Project Difficulty:
Moderate Estimated
Project Time: 30 minutes per cabinet
Tools and Materials:
Cabinets
Stud finder
4-foot spirit level
Measuring tape
Pencil
1x2 ledger material
2-1/2" and 3-1/2" wood screws
Wood shims
Utility knife
Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
C-clamps
Power drill and bits
Quarter-round molding
Handsaw
Wall cabinets require more effort to install than base cabinets. Because they are wall-hung, positioning them can be difficult. The best way to temporarily 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 mark 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 tighten the screws to hold the cabinet firmly in place. Next, screw through the lower mounting rail into the studs. (Fig. 2)
3.
Connect the Cabinets
After you have installed two or more adjacent cabinets, clamp them together at the face frames. Drill horizontal pilot holes through the stiles using a 3/32-inch bit, and screw the frames together using 2-1/2-inch wood screws at both the top and bottom (Fig. 3). After the cabinets are installed, trim the shims and remove the ledger. Conceal any gaps between the cabinets and the wall using quarter-round molding.
