Even if you are a beginner in do-it-yourself projects, you will find that installing kitchen cabinets is easier than you think. Even if you are installing the cabinets alone, you can accomplaish the task. With care, the outcome can be as fine as any professional job. Here are some tips to achieve that goal.

With kitchen cabinets designs, there are more choices than you would think. Using a support system of some type makes cabinet installation easier. You’ll want a jack or support, assuming you don't have two or three people who are willing to hold the cabinet in place for an hour or more. You can use anything from a standard car jack to specifically designed jacks. For some jobs, you can use a simple T-shaped brace which is inexpensive to make and is nothing more then a horizontal piece attached to a vertical piece. This will help in the cabinet installation especially if you are installing the cabinets by yourself.

Firmly wedge the support underneath the cabinet to support it. Beware, however, they can be subject to slipping, especially on slick floors so it is best to use several of them to securely hold the cabinet in place.  If base cabinets are already in place, use them as a benefit and use a couple of short jacks with broad resting areas to support the cabinet while you work. You could even use tall, metal stain buckets with a phone book on top, as long as it can be steady enough.

Hanging Kitchen Cabinets Securely

Next, you'll need to find studs (2 x 4 support beams) to screw the cabinets into. Never mount cabinets onto drywall or wood panels alone. Use an inexpensive stud finder to find the studs, which in most homes are 16 inches apart. Measure 16 inches down the wall and search for the other stud. Try to find the center of each stud for maximum benefit. Mark the stud locations along a line on the wall with a pencil, and pre-drill support screw holes for easier installation. Make sure to use a drill bit smaller than the diameter of the screw.

Don’t lift the cabinet into place before you pre-drill any holes needed. These holes may be needed/used for wiring, under-cabinet lighting fixtures, microwave ovens, paper-towel racks, etc. Lift the cabinet into place after making all of the necessary measurements on the wall and cabinet. Make all the necessary measurements on both the wall and the cabinet and lift the cabinet into place. Set it securely on the supports.

You'll want to put it at least 18 inches from the top of the countertop. Using 3-inch support screws, fasten the cabinet onto the studs, through the trim or corners, and if you can avoid it, not through the thin back wall. Depending on the size, type, and location of the cabinet, studs might not be possible. For extra support, take a 1-inch thick by 2-inch tall strip of wood at least a few inches wide and place it under the bottom at a stud position.

Last, screw them into place. Cabinet placement almost always requires fine adjustments after they’re hoisted, so don’t place the bottom strips first. Install any hardware needed after you screw the supports you’ve locked into position.