rods, open shelves, and a drawer tower, hardwood floor

Installed cabinetry with a dark painted finish, glass-front uppers, and metal hardware

Installed garage cabinetry with upper and lower boxes, open shelving, and a slatwall backsplash

Built-in closet cabinetry with black frame, open shelving, wood drawers, and countertop installed

Dark cabinet door with horizontal slat design and gray countertop edge, mounted on wall

Walk-in closet cabinet build in progress, black boxes, open shelving, and wood drawer fronts

Kitchen cabinet drawer open showing contents, countertop taped off during installation

Built-in closet cabinetry with black frame, open shelving, and center drawers, unfinished raw wood

Countertop material staged in kitchen during cabinet and countertop installation phase

White painted closet shelving with open cubby storage, center hanging rod, and lower workspace

Closet shelving installation in progress with vertical dividers, hanging rod hardware, and ladder

Finished white closet shelving with multiple tiers and center divider, no doors or rod visible

Closet shelving column in progress with multiple tiers, pull down rod hardware, and ladder present

White closet shelving with cubby storage and a wall cutout with electrical outlet, finished

Painted white closet corner shelving with diagonal support brackets and a rod bracket installed

Closet corner shelving with vertical dividers, diagonal shoe shelving, and a hanging rod, finished white

Finished closet cabinetry with glass front upper doors, drawer bank hardware, and hanging rods

Cabinetry with white glass front doors, marble countertop, and chrome closet rods installed

Finished closet with diagonal shoe shelving, hanging rod, and cabinet drawers under a marble top

Built-in closet cabinet with glass-front upper doors, marble-look countertop, and drawers below

White closet shelving with hanging rods, angled shoe shelves, and a window, carpet flooring

Finished closet cabinetry with glass front upper doors, drawer base, and open shelving installed

Painted built-in cabinet with glass front doors, marble countertop, and multi drawer base storage

Finished closet cabinetry with glass front doors, marble style countertop, and open shelving with rod

Underside of wood built-in framing with electrical wiring stubbed out during construction

Unfinished cabinet doors installed near a window opening on a bare subfloor during construction

Built-in shelving alcove with open shelves above and lower cabinet doors, raw wood ready for paint

Stained wood interior door installed with white painted casing and jamb

Built-in bookcase with four open shelves and lower cabinet doors, raw wood ready for paint

Built-in bookcase with open shelves above and closed cabinet doors below, unfinished raw wood

Open stained cabinet door showing interior shelves and a boxed lock set, near tile backsplash

Raw plywood built-in frame with angled supports in a corner, unfinished construction stage

Cabinet door slabs in raw wood and primed finish staged on site for installation

Built-in corner shelving with two painted white shelves and visible support brackets

Closet shelving with a shelf and two hanging rods below, painted white finish installed

Stained wood kitchen cabinets installed with hardware, granite countertop, and tile backsplash

Finished kitchen with stained wood cabinetry, granite countertops, and decorative backsplash tile

Painted built-in cabinet with open shelves and lower cabinet doors installed in a closet opening

Closet shelf with a support bracket and bullnose edge, raw wood ready for paint

Garage cabinet wall with gray upper cabinets, center slatwall panel, and lower storage bench, fully installed.

Garage cabinet wall with gray upper cabinets, slatwall panel, and lower bench with drawers, installed.

Garage cabinets with gray upper units, slatwall panel, and lower storage bench, installed.

Black metal shelving rack with multiple horizontal rods installed on a wall in an empty carpeted room.

Garage cabinet wall with gray upper cabinets, center slatwall panel, and lower storage bench, complete.

Garage cabinet wall with gray upper cabinets, ribbed center panel, and lower storage bench, complete.

Kitchen during construction with dark stained cabinets installed and an area circled for reference.

Open built-in shelving unit with cubbies and a work counter in a pantry or closet space.

Painted white wall cabinet with two doors mounted above a small countertop nook, fully installed.

Closet with several raw wood particle board shelves installed at graduated heights, unpainted.

Trim boards and a hardware box staged on a garage floor before cabinet installation.

Kitchen cabinet install with unfinished wood upper cabinets and lower boxes, drawers removed, ready for paint.

Closet interior with three raw wood shelves and cleats installed, unpainted framing stage.

Built-in mudroom locker with raw wood side cabinets, open cubby bench, and center panel, unfinished.

Cabinet side panel interior with painted white finish and a row of pre-drilled shelf pin holes.

White cabinet or appliance base sitting on unfinished concrete floor during construction.

Closet interior with raw wood shelves and a wood hanging rod, unpainted trim stage.

Kitchen mid-install with painted white upper cabinets, subway tile backsplash, and wood lower cabinets.

Built-in cubby unit under construction with raw plywood compartments and layout tape marking stud locations.

Unfinished cabinet boxes with open compartments sitting on a workbench, ready for hardware.

Kitchen with wood cabinets, tile backsplash, stainless dishwasher, and hardwood flooring, finished

Finished kitchen with wood cabinets, tile backsplash, and appliances installed.

Finished kitchen with wood cabinets, wine rack, tile backsplash, and appliances installed.

Built-in face-frame wood shelving unit in a closet alcove, raw wood, unpainted.

Hallway with raw wood cabinets flanking a cased opening between two rooms, unpainted trim stage.

Corner with a raw wood jamb and painted gray wall, casing not yet installed, framing stage.

Cabinet boxes mid-install with painted frames and exposed interiors, ready for doors and hardware.

Unfinished built-in cabinetry with open shelving above and a raw wood drawer base below, ready for paint.

Painted mudroom locker cabinet with bench seating, open cubbies, and wall mounted coat hooks.

Vanity cabinet installed with drawer and door fronts, cased openings on both sides.

Stained wood three door built-in cabinet with a top shelf, installed in a closet alcove.

Gray vanity cabinet with drawers and doors installed, countertop not yet in place.

Built-in bookcase under construction with open shelving above and lower cabinet storage, raw wood frame.

Bedroom wall marked with layout tape for planned closet shelving, drywall stage.

Closet wall marked with layout tape for planned shelf and rod placement, drywall stage.

Closet shelving unit with four particle board shelves and white support brackets, unpainted.

Closet wall with layout tape markings above a raw wood shelf support frame under construction.

Empty room with finished white walls, faint pencil markup on one wall, and a step ladder present.

Closet shelving unit with a raw wood face frame and bullnose shelf, unpainted, measurements penciled on wood.

Closet shelving with a hanging rod, wood shelf, and support bracket, installed near a window.

Kitchen island cabinet boxes installed mid room, surrounded by base cabinets, drywall stage.

Kitchen cabinet with an open door showing interior shelf and hinge hardware, next to a built-in oven.

Empty drywalled room with recessed lighting and a small wood structure being assembled at one wall.

Several raw wood cabinet or bench boxes staged in an empty room near windows, unfinished.

Large boxed wood column or corner element with an open shelf structure visible alongside it.

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