How to install u-shaped kitchen cabinets
Person attaching face panel 07:09

Part 1 How to assemble an oven tower As one of the most important rooms in the house, you need to make the most of the space in your kitchen. This oven tower combines two drawers, separate cabinets for your microwave and oven, and an open cabinet all in one vertical space.

Woman putting shelf in the corner cabinet 04:31

Part 2 How to build a corner cabinet Make the most of your kitchen storage space by adding a corner cabinet. We’ll take you through all the steps involved in putting together a corner cabinet from the Kaboodle range.

Finish the cabinet by installing basket ware 03:56

Part 3 How to install corner rotating baskets Learn how to install rotating baskets into a corner cabinet. We’ll show you how to measure the cabinet and fit the basket unit together.

Screwing cabinets together 06:11

Part 4 How to install u-shaped kitchen cabinets Creating your dream kitchen starts with the cabinets. We’ll show you how easy it can be to install the cabinets in a U-shaped kitchen.

Woman cutting kickboard 03:15

Part 5 How to install kickboards Kickboards give your kitchen cabinets a finishing touch. Learn how easy it can be to install kickboards yourself.

Mark cut line for kitchen sink 03:03

Part 6 How to create a cut out for sinks and cooktops Before you install the sink or cooktop in your kitchen, you may need to cut a hole in your benchtop. We’ll show you how to do it safely and easily.

Woman inserting bench connectors 03:45

Part 7 How to install a cut-to-measure benchtop We’ll take you through all the steps involved in measuring, assembling and installing cut-to-measure benchtops in your kitchen.

Part 4 out of 7
How to install your U-shaped kitchen

How to install u-shaped kitchen cabinets

Michael
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Project Overview

Renovating your kitchen is a great way to add value and style to one of the most important rooms in your home. These days, renovating your kitchen has become easier, with a wide choice of modular cabinets that you can fit together in a U-shape that suit your space. 
Continue to step-by-step instructions
This D.I.Y. Advice is part of a series How to install your U-shaped kitchen

Step by Step Instructions

1 Check the floor levels and mark your cabinet height
2 Put all your cabinets in position.
3 Clamp and screw the cabinets together
4 Installing the other cabinets
5 Fixing the cabinets to the wall

  • Step 1. Check the floor levels and mark your cabinet height

    Use the long spirit level to find the lowest level of the floor. Add together the height of the cabinet (720mm) to the height of the kicker (125mm), which is the space below the bottom of the cabinet and the floor. Use this figure to mark the cabinet height around the wall. With your spirit level draw a line at this height, where all of the cabinets will go.
    Previous Step Next Step
    Man levelling floor with a spirt level

  • Step 2. Put all your cabinets in position.

    Start by putting the corner cabinet in position. Use your spirit level, from corner to corner, and set the adjustable feet on the cabinet to make it level. Now place the oven cabinet next to the first. Make sure the two cabinets are level with each other, use the feet on the second cabinet to line them up. Bring in the end cabinet and do the same. If you have drawers on your end cabinet, allow for a 20mm setback so that all the cabinets remain flush. 

    Previous Step Next Step
    Man levelling cabinets with spirit level

  • Step 3. Clamp and screw the cabinets together

    Double clamp the end and oven cabinets together at the top and bottom. Now use your driver, with a countersink drill bit, to pre-drill pilot holes into the top and bottom of the cabinet. Then drive your 28mm screws into the holes to pull the two cabinets together. Use the same process to attach the oven cabinet to the corner cabinet.

    Previous Step Next Step
    Screwing cabinets together

  • Step 4. Installing the other cabinets

    Bring in the next cabinet and place it on the other side of the corner cabinet. Level it using the spirit level and adjustable feet, then clamp it, drill it and fix it. Bring in the final corner unit and the end cabinets. Make sure the three are level and lined up. Clamp them together, drill the countersunk holes and screw them together.

    Previous Step Next Step
    Screwing u-shaped cabinets together

  • Step 5. Fixing the cabinets to the wall

    Use your tape measure to check the cabinets that form the U shape are parallel to each other. You can always adjust their position if you need to. If you find any gaps between the wall and cabinets, use pieces of wood as spacers to stop the cabinets from moving. Now pre-drill the countersunk holes into the cabinets and using a long screw, firmly attach all of the cabinets to the wall studs. 
    Previous Step Next Step
    Screwing the cabinets to the wall

Tools and Materials

Tools

  • 1200mm spirit level
  • Clamps
  • Drills
  • Ear muffs
  • Mallet
  • Power plane
  • Ruler
  • Safety glasses

Materials

  • Screws

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