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How to assemble and install a wall cabinet

Fully installed wall cabinet

Overview

Wall cabinets are a clever way to maximise storage in kitchens, laundries, and garages. They help keep your space organised while making the most of vertical wall space. This D.I.Y. project is easier than you might think, and with the right tools and a bit of know-how, you can assemble and install a wall cabinet in an afternoon.

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

1Attach the top and bottom panels

Grab the back, top and bottom panels. Apply a thin bead of exterior wood glue along the top and bottom edges of the back panel. Line up the top and bottom panels with these glued edges, then screw them into place. This will create the base structure of the wall cabinet and ensure it’s square and stable.
Attach the top and bottom panels using a power drill

2Fix the side panels

Once the top and bottom cabinet panels are secured, apply exterior wood glue to the edges of the side panels. Position each side panel so it aligns with the rest of the structure, then screw them into place. This step completes the cabinet frame and gives the unit its final box shape. If your cabinet includes adjustable shelves, leave them out for now. Installing shelvesthem after the cabinet is mounted will be much easier and will avoid interfering with alignment.
Fix the side panels in place

3Fit the hinges

Separate the hinge arms from the mounting plates by pressing the release tabs at the back. Position the mounting plates inside the cabinet, aligning the elongated holes with the pre-drilled ones. Many hinge plates come with small plastic lugs to assist with positioning. Make sure the round holes face the front of the cabinet, then secure each plate using 14mm screws.

At this stage, do not clip the doors on. You’ll attach the doors after the cabinet is mounted on the wall - this helps reduce weight while lifting and allows for easier adjustments during installation.

Fit the hinges inside the cabinet

4Locate the wall studs

Use a stud finder to identify where the wall studs are located. Mark their positions clearly on the wall and transfer those markings to the back of the cabinet. This will help you align your fixings with solid timber for a secure hold.
Locate the wall studs with the stud finder

5Mark and pre-drill your fixing points

Once your stud locations are marked, measure and mark where your fixing screws will go. Then, pre-drill pilot holes through the back panel of the cabinet at those positions. To make installation more accurate, mirror the screw positions on the opposite side of the wall cabinet. This will help keep it balanced and level when lifting it into place.
Mark and pre-drill your fixing points

6Position the cabinet

Place the cabinet on an overhead cabinet stand or a stable work surface at the correct height. Carefully lift the cabinet into position, making sure it’s centred and aligned with your wall markings. Use a spirit level to check that it’s sitting evenly. If you’re installing the cabinet above a pantry or an appliance, align the top of the cabinet so it matches the height for a seamless look.
Position the cabinet using a cabinet stand and a level

7Fix the cabinet to the wall

Once the cabinet is level and in position, secure it by driving screws through the pilot holes and into the wall studs. Use a minimum of 65mm screws for a strong hold. If you’re fixing the cabinet into brick or concrete, insert wall plugs first and use appropriate masonry fixings to ensure the cabinet is safely mounted.
Fix the cabinet to the wall

8Join multiple cabinets 

When installing more than one cabinet, clamp them tightly together once they’re positioned. Pre-drill through the adjacent side panels, then screw them together using 28mm screws. Check that each cabinet sits flush and level before tightening everything into place. Repeat this process for any additional units.
Join multiple cabinets using clamps and a drill

9Install the shelf

Now that the cabinet is securely fixed to the wall, you can install the internal shelf if your cabinet includes one. Most flat-pack cabinets come with adjustable shelf supports that slot into pre-drilled holes on the inside walls. Choose the desired height, insert the shelf pins, and then place the shelf on top, making sure it sits level and securely on all supports.
Install the shelf in the cabinet

10Attach the doors

With the cabinet in place and the shelf installed, it’s time to attach the doors. Align each hinge arm with the mounting plates you installed earlier inside the cabinet. Press the hinge arms firmly into the plates until they click into place. Once all the doors are attached, open and close them a few times to check their movement. Use the hinge adjustment screws to fine-tune the position so each door hangs evenly and operates smoothly.
Attach the cabinet door

11Now that you’ve installed a wall cabinet

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. 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 or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.