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How to install end panels

Newly installed cabinet with end panels

Overview

End panels and filler panels are essential for giving your kitchen a clean, built-in look. They help cover the exposed sides of base and wall cabinets, and neatly close any gaps between cabinetry and walls. This not only improves the aesthetic but also helps protect the cabinet structure from wear and tear. With a few basic tools and a careful approach, installing end panels can be a smooth, rewarding part of your kitchen fit-out.

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

1Measure the space

Start by measuring the sides of your kitchen cabinets where end panels are required. This includes the full height of the cabinet and the depth from the wall to the front edge. End panels should sit flush with the top of the cabinet and extend approximately 20mm beyond the front. This slight overhang accounts for the thickness of the cabinet doors and helps everything sit neatly in line when viewed from the front. 
Measure the space of the cabinets where end panels are required

2Remove doors if already installed

If your cabinet doors have already been attached, it's a good idea to remove them before installing the cabinet end panels. Doing so will give you clearer access to the sides of the cabinet and make it easier to achieve accurate alignment with the panel. Keep the doors and any screws or hinges safely aside for reattachment later.
Remove doors before installing the end panels

3Mark the end panel

Sometimes, walls or floors may not be perfectly square, and your panel may not fit flush. To account for this, begin by holding the end panel in position against the cabinet. Make sure it’s aligned with the top edge and overhanging the front by around 20mm. While holding the panel steady, use a pencil to mark where any trimming is required.
Mark the end panel where it needs to be trimmed

4Cut the panel to size

With the trimming lines marked, carefully cut along them using a block plane or a handsaw. Work slowly and remove small amounts at a time to avoid over-cutting. Be sure to only trim areas that will be hidden after installation, such as the rear side or underside of the panel. Once trimmed, test-fit the panel in place to make sure it now sits snugly and evenly. If needed, make small adjustments until you’re happy with the fit.
Cut the panel to size

5Clamp and pre-drill the panel

After confirming the panel fits properly, position it against the cabinet side. Check that it is flush at the top and that the 20mm front overhang is consistent. Use clamps to hold the panel securely in place so it stays fixed while you drill. With the panel clamped, pre-drill pilot holes through the side of the cabinet and into the edge of the panel. This helps prevent the timber from splitting when screws are installed and creates a cleaner, more controlled fixing.
Clamp and pre-drill the panel

6Screw the panel into place

With your pilot holes drilled and the panel still clamped, insert screws through the cabinet side into the panel to secure it. Tighten the screws gradually and check that the panel hasn’t shifted as you fasten it. Once secured, the panel should sit firmly in place, aligned neatly with the cabinet edge and overhang. Now that your kitchen end panel is installed, it’s time to reattach the cabinet doors.
Screw the panel into place

7Now that you’ve installed end panels

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.