How to Install Base Cabinets - Expert Tips & Step-by-Step

When everything aligns, drive the screws at the back just tight enough to hold the cabinet in place.

For the second cabinet, drill pilot holes through the back and position the cabinet next to the first. Even the faces, shimming where necessary as shown, and clamp the cabinet faces together. Drive screws into the back, just tight enough to hold it in place.

Drill pilot holes with a countersink / taper bit through the face frames and connect the cabinets with #8 screws.

Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you reach the sink base. When you get to the sink base, use a drill with a spade bit to cut the holes for plumbing in the back and install the cabinet like the rest.

If you did not raise your cabinets for floating floors, you’ll likely need to shim under the base near the wall. Use the shim of the adjacent cabinet as a guide. When you cut that shim, cut another and leave it in place.

When you reach the end of the row, don’t be alarmed if you have a space at the end. Set the last cabinet in place without connecting it and measure the gap at the top and bottom. Mark and cut the filler strip.

For uneven walls, clamp the filler strip to the frame. Use a compass to scribe a line following the contours of the wall and cut at a 7- to 10-degree bevel. Check the width of the piece, mark and cut the cabinet side if you need to – or use a plane for minor adjustments. Clamp the filler piece flush to the cabinet, drill holes through the frame and attach the piece with screws.

Once all the cabinets are connected, tighten the rear screws and remove the clamps.

Cut and attach the toe kicks with finishing nails. If you’re installing a floating floor, complete your flooring installation before this step.