To connect wall cabinets together, you primarily secure them side-by-side using clamps and screws, ensuring they are properly aligned.
Connecting multiple wall cabinets creates a continuous, sturdy run that is then mounted to the wall. This process requires careful alignment and secure fastening.
Step-by-Step Guide
Connecting cabinets involves preparing the initial cabinet, positioning the next one, aligning them precisely, clamping them tightly, and finally securing them with screws.
Preparation & Positioning
Before connecting, ensure your first cabinet is securely installed and level and plumb. Shim behind the cabinet if needed to achieve perfect vertical and horizontal alignment.
- Install First Cabinet: Mount your initial wall cabinet to the wall studs according to manufacturer instructions, ensuring it is level and plumb.
- Set Second Cabinet: Set the second cabinet into position next to the first. Rest it temporarily on your ledger board or support system.
- Align Faces: Line up the faces of the two cabinets so that they're even at the bottom and across the front. This is crucial for a seamless look. Adjust the second cabinet's position and shimming as needed to match the first cabinet's alignment.
Clamping the Cabinets
Once the cabinets are perfectly aligned, you need to hold them firmly together before screwing.
- Use Clamps: Use clamps to hold the cabinets together. Cabinet clamps or bar clamps are ideal for this purpose. Place clamps across the face frames where the cabinets meet, and also potentially across the sides towards the back, applying enough pressure to close any gap between the cabinet sides. Ensure the faces remain perfectly flush.
Driving Connecting Screws
With the cabinets tightly clamped and aligned, you can drive screws to permanently join them.
- Drill Pilot Holes: To prevent splitting the wood (especially face frames), pre-drill pilot holes through the side panel or face frame of the first cabinet where you plan to insert screws, going into the second cabinet's side.
- Drive Screws: Drive screws into the back (typically meaning through the side panels or face frames where they meet, towards the rear of the cabinet depth for stability and rigidity). Cabinet connecting screws (often 2-1/2" or 3" long, with a washer head or trim head) are specifically designed for this. Use a drill to drive the screws through the pre-drilled holes in the first cabinet and into the adjacent second cabinet's side panel or face frame. Place screws strategically:
- Through the face frames (if present) near the top and bottom.
- Through the side panels near the front (if no face frame) and towards the back edge of the cabinet depth for added stability.
Aim for screws to pass through solid wood parts like stiles (vertical parts of face frames) or solid side panels.
Final Securement
After connecting all cabinets together into a single unit, ensure the entire run is securely fastened to the wall studs through the cabinet backs or hanging rails.
Essential Tools
Having the right tools makes the process smoother and ensures a professional result.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Level & Plumb | Ensuring vertical and horizontal alignment |
| Shims | Adjusting alignment |
| Clamps | Holding cabinets together for fastening |
| Drill/Driver | Driving screws |
| Drill Bits | Pre-drilling pilot holes |
| Cabinet Screws | Fastening cabinets together |
| Tape Measure | Measuring and marking |
By following these steps, you can securely connect wall cabinets to create a strong, continuous structure before final mounting to the wall.
