How to Install Cabinets: A Step-by-Step Visual Guide for Homeowners

Hey guys — Sam here with Arden Cabinets, and today I’m walking you through one of the most common questions I get from homeowners:

“How hard is it to install cabinets by yourself?”

Good news — with the right tools, a bit of patience, and a plan, installing Custom Cabinets Sacramento is a project you can do yourself. Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen, bathroom, or storage space, Custom Cabinets Sacramento can instantly transform your home with style, functionality, and durability. In this guide, I’ll show you the exact process we use in the field to install Custom Cabinets Sacramento, broken down into six simple steps. By following these steps, you’ll learn the same methods professional installers use to make Custom Cabinets Sacramento fit perfectly, look stunning, and last for years.

We’ve also included a video walkthrough so you can follow along visually 🎥. Let’s get into it!

🧰 Tools & Materials You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll want to have ready before starting:

🔧 Essential Tools

• Tape measure & pencil

• 2–4 ft level

• Stud finder

• Power drill + bits

• Screwdriver (manual or electric)

• Hole saw (for plumbing cutouts)

• Oscillating multi-tool (for trims/notching)

• Wood shims

• Clamps

• Cabinet screws

Tip: Lay everything out beforehand so you’re not scrambling mid-project.

Step 1: Mark Your Layout

Step 1: Mark Layout

Grab your pencil and level — this step sets the tone for everything else.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Draw a level horizontal line on the wall for the tops and bottoms of your wall/base cabinets

• Use a stud finder to locate and mark all stud locations

• Double-check for uneven floors or walls

⚠️ Pro Tip: Walls are rarely perfectly flat. Take the time to level and mark everything carefully.

Step 2: Prep Your Cabinets

Step 2: Prep Cabinets

Before you even think about lifting anything:

• Remove all doors, drawers, and hardware

• Label and set them aside safely

• If there’s plumbing or electrical, use a hole saw or multi-tool to cut out back panel sections

• Double-check overlay measurements so you’re not cutting in the wrong place

🔧 This step lightens the cabinets and prevents damage during handling.

Step 3: Set the Base Cabinets in Place

Step 3: Set the Base Cabinets

Now it’s time to bring your base cabinets into position.

• Place each cabinet according to your wall layout

• Use a level to check side to side, front to back, and corner to corner

• Shim under the base if needed to make everything perfectly level

• Once level, drill through the back rail into studs to secure it

⚠️ Even a 1/8" slope can cause issues when it’s time to install countertops. Take your time here!

📝 In typical installs, we do wall cabinets first to avoid leaning over the base units. But in this job, we started with base cabinets while waiting on countertops.

Step 4: Connect Cabinets Together

Step 4: Connect the Cabinets

When installing multiple cabinets, it’s crucial they appear seamless and uniform.

• Clamp adjoining cabinets together at the face frames

• Drill pilot holes through one frame into the next

• Use cabinet screws to fasten securely

• Use a long level across the front faces to check for dips or high spots

• Shim behind as needed to align everything flush with the wall

This is where your install really starts looking professional — no gaps, no uneven seams.

Step 5: Install the Wall Cabinets

Step 5: Install the Wall Cabinets

Wall cabinets can be heavy, so have a helper or use a temporary ledger board.

• Mark the bottom line for your wall cabinet on the wall

• With help, lift and align the cabinet to your marks

• Drive screws into the marked studs through the back rail

• Repeat for adjacent cabinets

• Clamp and fasten adjoining wall cabinets just like you did with the base units

• Shim where needed for consistent face alignment

📌 Be careful not to overtighten and strip the screws in drywall or wood.

Step 6: Reattach Doors & Make Adjustments

Step 5: Reattach Doors

With all cabinets installed, it’s time to finish up:

• Reattach doors and drawers

• Adjust hinges to align doors vertically and horizontally

• Check that drawers slide smoothly and aren’t rubbing

• Make minor tweaks to hardware, knobs, and alignment

🔍 Stand back and look at the full install. Everything should feel solid, straight, and smooth.

DIY Cabinet Install: Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

• Saves big on labor — You could easily save $1,000+

• You’re in control — Set your pace, make your own design tweaks

• Learn a lifelong skill — You’ll gain confidence for future DIY projects

❌ Cons:

• It takes time — Especially if you’re new to tools or carpentry

• Precision matters — Small errors can affect the final look

• Heavy lifting — Wall cabinets especially can be a two-person job

• You’ll need specialized tools — Like a hole saw, level, and clamps

Final Thoughts

Installing cabinets might seem intimidating at first — but if you can measure carefully, follow steps, and have a little patience, you can absolutely do it yourself.

It’s one of the most rewarding DIY projects because the results are instantly impactful. Whether you’re updating a kitchen, laundry, or bathroom, this six-step process will give you a clean, professional finish.

Want to see the whole install process in action?

Watch our step-by-step cabinet installation video below!

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