New cabinets can make a dramatic difference in the look and feel of a kitchen. Although installing kitchen cabinets does not require professional skills, it does take an eye for precision. With the modular kitchen cabinets now available for purchase from many sources, "Do-It-Yourself" installation is easier than ever. This can be a big job, and to do it and get it right, you may want to get help from a friend. Take a bit of care to line things up correctly, and you can proceed with confidence.

In order for cabinets to work properly and look right, they must be installed level, plumb, and flush with each other. Below I will step you through the steps necessary to install your own cabinets enabling you to feel proud of your accomplishment and saving you a ton of money.

1. Make your decision to replace the entire cabinets. If your existing cabinets fit your space well enough and you just want to freshen up the look of your kitchen, don't rule out refinishing or refacing. Both of these options are likely to be less costly than replacing the entire cabinets.
2. Carefully measure and plan your space. If you are replacing existing cabinets, you may want to use them as a pattern, or you may prefer to create a new layout to better suit your purposes.
3. Obtain all your materials and supplies for the project. Make a list. Don't forget screws to screw the cabinets to the walls and shims with which to level the cabinets.
4. First you must remove your old cabinets. Be sure to turn off all electrical breakers and shut off all water valves in the kitchen. Once that is done start removing the old cabinets and cap off water pipes and electrical wires.
5. Remember to always keep your work space clean to prevent accidents. Once the area is clear of all unwanted items use a level and draw a line across the wall parallel to the floor about 3 inches up from the floor. At this point you want to find the high point in the floor and from there measure 34 1/2 inches and draw a level line across the wall to determine where the top of the cabinet base will be.
6. From your 34 1/2-inch line, measure up another 19 1/2 inches and mark a level line across the wall to determine the bottom of the wall cabinets.
7. At this point locate the wall studs, then, mark their locations above and at least 5-6 inches below the mark you've made for the bottom of the wall cabinets. Draw some vertical guide lines on the wall between the two horizontal lines to give you guidance when attaching the cabinets. Be sure to place those vertical lines in the center of each stud.
8. To provide a ledge to support your cabinets fasten a temporary 2-by-4 support rail to the wall, aligning the top edge of the 2-by-4 with the line for the bottom edge of the wall cabinets.
9. Install the corner wall cabinet first. Always drill pilot holes to prevent splitting through the cabinet framing support rail and into the wall studs. Do not use nails but instead screw the cabinet to the wall using two to three screws that are long enough to penetrate the studs by at least 1 1/2 inches. During this phase make sure that the cabinet is level and plumb and to adjust the position, back off the screws, and add shims behind the cabinet at stud locations as needed.
10. Next install the adjacent cabinets. Secure each cabinet to its neighbor with a clamp and check it for plumb. Once you have the cabinets aligned properly use screws to attach them together, be sure not to use the shelf-peg holes that you will need for shelves later.
11. Once all the wall cabinets are in place, install the corner and/or end base cabinet. When necessary, use shims to level it and raise it up to the high point of the floor. Once level from front to back and from side to side screw it to the wall studs.
12. Finally place screws through the cabinet back and shims where used into the wall studs. Always trim all excess material from the shims with a sharp utility knife.

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