DIY - Ikea Kitchen Installation

IKEA is very much focused on DIY projects, as their core business model revolves around selling furniture that customers assemble themselves at home, making them a prominent company in the DIY market; their products are designed to be easy to put together with readily available instructions.
Many factors are involved when it come to install IKEA kitchen on your own.
If you have any knowledge about installation or IKEA products or if you have someone with this background to help you out the process will be smother.
We've tried to boil it down to a few steps to help you on that journey.
IKEA provides an installation guide on its website, it's available for download or print https://www.ikea.com/us/en/files/pdf/a3/20/a320d9f2/installation_guide-aug18.pdf
It's good material, but we also thought we'd add some more information to make your life easier.
This article is about installing your kitchen yourself, but before you get to the point of installing it, you'd have already gone through the process of measuring the room and kitchen design.
We strongly recommend that these steps be done by a professional, as the room measurement needs to be accurate, as does the design. If the measurement is done incorrectly, it will negatively affect the entire project.
The room measurements must be in accordance with the kitchen plans drawn up by you or your kitchen designer.
We will explore this topic in another post with tips for a perfect kitchen measuring.
A good plan starts with accurate measurements. Make sure your kitchen space was carefully measured. It is crucial to get accurate measurements. This will lay the foundation for your entire kitchen planning.
You can see IKEA's measurement guide below:

Ikea offers those services, you can find more information at this link
These processes should lead you to something like this:

Tip #1 - Make sure you received all the items you purchased. Do the inventory.
With this simple action you will avoid a lot of headaches in the future if an item is missing or the wrong item has been sent to your address, or even if you have an item with damage.
Imagine this situation, you have assembled all the frames (Ikea section cabinet) and you are trying to hang the cabinet, for more than two hours, on the wall and it does not fit in the space, it is because you got a base cabinet 30x24x30 instead of a 24x24x30 as indicated in your kitchen package plan.
This is enough to stall your project as you will have to disassemble the cabinet, return to IKEA and wait to receive the correct cabinet.
Therefore, to avoid this, we recommend that you check that you have received the right items and that they are not damaged.
Tip #2 - Room Preparation
The first thing that needs to be done when remodeling an old kitchen is taking out all of the existent cabinets, make sure the plumbing is disconnected and electricity is turned off. Wear safety helmet, glasses and hand glove. Remember: Safety first!
All HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems need to be configured and prepared, its .
We are assuming that you are not changing the way your space is laid out.
If you are switching up the location of appliances, gas, plumbing, outlets, or expanding your space, you should be guided by a general contractor, you might need more electrical boxes to comply with code, among other things.
#2.1 Mark the wall: Use a pencil and your kitchen plan to mark where the cabinets will go.
Mark the reference lines for the upper and base cabinets.
Mark the bottom of the wall cabinets Draw a level line 19.5 inches above the top line of the base cabinets. This measurement allows for a 1.5-inch-thick countertop and 18 inches of space between the cabinets and countertops.Â
Mark the studs in the wall and mark them with painter's tape. You can also duplicate the stud marks on the back of the cabinet. We talk more about that below.
Measure and mark the location of each cabinet box on the wall.Â
Label the cabinets, the doors, drawers, and bases of the cabinets so you know what matches when you assemble them.Â
Make sure wall sockets are accessible for appliances and aren't covered by cabinets.Â
If you're installing both upper and lower cabinets, leave enough space between them for appliances and countertops.Â

#2.2 Check the level of the walls and floors in the room. Make sure your walls and floor are even, if not you will have to use shims against the wall to install the rail.

#2.3 Find the wall studs, even though IKEA instructions says you can install the rail on the wall we highly recommend you install it on the STUD.
You can get a stud finder for $19.98 at Lowe's, but if you're not willing to invest in one here are some ways to find a stud in a wall without a stud finder:Â
Tap the wall
Gently tap the wall with your finger or a hammer, moving left to right. A solid sound indicates you're on a stud, while a hollow sound means you're between studs.Â
Find an electrical outlet or switch
Electrical boxes are usually attached to studs, so look for the nearest outlet or switch.Â
Look for dimples
Dimples in the wall can indicate where drywall is attached to a stud, especially in plaster walls.Â
Use a magnet
A neodymium magnet can help locate steel screws.Â
Once you've found a stud, you can measure 16 inches to find the next one.
Tip #3 - Install the rail
Installing the rail, you can skip the lines below and jump to this DIY IKEA rail installation video.
Make sure your suspension rail is straight and level, check and double check it.
Your cabinets can be hung straight onto a suspension rail which makes installation and adjusting simpler.
It's crucial to check that your suspension rail is level and straight, and to fasten it to your wall using the appropriate kind of screw.

Tip #4 - Use the correct screws
Always use the correct screws as indicated in the IKEA manual, especially when installing the rails. Each IKEA screw is designed to hold the pieces together and support the weight of the cabinets they were made for.
If you use the wrong screw, your cabinets will not be secure enough.
Tip #5 Assembly of cabinets
Each package comes with an assembly instruction manual that you must follow step by step.
Make sure the check if the frame was built correctly in a 90º angle, use tape measure to check it is squared up.

In this video below we show how to build a base cabinet.
Browse our youtube channel, you will find many DIY videos like building corner cabinet, Lazy Susan, wall cabinets, Toe-kick, cabinet leg, etc.
Tip #6 Follow the installation plan for your kitchen
Following a kitchen blueprint during installation is essential as it guarantees that appliances, cabinets, and plumbing are positioned accurately. This alignment enhances efficiency, reduces waste, and creates a functional kitchen layout that improves workflow, safety, and overall usability.
It guarantees the kitchen is built according to the intended design and functions as planned.
After all this work, you don't want to end up with cabinets that are out of the layout, or with a door that doesn't wide open because the cabinet was installed too close to the wall.
Tip #7 Use the right tools for installation
In the hope of have a professional looking installation you need to have the right tools, I'm not saying professional tools, but rather the right equipment that will bring a clean and well finished look to your kitchen cabinets. You can use a handsaw to cut the panels and fillers, but you're more likely to get a sloppy finish.
So as to have a perfect cutout in the sink cabinet for pipes, for example, you'll need a jigsaw and/or a hole saw. To cut panels to install roofing panels, filler etc, you'll have more success if you use a circular saw or a handsaw for example.

Tip #8 Get someone to help you with the installation
Preferably someone who knows or has knowledge of carpentry. Someone who knows how to at least use the tools mentioned above.
Putting in your own kitchen cabinets can save you a lot of money since you won't have to pay for labor. It also lets you have more say in how everything looks and goes together, plus you get to pick up a new skill along the way. Customizing the cabinets can even boost your home's value!
Just keep in mind that it does take some skill, time, and careful planning to make sure it turns out looking professional.
IF YOU ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE INSTALLATION PROCESS, DON'T HESITATE TO CALL A PROFESSIONAL.
Hiring a professional to install kitchen cabinets can save you time, money, and stress. Professionals have the knowledge, know-how, and equipment necessary to guarantee that your cabinets are installed effectively, safely, and correctly:
Prevent expensive mistake.
Experts can assist you in avoiding costly mistakes that may occur during do-it-yourself projects.
Make sure the installation is done correctly.
To guarantee that your cabinets are securely fastened and sealed, professionals use the appropriate tools and techniques. This can help keep your cabinet doors and walls from getting damaged.
Safely handle heavy objects.
Uneven walls and floors are not a problem.
Professionals can work around uneven walls and angles and ensure a perfect fit.
Apply precise finishing touches.
Long-term cost savings
You can prevent unforeseen costs from DIY projects by hiring a professional.
Boost the value and appeal of your house
Expert cabinet installation can increase the market value of your house and improve the appearance of your kitchen.
Would you venture into installing an IKEA kitchen cabinet yourself? or if you have already installed one, share your thoughts or opinions in the comments section below.
If you want our help installing your kitchen Click Here!
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