How to Hang Wall Cabinets

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Wall cabinets come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are used to store and/or display objects. Wall cabinets are generally very heavy and, additionally, they often support a lot of weight. For this reason, it is imperative to hang wall cabinets correctly, using builder-standard methods. You do not need to be a contractor, builder or handyman to install wall cabinets, but you do need to be able to follow instructions. If you are committed to installing your own wall-mounted cabinets, gather your materials, be prepared to do a certain amount of lifting and follow these steps for hanging wall cabinets.

Steps

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    A standard, to-scale floor plan drawing will suffice for plotting out exactly where you want to install wall cabinets.
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    If your floor is not level, measure from the highest point of the floor.
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    Use a level to ensure a straight and level line for hanging wall cabinets.
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    Mark the stud locations along the horizontal hanging line.
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    The ledger board will support your cabinets during installation. Screw the ledger board into the wall at the stud locations.
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    This will ensure the lightest possible load while you hang wall cabinets.
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    Use clamps to adjoin side-by-side vertical cabinet walls. Once they are clamped together, make sure the cabinet faces are flush.
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    Pre-drill then screw the adjoining cabinets together in 4 places � 2 on the top and 2 on the bottom, on the far right and far left sides.
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    Check that they are level and plumb before moving on to the next step.
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    Be sure to screw through the thick framing along the top of the cabinets.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I hang cabinets on wood mounted to a 2 x 4?
    Community Answer
    Of course you can, but note that your cabinets will be 1 1/2" (actual thickness of a 2x4) away from the wall. If you're not worried about that, hang away.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 3
  • Question
    What if there is a cold air duct behind the wall when installing wall cabinets?
    Community Answer
    Try moving the cabinets to another location. If that is not an option, try making a little square for the vent to fit through and make sure there is a gap for the air to get out so you do not waste air. If that doesn't work, proceed to just getting a technician to seal it and move it to a different area.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 1
  • Question
    Are 2 screws enough to secure the top cabinet to the wall?
    Community Answer
    More screws are better for safety. Longer screws are better (think 2 1/2 inch). Heavier screws are better (think 10 or 12 gauge). Shorter screws (think 2 inch) for smaller cabinets that won't hold much weight (think 20 pounds). Two screws isn't enough for large cabinets that'll hold lots of weight. After all, how much do you want to worry about the cabinet coming off the wall with someone under it?
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Tips

      • Pay attention to the location of your electrical wiring and plumbing when deciding where to nail.
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      • If you plan on installing flooring after hanging wall cabinets, be sure to include the thickness of the flooring in the measurement for your horizontal hanging line.
        Thanks
      • Use shims, if needed, to make cabinets plumb and level before securing them to the wall.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Tape measure
      • Pencil
      • Stud finder
      • Drill
      • Screws
      • Level
      • Shims
      • Ledger board
      • Clamps

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      References

      1. https://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infcabinets/cabinet_class.html

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