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How to assemble and install a drawer cabinet
Overview
Drawer cabinets are a great way to bring more organised storage into your kitchen. Whether you're doing a full renovation or simply upgrading part of your cabinetry, assembling and installing a drawer cabinet is a satisfying and achievable D.I.Y. project. With a little patience and the right tools, you’ll have your cabinet with drawers in place and ready to use in no time.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Steps
Attach the back panel to the base
Start assembling the drawer cabinet by fixing the back panel to the base panel. Apply a bead of exterior woodworking glue along the joining edge, then secure it with the screws supplied in your kit. Make sure the edges are flush and the join is firm. This creates the initial structure of the frame.
Fix the side panels in place
Next, attach the side panels to the cabinet frame. Align each side panel with the base and back, then secure them using the pre-drilled holes and provided screws. Check for square alignment as you work to ensure the cabinet remains level and true. The side panels will lock the back panel into place and start forming the full carcass of the unit.
Install the support rail
If your cabinet kit includes a support rail, this is the time to fit it. The support rail is designed to add strength and stability to the frame, helping the cabinet stay square. Position it where indicated in your instructions, typically near the top edge, and secure it using screws. Double-check that the cabinet remains square after tightening.
Install the adjustable feet
Lay the cabinet gently on its back or side so you can access the underside. Screw the adjustable feet into the pre-drilled holes on the base panel. Adjust each foot to a height of 145mm, which suits most standard kitchen layouts. These feet will help you level the kitchen cabinet during final installation.
Build the drawer base
To begin assembling your drawers, start by connecting the front and back panels to the bottom panel. Apply a small bead of exterior woodworking glue along each joining edge before securing the panels, as this will add extra strength and durability to the drawer structure. This forms the basic foundation of each drawer. Ensure the joins are tight and everything is aligned properly so the drawer will sit and operate correctly once assembled.
Attach the drawer side panels
With the base in place, attach the left and right side panels to each drawer. These components are often marked for easy identification. Line them up with the drawer base and screw them in securely. Check that all four sides are flush and square, which will help the drawer glide smoothly once installed.
Attach the drawer guides
Before proceeding with the runners, you’ll need to remove the drawer guides. Pull up or down on the black tabs located on each runner to release them. Once removed, line the guides up with the pre-drilled holes on each drawer side and secure them with screws. Take care to keep them level and correctly aligned, as this will affect the drawer's operation.
Install the cabinet runners
Now install the matching runners inside the cabinet carcass. Position each runner using the pre-marked holes on the inner cabinet walls. Fix them in place with screws, ensuring they are straight and level to support the drawers properly. Accurate positioning here ensures the drawers will slide in and out smoothly once mounted.
Install the bottom drawer front
Start with the bottom drawer box. Position the drawer front so it is flush and evenly centred on the drawer body. Clamp it securely in place, then pre-drill through the inside of the drawer and fasten it with screws. Be careful not to over-drill, as the screws can poke through the front panel. This sets the baseline alignment for the drawers above.
Use a spacer before fixing the next drawer front
Before attaching the next drawer front, insert a 3mm spacer or a $1 coin between the bottom drawer and the one above it. This helps keep even spacing between each drawer front. Once the spacer is in place and the new drawer front is aligned, repeat the process: clamp, pre-drill from the inside, and secure with screws. Continue this method for any remaining drawers to achieve consistent, professional spacing.
Move the cabinet into place
With your cabinet fully assembled, shift it into its final location in the kitchen. Use a spirit level to check it’s sitting evenly and adjust the feet as needed. If positioning it next to another cabinet, clamp the two units together and fix them from the inside with screws to keep them aligned and joined securely.
Fix the cabinet to the wall
Once the cabinet is level and positioned correctly, inspect for any small gaps between it and the wall. Use packers if necessary to fill any spaces. To secure the unit, drill through the back panel into wall studs and fix it in place using screws at least 65mm long. This ensures the cabinet stays firmly attached and safe for everyday use.
Now that you’ve assembled and installed a drawer cabinet
More D.I.Y. Advice
Health & Safety
Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.
Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.
Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.
Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.