In most kitchens, it’s easiest to install the wall cabinets first. 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. Fill in irregularities Use a spirit level to check the walls. Mark any uneven spots. If major problems need to be fixed, it’s best to hire a professional. It may also be necessary to use shims when mounting wall cabinets. Shims are often used to fill in gaps and correct the angle in corners: Use a piece of wood, fibre-board or plywood – depending on the size of the gap.
2. Check the floor for uneven spots Find out if the floor is uneven. This is important to consider if you want to be sure there will be room for legs or plinths under all cabinets. Use a spirit level to check the areas where you’ll be installing base or high cabinets. Find the floor’s highest and lowest points and use a pen to mark them on the wall.
3. Right-angled corners Use a try square to check that the corner is at a right angle. If the gap is more than 6 mm, call for professional help. In a U-shaped kitchen, measure between opposite walls at a number of spots to see if they are parallel.
4. Mark the position of the wall strip Mark the position of the wall strip. Draw a line on the wall 141 cm above the highest point of the floor. This marks the bottom edge of the wall cabinets and the correct position for the wall strip.
5. Screw the wall strip to the wall The upper edge of the wall strip should be level with the line you have drawn on the wall. Use a spirit level and ensure that it is completely level. Lift up the wall cabinets and rest them against the wall strip.
6. Start with a corner cabinet Lift the corner cabinet onto the wall strip and mark where to drill through the hole in the wall fittings. Lift the cabinet down again.
7. Use the right screws and fittings Make sure that you use the right type of screws and fittings for the wall material. Drill the holes, insert plugs if necessary and screw one of the screws half way.
8. Install the corner cabinet Hang the adjusting bracket on the screw, align the cabinet using a spirit level and screw in both screws – but don’t tighten them completely.
9. Hang the next wall cabinet Mark, drill, screw the screws and align in the same way as for the corner cabinet.
10. Hang the remaining cabinets Hang the rest of cabinets in the same way, aligning each with the previous one. Use your G-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.
11. Drill through cabinet wall You’ll find predrilled holes on the inside of each cabinet. Using a 5 mm drill bit, drill through the fourth holes from both the top and bottom edges. (The first and second holes are for door hinges. If you have any of the following doors: BÄCKEBO, KALSEBO or ULRIKSDAL, the door hinges go in the second and third holes.)
12. Fasten cabinets together Place the connection screws enclosed with the cabinet frames into the holes and tighten. Remove the G-clamps. Continue fastening the remaining cabinets together in the same way.
13. Tighten all the screws When all wall cabinets have been mounted and aligned, tighten all screws into the wall. Finally, remove the wall strip – you’ll need it again when mounting the base cabinets.
Tip: If you will be installing a high cabinet, don’t make final adjustments or fully tighten the screws until after the cabinet is installed. It’s easier to see if everything is level and fits correctly when the cabinet is standing.
Tip: Before installing the fan cabinet saw a hole for the fan and fan duct. Instructions are enclosed with the fan. If you’re installing a fan over a gas hob, you must follow special regulations. These may differ from country to country. Before you start, find out what regulations apply in your country.
You’ve completed this step! And the wall cabinets are in place.
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