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How to install U-shaped kitchen cabinets

Two kitchen cabinets being screwed together with a power drill, while held together with clamps

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.

Steps

1Check 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.
A spirit level being used to ensure the kitchen floor is level enough for kitchen cabinets to be assembled with ease

2Put 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. 

A spirit level being used to ensure an installed kitchen cabinet is square to the wall

3Clamp 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.

Two kitchen cabinets being screwed together with a power drill, while held together with clamps

4Installing 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.

Two kitchen cabinets being screwed together with a power drill, while held together with clamps

5Fixing 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. 
A kitchen cabinet being drilled into place against a bare wall with a power drill
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.