How to Hang Wall Cabinets

Last Updated: May 25, 2020

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

1
Plan your space. A standard, to-scale floor plan drawing will suffice for plotting out exactly where you want to install wall cabinets.
2
Determine if your floor is level.

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3
Measure and make a mark 54 inches (137 cm) from the floor. If your floor is not level, measure from the highest point of the floor.
4
Draw a horizontal line at your mark. Use a level to ensure a straight and level line for hanging wall cabinets.
5
Find the wall studs using a stud finder. Mark the stud locations along the horizontal hanging line.
6
Secure ledger board along the hanging line. The ledger board will support your cabinets during installation. Screw the ledger board into the wall at the stud locations.
7
Remove all doors, handles and knobs from the cabinets. This will ensure the lightest possible load while you hang wall cabinets.
8
Clamp together as many cabinets as you can safely lift. Use clamps to adjoin side-by-side vertical cabinet walls. Once they are clamped together, make sure the cabinet faces are flush.
9
Connect the cabinets. 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.
10
Lift the cabinets and rest them on the ledger board in their designated place. Check that they are level and plumb before moving on to the next step.
11
Pre-drill then screw the cabinets into the wall studs. Be sure to screw through the thick framing along the top of the cabinets.
12
Check for plumb and level after hanging wall cabinets and before moving on to hanging the next set of cabinets.
13
Repeat this process for each cabinet until all wall cabinets are hung.
14
Remove the ledger board.
15
Replace all the cabinet doors and hardware after you completely install wall cabinets.

Community Q&A

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.
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.
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?