Now you can begin to install the bottom half, that is the base cabinet. Start by un-boxing the cabinets and removing all doors and drawers.
The corner cabinets are the most challenging to install depending on the type of cabinets you have chosen. Generally there are three options for corners.
- If you have chosen to go with a blind base, the cabinet on one wall (the blind base) extends almost to the corner and then a standard base cabinet on the adjacent wall butts in to it. Install these cabinets as a team and clamp then together as you plumb level and attach them to the wall.
- You may have chosen a corner base, which is a single cabinet that extends about three feet along adjacent walls. Align the cabinet to reference lines as a plumb level and attach it to the wall.
- The third option is where two standard base cabinets at their front corners create a two by two foot dead or inaccessible space at the corner. Install these cabinets together to ensure they meet precisely. For a blind base installation, follow these steps:
- Position both the blind base cabinet and the standard base cabinet on the adjacent wall that butts in to it.
- Insert shims under the exposed ends and front edges until each cabinet is slush with the horizontal line and on quarter inch away from the plumb reference line on its wall.
- Clamps the edges of the cabinet together
- Attach cabinets to the wall with three-inch screws through the mounting rail at each wall stud location.
- Check the cabinets again to make sure that they are plumb and level in all directions and that they still align properly with the two reference lines and with each other.
- Lastly, you need to finish the base cabinet run. This is less strenuous than hanging the wall cabinets and you don't need a helper to support the cabinets as you hang them however its still helpful to have someone to help you make adjustments. Before installing your sink base cabinet you may need to make cutouts for the plumbing pipes if the cabinet has a back. Be careful to take good measurements on where the pipes are located so you can make the cut outs in the right locations.
Use the Following Steps to Finish Installing the Cabinets.
- Place the second cabinet in position and check it for plumb and level.
- Tap any needed shims in to place with a hammer. Don't use your eyes only to check for level.
- Attach the cabinets as you did the wall cabinets.
- Install the remaining cabinets and any needed filler strips.