Learn how to install kitchen cabinets with these easy DIY tips, featuring high-quality, affordable RTA cabinets. Get expert guidance on leveling, securing, and customizing your cabinets for a perfect fit.
When it came time to choose kitchen cabinets for my remodel, I went with RTA Cabinet Store. I selected their Weston Shaker style in the color “Sand”. A beautiful greige that perfectly complements the overall aesthetic of my kitchen. RTA cabinets stood out for their quality—dovetail joinery, soft-close hinges, and drawers—and they’re made from durable hardwood and plywood.
Despite these high-quality features, they’re still an affordable option compared to other brands. Plus, you have the option to either assemble them yourself to save a little money. Or pay a bit extra to receive them pre-assembled. Some of their lines even ship within three days! After installing the cabinets, I’m thrilled with the result and would highly recommend them. If you’re interested, you can use code SAMPLESHWD to get two free door samples. Which is a great way to see the color and style in person.
One cool perk of ordering from RTA Cabinet Store is their free kitchen design service. You simply provide your kitchen measurements, layout (including walls, ceilings, doorways, and plumbing), and a description of what you’re envisioning. Your designer will then send you a few mock-ups, and together, you’ll tweak them. They will be sure to work with you until you’re happy with the final design. Then, it’s time to order!
Install Kitchen Cabinets Tips
Here are some of my best tips from the installation process:
- Start Where It Makes Sense
We kicked off our installation with the tall pantry cabinet in one corner and worked our way around the room. Find the area that logically makes the most sense for you to start in.
- Level and Plumb Are Key
A critical part of installing cabinets is ensuring everything is level and plumb. We used both a laser level and a manual level to double-check throughout the process. Since walls and ceilings are never perfectly straight, you’ll want to have plenty of shims handy to make adjustments as needed. - Screwing Cabinets Into Place
Begin by screwing the cabinet backs into the wall studs. We found it helpful to use a stud finder like the “Stud Buddy,” which has a magnet to locate drywall screws. Once the cabinets are in place, screw the face frames together using face frame clamps, which help align the cabinets more easily. Always drill pilot holes first to prevent the wood from splitting when installing screws.
- Cut Outs for Plumbing
If you need to cut out sections for pipes, like in the sink base cabinet, carefully measure and mark where the cut-outs should go. Then use a jigsaw or a hole saw to make the cuts.
- Upper Cabinets
For the upper cabinets, the process is much the same as for the lower cabinets, with one small difference: upper cabinets require a helping hand. We marked a level line on the wall where the bottom of the upper cabinets would sit and temporarily screwed a board just below the line to act as a support while we screwed the cabinets in place.
Installing the Kitchen Island
Since the island cabinets aren’t attached to a wall, we measured and marked out the placement directly on the floor. This provided a visual guide for the layout. To secure the island cabinets, we attached 2x4s to the subfloor, hidden behind the toe kicks. Once the cabinets were in place, we screwed through the toe kicks into the 2x4s—similar to screwing into wall studs.
After the flooring is installed, we’ll attach a finished toe kick piece to hide the screws and any seams between the cabinets. Even though our island is freestanding, we still made sure everything was level. Using shims as needed, and screwed the face frames together, just like with the wall cabinets.
Installing your own cabinets can be a rewarding experience, especially if you’re using high-quality, budget-friendly options like those from RTA Cabinet Store. With a little patience. With the right tools and some strategic planning, you’ll be on your way to a beautifully finished kitchen. If you’re considering a cabinet upgrade, don’t forget to take advantage of the free design service and sample offer from RTA Cabinet Store to help guide your project! Use Code SAMPLESHWD to get two free door samples.
Once you’ve installed your cabinets, it’s time to install your hardware. Go here for more details about the kitchen hardware I chose as well as some helpful hardware installation tips!
