How to Install a High IKEA Kitchen Cabinet BY YOURSELF

Do not let the idea of assembling a high pantry cabinet all by yourself overwhelm you!

With a few practical tips and tricks, you can quickly and confidently install these kitchen cabinets yourself — even if the instructions say you need two people to do it.

Since I work alone, I often have to figure out workarounds and solutions for tasks that typically take multiple people.

So, I will share some tips for safely and efficiently installing the IKEA kitchen high pantry cabinet when you do not have anyone to help you. These tips will empower anybody to elevate their kitchen storage space.

You can watch the full video below or keep reading to learn more.

Play Video

Step One: Unpacking and Assembly of High Cabinets

The unpacking and assembly of the IKEA high pantry cabinets is for most part the same process as with any other SEKTION cabinet. If you have watched my videos or read my other blogs, you are familiar with this step already.

Open the box, double-checking that you have all the parts, and start assembling from the top down.

First, put all the twist locks and wooden pegs in the appropriate holes.

Next, move all the pieces aside to lay out the two large gables or sides of the cabinet. Orient the gables opposite each other, with the groove for the back panel on the outsides.

Once you have the panels opposite each other, put in the peg bolts that are used to hold the cabinet together.

One tip to make things easier for one person assembling this cabinet is to orient the bottom of the cabinet as close as possible to where you plan to install the cabinet. That way, once everything is assembled, you can simply lift the cabinet upright rather than needing to carry it across the floor.

Next, install the small metal pegs where the integrated shelf will go. Consult your layout plan. You want to have this shelf positioned where two doors or a door and a drawer front meets.

Then, mount the cabinet’s top and bottom, following standard procedure. Insert the back of the cabinet into the groove, ensuring the white side is facing inwards.

Now comes the most challenging part if you are just one person doing a kitchen install: assembling the final gable.

I recommend getting down on your knees and picking up the final gable. Focus on aligning just one peg at a time, and they should fall into place. As you do this, be sure not to drop the other side of the gable.

Once the pegs are in on one side, Once the one side/end is in place, ensure the other side is aligned.

Next, put in the integrated shelf for the cabinet. You want to wait to install the regular shelves, but this step is critical for ensuring the cabinet stays together as you lift.

To ensure the cabinet is securely assembled, put nails into the back of the cabinet as we do with any other cabinet.

Finally, install all four leg bases into the bottom of the cabinet. This step is much easier to do when the cabinet is on its side rather than after it is hung on the rail.

Once the bases are installed, stand the cabinet upright and mark a line on the back of the cabinet where your shelf/shelves are and put nails into the back there as well. Before you nail it, make sure to give the shelf a few good whacks so it is seated on the metal pegs where it needs to be.

Step Two: Hanging and Installing the High Pantry Cabinet with Just One Person

Move the cabinet near where you want to hang it. Carefully walk the cabinet over so you don’t damage the floor. If you have a finished floor, I recommend putting down cardboard as protection.

When you are ready to hang the cabinet, bend your knees and lift with your legs. Focus on getting one bracket up on the rail at first, then the other.

Once the cabinet is securely on the rails, the final step is installing the legs. This step should be easy since the bases are already in. Twist the legs to adjust their heights, and use a level to help you make appropriate adjustments until the cabinet is plumb.

That is it. You did it, again.

PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS​​

Please read before proceeding: Disclosure.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

I take pride in promoting the tools and products featured on this website. If you choose to click on a link and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

It’s important to note that my recommendations are solely based on my personal experience with each tool or product. I genuinely find them helpful and valuable, and the commission is not the driving factor behind my endorsement.

I have tried and tested every single tool I recommend – no exceptions.

I encourage you to only invest in these tools or products if you genuinely believe they will contribute to your goal attainment.

Still going strong

I bought one of these when I started my business more than five years ago, and it is still going strong after more than 250 kitchens.

Unbelievable quality. I use it to assemble all cabinets and drawers, and the Gyro feature is excellent. There’s only one button to press. The twist of your hand controls the rotational direction. 

Very clever.  I love it.

Link to item.

No, it is not a Philips bit

Contrary to what it looks like to the less experienced DIY’er, it is not a Philips bit.

For most, if not all, Ikea uses screws with a Pozidrive head.

PZ2 is the size and you will enjoy using it instead of the more famous PH2.

Link to item.

Less is more.

True story. The only task for which I use my hammer when assembling Ikea kitchen cabinets is to put in all the nails on the back. That is it. Nothing else. And for that, we don’t need a big hammer.

This 8 oz hammer is perfect for the job.

I have seen sledgehammers and axes used for this, but what are we? Professionals, right?

Link to item.

4 Comments

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *