You will need a long spirit level, a drill, screwdrivers, cable detector, a saw, a tape measure, clamps and a jigsaw.
If you’ve ordered your cabinets from DIY Kitchens, you will have specified whether the cabinet is dry assembled or glued. If it’s dry assembled you’ll need to fix it before it’s ready to install.
Mark the position of all the electric cables inside the walls and avoid screwing through them at all costs!
Always fit the largest, tallest floor cabinet first, as the height of this will set the height required for the other wall units.
Base units
Assuming the larder or oven housing unit has been placed in position it is time to fit the base units.
Draw a line around the room at the height the base units need to be. Use a spirit level to ensure this is completely level all the way round.
It may be necessary to cut through the back of the units to accommodate pipework, cables and skirting. Measure these carefully and ensure there is enough room to access the pipework behind. Nail in the back panel completely once this has been done.
- Fit the corner unit first. Adjust the legs by turning them until the desired height is reached. This will be adjusted several times as you go depending on the levelness of the floor.
- Adjust the back legs first to the line drawn on the wall, then the front using a spirit level to ensure the top is level from the wall to the edge.
- Check the plinth to ensure this will fit when the time comes to fit it.
- Once level you can fit the brackets inside the cupboard in the top corners and screw through to the wall.
- Continue round the room adjusting the levels to the unit next to the one you are fitting. Use the spirit level constantly to check all adjustments.
- Leave gaps for appliances where required.
- Now is the time to fully fit the larder unit. Use a minimum of four fixings and secure it carefully.
You will note that any end panels are wider than the cupboard housing. This is to accommodate the doors and to give a more streamlined look.
Wall units
Measure a line from the top of the larder unit around the room – keeping it level both with the base units and the top of the larder units. Assuming the base units have been fitted carefully this shouldn’t pose a problem.
- Again fit the corner cupboard first ensuring it is completely level.
- Measure the position of the wall hanging brackets by transferring the position of the bracket from the back of the unit to the wall, measuring from the line.
- Use the correct fixings for your type of wall and drill your hole in a slightly downward angle. This will give a stronger fixing. Use wall plugs for a better fit.
- Attach the hanging brackets to the wall and to the back of the unit and lift it into place. Take care it is properly secured and check it is level. It will have adjustment screws inside the cupboard for pulling it tight to the wall and for slight level adjustments.
- If your units do not have brackets then fit a batten to the wall and screw the units into this.
- Repeat around the room ensuring each cabinet is level with the previous.
- Fix the cabinets to each other using the holes pre-drilled in the cabinet walls. Plastic caps will be supplied to hide the screws.
- Leave a gap for the extractor fan.