Essential Kitchen Cabinet Installation Tips for Chicago Remodelers

Essential Kitchen Cabinet Installation Tips for Chicago Remodelers

A good kitchen cabinet installation comes down to layout and reference lines: find the high point of the floor, snap level lines for the base tops and wall cabinet bottoms, fasten every cabinet through its back or hanging rail into studs, shim bases level and plumb, clamp and screw face frames together, and adjust doors and drawers last. In older Chicago homes, plan extra fillers, shims and scribing for uneven floors and out-of-square walls.

Key takeaways

• Start from the floor’s high point; everything else is measured from there.
• Snap level lines for base tops (about 34-1/2 in.) and wall cabinet bottoms (commonly about 54 in. above the floor).
• Fasten into studs, not just drywall or plaster.
• Clamp face frames flush before screwing cabinets together.
• Adjust hinges and drawer fronts at the end for even reveals.

1. Plan Your Layout Thoroughly

1. Check the delivered cabinets against the plan and the packing list before demo day ends.
2. Mark stud locations on the walls above the cabinet lines.
3. Find the high point of the floor along every base run with a long level or laser.
4. Mark the base top line at about 34-1/2 in. above the high point, and the wall cabinet bottom line, commonly about 54 in. above the floor for an 18 in. gap over a 36 in. counter.
5. Mark plumbing, gas and electrical locations on the cabinet backs before setting them.
6. Confirm appliance openings and filler locations on the wall.

For layout planning, see the kitchen cabinet layout guide.

2. Choose the Right Cabinets

Installation goes faster with cabinets that are square and rigid. Plywood boxes and full plywood backs hold screws well and give solid material to fasten through into studs; adjustable soft-close hinges make final alignment easier. Confirm stock and pickup or delivery timing before scheduling the installer.

3. Gather the Necessary Tools

• 4 ft and 2 ft levels or a laser level; chalk line; tape; square
• Stud finder; drill/driver; countersink bits
• Cabinet installation screws sized for the wall and frame
• Face-frame clamps; composite shims
• Jigsaw or hole saw for plumbing and electrical cut-outs
• Cabinet jack or a helper for wall cabinets; a temporary ledger board

4. Prepare the Space

• Remove old cabinets and check the walls behind them for damage, old leaks and outdated wiring.
• Complete rough plumbing and electrical, and any inspections.
• Patch and prime walls behind where cabinets will not cover them.
• Decide whether flooring runs under the cabinets, and protect finished floors.
• In older buildings, check walls for bow and corners for square, and plan shims and scribe.

5. Start with the Upper Cabinets

Many installers hang wall cabinets first so they can stand close to the wall without reaching over bases. Others set bases first and use them to support a jack. Either works; what matters is the reference lines.

1. Screw a temporary ledger board to the wall along the wall cabinet bottom line.
2. Start with a corner cabinet, rest it on the ledger, and check it for plumb.
3. Fasten through the hanging rail into studs.
4. Set the next cabinet, clamp face frames flush, drill and screw them together.
5. Remove the ledger and patch the screw holes.

6. Install the Lower Cabinets

1. Set the first base at the high point or corner and shim it to the base top line, level front to back and side to side.
2. Fasten through the back into studs, without pulling the cabinet out of plumb; shim behind where the wall dips.
3. Add cabinets one at a time, clamping and screwing face frames together.
4. Install fillers at walls and appliances; scribe them to uneven walls. See cabinet scribing.
5. Check the entire run with a long level before the countertop template.

For more on shims, see shimming techniques for aligned cabinet runs.

7. Add Cabinet Hardware

Install hardware after doors and drawers are adjusted. Use a template set once per cabinet type, a backer block to prevent splintering, and check screw length on drawer fronts. See our guide to cabinet hardware templates.

8. Check for Quality and Finish

• Even reveals between doors and drawer fronts; adjust hinges in all directions as needed.
• Doors and drawers close softly and fully.
• Face frames flush at every seam; no screw heads showing.
• Bases level for countertop templating.
• Finish touch-ups on any marks from installation.

9. Offer Maintenance Tips

Tell clients to keep cabinets dry, clean with a soft cloth, mild detergent and warm water, avoid silicone or wax products, and call if a door needs adjusting. Point out that most warranties exclude damage from excess moisture and improper installation.

10. Consider Professional Help When Needed

Complex jobs, such as heavy stone over long overhangs, out-of-plumb plaster walls, tall pantry runs or scribing to old ceilings, benefit from an experienced cabinet installer. A poor install can cause door and drawer problems even with good cabinets.

How CCC Cabinets Fits

CCC Cabinets supplies kitchen and vanity cabinets in 15 door styles, assembled or ready-to-assemble, with pickup in Des Plaines or delivery across Chicagoland; installation is done by the customer’s contractor or installer. Every cabinet has a 3/4″ birch face frame, 1/2″ A-grade plywood box with a 1/2″ full plywood back and 6-way adjustable soft-close hinges. The warranty excludes improper installation, so follow the steps above. See all styles and open a trade account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you install upper or lower cabinets first?

Both methods are used. Hanging wall cabinets first lets you work close to the wall without reaching over bases; setting bases first lets you support a cabinet jack on them. Whichever you choose, work from level reference lines marked from the floor’s high point.

How high should upper cabinets be installed?

The bottom of wall cabinets is commonly about 54 inches above the floor, giving about 18 inches above a standard 36-inch countertop. Check range hood and appliance requirements, which may need more clearance.

Who can install kitchen cabinets?

Experienced carpenters, cabinet installers and remodeling contractors install most kitchens. Homeowners with good tools and skills can install simple layouts. Plumbing and electrical connections should be done by qualified trades, with permits where required.

How do you install cabinets on an uneven floor?

Find the floor’s high point, mark the base top line from there, and shim every base up to that line, level and plumb. Cover gaps at the toe kick with a scribed kick board or molding.

Conclusion

Cabinet installation is precise work built on good reference lines, solid fastening and patient adjustment. Plan the layout, start from the high point, fasten into studs, align face frames and adjust last.

For cabinets that make installation easier, call CCC Cabinets at (872) 241-5525 or visit 2180 S Wolf Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60018.