Leveling an upper corner cabinet involves creating a stable, horizontal reference line, typically using a support ledger board, and then positioning and securing the cabinet to this line and the adjacent walls or cabinets.
Understanding Cabinet Leveling
Properly leveling cabinets is crucial for functionality and appearance. Unlevel cabinets can lead to doors that don't close correctly, shelves that tilt, and an unprofessional look. Corner cabinets, being anchoring points, require careful attention to ensure subsequent cabinets align properly.
Preparing for Installation
Before installing and leveling your upper corner cabinet, ensure you have the necessary tools and the wall is prepared. This includes locating wall studs and marking cabinet placement lines.
Essential Tools
- Level (preferably a long one, like 4ft)
- Measuring tape
- Drill/Driver
- Cabinet screws
- Wood shims
- Stud finder
- Pencil
- Safety glasses
Steps to Level an Upper Corner Cabinet
A common method involves installing a temporary support ledger on the wall. This provides a resting point for the cabinet, making the process easier and ensuring the back of the cabinet is level.
- Install a Support Ledger: Use a level to draw a perfectly horizontal line on the wall where the bottom of your upper cabinets will sit. Install a temporary support board (like a 1x4 piece of lumber) along this line, screwing it into wall studs. This board acts as a shelf to hold the cabinet during installation.
- Position the Cabinet: Carefully lift the corner cabinet and set it on the support ledger. As demonstrated in the reference, "Pull your cabinet out. Bring. It up to the top of the 1 by 4". The back of the cabinet should rest on the ledger.
- Secure the Back: Once the cabinet is resting on the ledger, "screw through the back of the cabinet into the 1 by 4." This secures the bottom back of the cabinet to the level support board, automatically leveling that section. Use cabinet screws long enough to go through the cabinet back and into the ledger.
- Level Sides and Front: With the back secured, use your level to check the front face of the cabinet and its sides. If the cabinet is not plumb (vertically level) or the front isn't perfectly horizontal, insert shims behind the cabinet sides where they meet the wall or adjacent cabinets.
- Secure Cabinet to Wall/Adjacent Cabinets: Once the cabinet is level and plumb, secure it permanently. Drive screws through the mounting strips at the top and bottom back of the cabinet into wall studs. If installing next to another cabinet, clamp the two cabinets together and screw through the face frames to join them.
Using Shims
Shims are thin, tapered pieces of wood or plastic used to fill gaps behind the cabinet sides or mounting strips where the wall is uneven. Insert shims until the cabinet is plumb and level, then break off the excess shim material flush with the cabinet edge before driving screws.
Tips for Success
- Always use a level to double-check your work at every step.
- Ensure the support ledger is perfectly level before installing the cabinet.
- Don't overtighten screws, which can warp the cabinet frame.
- For heavy cabinets, it's helpful to have an assistant.
By following these steps, including using a support ledger as described in the reference, you can effectively level and install your upper corner cabinet, providing a solid foundation for the rest of your upper cabinet run.
