In most kitchens, it’s easiest to install the wall cabinets first. In some cases, depending on the layout, appliances and countertops, it may be better to begin with the base cabinets. This way there won’t be any base cabinets to work around and you can more easily use a stepladder. If you don’t have wall cabinets to install, go straight to the next step (Install your base cabinets). If you haven’t already done so, measure and draw the position of the cabinets on the wall to be sure everything will fit. It’s also important to mark any uneven spots on the wall and smooth them out with putty or shims.
1. Checking for uneven spots Start by checking the walls visually and running a 4 foot level along the surface. Mark any irregularities, such as bows and high spots. If major problems need to be fixed, you may want to hire a professional. It may also be necessary to use shims when mounting the cabinets.
2. Next Check the floor to find its high point. The level will help you here as well. Check all areas where you’ll be installing base or high cabinets, and mark the high and low points on the wall.
3. Finally Fit a combination square or right angled wood panel into each corner, and see if there are any gaps between it and the wall. If the gap is more than 1/4", call your IKEA expert for assistance. In a "U" shaped kitchen, measure between opposite walls at a number of spots to see if they are parallel.
4. Mark the level lines for the wall Using the high point on the floor that you marked in Step 1, measure up the wall 83 7/8" for the top of 30" wall cabinets or 92 5/8" for 39" wall cabinets. Next, locate the bottom of the suspension rail by measuring down 2 1/2" (3" for horizontal cabinets) from the first mark. Then draw level lines on the wall.
5. Finding the studs in drywall At the marked suspension rail line, tap the wall from the corner out (or use a stud-finder) to check for the first stud. Mark its position. While subsequent studs are usually at 16" intervals, they may be at 12" or 24" intervals in some kitchens. Mark the location of each stud along the line. This will show you where to attach the suspension rail to the wall.
6. Cut the suspension rail Measure the length of the wall cabinets to be installed along one wall. Include the length of wall behind a high cabinet only if the high cabinet is 12" deep. Subtract 1/4" from the overall measurement. (This will leave 1/8" of space at either end of the rail.) Use your hack saw to cut the suspension rail to this length.
7. Insert suspension rail hardware Slide the suspension rail hardware into the suspension rail before putting it up. You’ll need two pieces per wall cabinet. (Be sure to position one piece on each side of the corner cabinet if your plan calls for one.) You may find it helpful to tape the hardware into place until the rail goes up.
8. Secure the suspension rail Secure the suspension rail to the studs, aligning the bottom edge of the rail with the level line marked on the wall. If you found a bow in the wall of more than 1/4" in Step 1, shim the suspension rail until it is straight. Should the end of the rail fall between studs, secure it to the wall with a heavy duty anchor.
9. Hang the corner cabinet Starting with the corner cabinet, align one piece of the suspension rail hardware with the predrilled hole at the top of the cabinet. Position the second hole and its hardware. Note: If you don’t have a corner cabinet, install a cabinet that fits against both the back and side walls, allowing the filler space shown on your plan.
10. Level and secure the cabinet Fit the small metal plate over the bolt, thread the nut loosely in place. Level the cabinet, using shims at the bottom edge if necessary. With your wrench, loosely secure the cabinet hardware. Do not tighten; this will allow you to make adjustments once all of the cabinets are installed.
11. Hang the remaining wall cabinets Hang the rest of the cabinets in the same way, aligning each with the previous one. Use your clamps to temporarily hold adjacent cabinets into position. To avoid marring the surface of your cabinets, use a small scrap of wood between the clamp and the cabinet.
12. Drill through cabinet walls You’ll find predrilled holes on the inside of each cabinet. For all doors except ULRIKSDAL use a 3/16" drill bit to drill through the fourth holes from the top and bottom edges. (The second and third holes are for the door hinges.) For ULRIKSDAL door, drill through the second holes from the top and bottom edges. (The hinges for ULRIKSDAL fit into the third and fourth holes from the top/bottom.)
13. Fasten cabinets together Place the connection screws enclosed with the cabinet frames into the holes and tighten. Remove the clamps. Continue fastening the remaining cabinets together in the same way.
14. Tighten the mounting screws When all wall cabinets have been mounted, aligned and connected, and final adjustments have been made, tighten all of the mounting hardware. Slide the plastic covers in place over the metal corner bracket.
Note: If you will be installing a high cabinet, final adjustments and tightening of the mounting hardware should be done after the high cabinet is installed to ensure that everything is level.
You’ve completed this step! And the wall cabinets are in place.
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