If you’re looking for an easy-to-follow guide on how to install kitchen cabinets, your search ends here! I know a project like this can feel a little intimidating at first—there are a lot of measurements, levels, and screws involved. But trust me, I have done it; with the right steps, it’s doable.

I’m going to walk you through every aspect of the installation process, from planning and marking studs to hanging cabinets and shimming for a perfect level. I’ll also share the tricks that make this project way easier.

By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know exactly what to do.

Also, if you are more of a visual learner, you can watch my “How to Install Kitchen Cabinets” YouTube Video which shows the entire cabinet installation process in detail!

Let’s get into it!

Tools You’ll Need Before You Start

Before you jump in, let’s ensure you have everything ready. Having all your tools on hand will save tons of time and stress. It’s much easier when you’re not running around looking for things mid-install!

I used the following for my kitchen cabinet installation:

• Stud finder or magnet – find those wall studs to secure your cabinets.
• Laser level or long spirit level – keep your cabinets perfectly straight.
• 6′ Level – Helpful for keeping all the cabinets perfectly level.
• Drill and impact driver – for driving screws and securing everything in place.
• Right-angle drill attachment – super handy for tight spots behind cabinets.
• Cabinet screws and face-frame screws – the backbone of your installation.
• Shims (lots of them!) – for getting cabinets level and perfectly plum.
• Bar clamps – align cabinets flush before fastening.
• Ledger board (2×4) – holds your upper cabinets while you install them.
• Tape measure and pencil – for all those precise measurements and marks.
• Hole saw bits – for sink, outlet, and appliance cutouts.
• Cabinet hardware jig (optional but recommended) – makes installing handles and knobs easy.
• Brad nailer – perfect for attaching toe kicks and panels cleanly.

Once you’ve got all these ready, let’s dive into the actual steps on how to install kitchen cabinets.

How to Install Kitchen Cabinets Step by Step

When I started this project, my kitchen was empty—what I like to call a blank canvas for some cabinets. Whether your kitchen is empty or you’re replacing old cabinets, these steps will work for you.

Step 1: Find the Wall Studs

Before hanging anything, you need to find all the wall studs. Cabinets have to attach to studs, not just drywall, so this part is crucial. I used a stud finder, but you could also go old-school with a magnet that sticks to drywall screws. Either way works, just make sure to mark every stud clearly.

Step 2: Plan Your Layout and Select Cabinets

Next up was planning. I measured my kitchen carefully and sketched it out. I like using SketchUp, but a pen and graph paper work just fine. You can choose whichever method feels easiest for you. 

My cabinet supplier even put together a 3D model for me.

I went with ProCraft Cabinetry because I wanted plywood construction, dovetail drawers, soft-close hardware, and a 5-year warranty. I went back and forth on colors, but ultimately chose oatmeal. Looking at that 3D layout helped me visualize the space and feel confident about my choices.

Step 3: Establish a Top Reference Line

You need a level line for the top of my wall cabinets. Standard mounting height is 54 inches from the floor. My cabinets were 30 inches tall, meaning the top would be 84 inches.

My trick: I clamped my old laser level to a ladder and projected it across the room. You can also use a 6-ft level if you prefer. I marked the line with pencil and chalk—always nice to have a backup.

Step 4: Establish the Bottom Reference Line and Install a Ledger Board

From the top line, I measured down the height of my cabinets (30 inches) and marked the bottom. 

Next, I installed a 2×4 ledger board into the studs along this line. The board holds the cabinets temporarily, making it way easier to adjust and level them.

Step 5: Hang the First Wall Cabinet

I started in the corner. I lifted the cabinet onto the ledger board and checked for level and plumb. If you installed the ledger board correctly, you’ll only need a few shims in the back.

Here’s my trick: I used at least four screws into as many studs as I could reach, and I used a laser to line up screws inside the cabinet. Behind the cabinet, a right-angle drill attachment saved me from a lot of awkward hand positions.

Step 6: Hang Adjacent Wall Cabinets

Next, I lifted the cabinet beside the corner. My trick? I clamped the two cabinets together so the tops and bottoms were perfectly flush. I shimmed the corners to get them plumb, then screwed them into the studs.

For the face frames, I clamped them, pre-drilled holes slightly smaller than the screws, countersunk the holes, and used GRK screws with white heads to blend in. 

Worked like a charm!

Step 7: Handle Special Cases (Corners, Range, Filler Strips)

For corner cabinets, I installed filler strips to avoid gaps or prevent cabinets from hitting walls. I pre-drilled, countersunk, and attached them to the cabinet face frame.

For appliances like my range, I measured carefully to leave a little extra room for the face frames. I went 30 ⅝ inches instead of 30 for a 30-inch range. Trust me, it’s better than installing the cabinets too close together.

Step 8: Install Base Cabinets

For the base cabinets, I found the high point using a laser. Then, I measured from the floor to the laser line all around the room and proceeded as follows:

1. Took the smallest measurement as my reference and measured up 34½ inches (standard base cabinet height). That became my level line.
2. Started in the corner, pre-placed shims at the back, and taped them so the cabinet wouldn’t slide.
3. Shimmied the front and sides to make it plumb and level. I double-checked alignment with the upper cabinets to make sure everything lined up.

Step 9: Cut for Sinks, Outlets, and Plumbing

For the sink cabinet, I measured for the drain and garbage disposal lines. I marked the centerline on the cabinet and drilled holes carefully. That’s halfway from one side, then finished from the other to prevent tear-out.

My trick? I repeated this for the drain pipe with a larger hole saw and a small hole for the disposal power supply.

Step 10: Space Cabinets for Appliances

I made sure there was 24 inches between the cabinets for the dishwasher. Of course, I checked levels and plumb multiple times before securing. 

This is a crucial step for a successful kitchen cabinet installation. Better safe than a dishwasher that won’t fit!

Step 11: Attach Filler Strips and Fridge Panels

I installed filler strips just like before: pre-drill, countersink, and screw in.

For the fridge panel, I trimmed plywood to match the overhang of the face frames and attached it with brad nails and screws. Some adjustments were needed because of beams in my kitchen, but a little shimming fixed everything.

Step 12: Finish Up with Glass Doors, Shelves, Toe Kicks, Side Panels, and Hardware

The glass doors ship separately to avoid breaking. I installed them using the same leveling and shimming techniques I used for the cabinets. The floating shelves followed the same principle: check for level, shim if needed, secure, done!

Next, I cut the toe kicks to size and nailed them in place with brad nails. The side panels went over the cabinet sides to match the fronts. For taller or shorter cabinets, I trimmed the panels so everything lined up perfectly.

Finally, the hardware. Here’s a tip I swear by: use a cabinet hardware jig. 

I adjusted it to the midpoint, marked the holes, and drilled, placing a 2×4 behind the cabinet to avoid blowout. Screws in, handles on, and everything was perfectly aligned, stress-free.

And that’s it! From blank walls to a fully installed kitchen, the whole project was way easier than I expected.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Installing Kitchen Cabinets

Even with a solid plan on how to install kitchen cabinets, it’s easy to slip up. Here’s what I’ve learned to watch out for:

Skipping Stud Marking

I’ve seen it happen several times, and it’s a fast way to have cabinets that aren’t securely attached. Take the extra minute to mark your studs; it saves headaches later.

Ignoring Level and Plumb Checks

Even a small tilt can make cabinets look off, and doors misalign. Keep your level handy and don’t rush these checks.

Overlooking Face Frame Spacing for Appliances

Double-check your measurements so your stove, fridge, and dishwasher fit without forcing them in. I promise you, that extra ¼ inch is significant.

Rushing the Layout Phase

Planning might feel boring, but it’s where you prevent costly mistakes. Measure, visualize, and think through your workflow before lifting a cabinet.

Prefer Visuals? Watch How to Install Kitchen Cabinets (Full Video Guide)

If you’re more of a visual learner or just want to see these steps in action, check out my full kitchen cabinet installation video on YouTube. It’s a great way to follow along while you tackle your own project.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Kitchen Cabinets?

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Alt text: The new kitchen look after cabinet installation

Now, the question on everyone’s mind: how much does it cost? So, it’s only fair that I should tell you how much I spent.

Everything that you saw here, from the ProCraft cabinets and the toe kicks to the wall panels, floating shelves, and the fridge panel, all of that came out to just over $4,000. And, of course, that included assembly and delivery.

A quick heads-up: that $4,000 does NOT cover countertops or backsplash. So, expect the total to go up when you add those.

For a bigger picture of kitchen remodeling costs, including cabinets, appliances, and everything else, check out my guide on Cost to Remodel a Kitchen in 2026.

Time to Give It a Go – Install Your Cabinets with Confidence

Installing cabinets in a kitchen might seem like a big job, but it’s not. It’s about taking it slow and trusting the process.

Plan carefully, measure twice, and shim where needed. Little adjustments along the way are normal, and they make everything fit perfectly in the end.

At the end of the day, this is a project many people can DIY. I did it, and you can too. So go ahead and grab your tools, follow the steps, and enjoy turning your kitchen into something amazing.

Thanks for reading and good luck with your project—you’ve got this!