Installing Kitchen Wall Cabinets

Wall cabinets require more effort to install than base cabinets. Because they are wall-hung, positioning them can be difficult. The best way to support wall cabinets during installation is to attach a temporary ledger along the guideline for the lower edge of the cabinets. Before beginning, locate and mark the position of the studs in the wall.

1) Install the ledger
Using a 4-foot spirit level as a guide, draw a pencil line on the wall to indicate the bottom edge of the cabinets. Using screws, secure a temporary ledger on the line. Be sure to fasten it into the stud framing for solid support, and check to be sure the ledger is level before proceeding. (Fig. 1)

2) Hang the cabinets
Begin the cabinet installation with an end or corner unit. The first cabinet installed will determine the alignment for the entire run, so be sure to level and shim it carefully. Lift the cabinet onto the ledger and position it, and then screw two 3-1/2-inch screws through the upper mounting rail into the stud framing. Check whether the cabinet is plumb, shim as necessary, and then tighten the screws to hold the cabinet firmly in place. Next, screw through the lower mounting rail into the studs. (Fig. 2)