STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
A Step-by-Step Guide to install an IKEA Kitchen
Welcome to the ultimate guide on transforming a jumbled pile of flat IKEA boxes into your dream kitchen.
In this Step-by-Step guide, I will show you precisely in which order I do what from start to finish, showcasing every essential chapter of an Ikea kitchen installation.
Looking at a big pile of 200 or more boxes can be overwhelming, but with a bit of organizing and a well-structured and proven plan, you will be surprised how fast you will have it all done.
The guide is more a When-To than a How-To Guide, as I will not explain the detailed individual tasks of each step. Instead, I will lay a path for you to follow as you navigate your installation.
I have fine-tuned the steps in this guide over the years, so now, after more than 225 Ikea kitchen installations, I feel I have created the best plan to follow when installing Ikea kitchens.
Whether you are a seasoned DIYer or embarking on your first renovation project, this Step-by-Step guide is your ultimate companion for transforming flat boxes into a fully finished IKEA kitchen.
I recommend that you start by watching the video below in its entirety before you start your installation, and when you are ready to begin, you can follow the guide as outlined below the video.
Please note that this page is a continuous work in progress, as I will update it with new How-To videos as those are being created.
From Start to Finish
For some of the steps in the guide, I have made specific videos dealing with the task at hand.
These videos can be views as you progress through the installation.
Before you begin
There are a few things you must do before you begin the installation. Sorting the boxes is one, and preparing the room is another.
The information presented on the webpage is the information I provide to my customers for which I install a kitchen, but the same can be applied to your installation.
1 - Measure the ceiling height and consult your layout plan.
This is done to determine if there are any height restrictions. If your ceiling height is more than 95″, you are most likely good to go.
2 - Assess the floor
Using a laser level to find the highest point is a great an easy way to really find out if your floor is not level.
3 - Determine and mark the position of the lower rail.
Place the laser in position for the lower rails. Start with 32 3/16″ above the floor, and check if the distance from the floor to the laser line, 24″ from the wall, varies depending on where you measure.
4 - Outline cabinet placement for lower cabinets.
And consider if there are any constraints such as alignment with uppers at the fridge, high cabinet, or stove.
5 - Locate and mark the studs for the lower rail.
Use your stud finder and mark all the studs so you know where to place the screws.
6 - Mark the position of the upper rail.
50 or 60” from the lower rail. Be sure to watch the full video about the rails. Very important.
7 - Move your laser to the position of the upper rail.
Measure from the floor or the line you made for the lower rail, depending on your ceiling height. See the video from Step 6 for a complete explanation.
8 - Outline cabinet placement for upper cabinets.
Once again, consider if there are any constraints.
9 - Locate and mark the studs for the upper rail.
10 - Plan and hang the rails.
Start with the uppers; measure 50” or 60” (depending on the height of your wall cabinets) to determine the exact position of the lower rail.
If you watched the full video on Rails, you should be an expert by now, but don’t stop there. Check these videos for a few additional helpful tips.
11 - Assemble and hang the wall cabinets.
Always start with the corner cabinet, if any. Do not screw them together yet.
If you have any cabinets with a glass door and inside spotlight, install the light before hanging the cabinet.
12 - Assemble and hang high cabinets.
Alternatively you can do that later when you start to assemble the base cabinets depending on your playout plan.
If you have any cabinets with a glass door and inside spotlight, install the light before hanging the cabinet.
13 - Run wires for under cabinet lights.
It is much easier to run the wires before screwing the cabinets together, as you can pull the wall cabinets away from the wall at the bottom one by one.
14 - Screw all the wall cabinets together.
But only where there are no panels in between, e.g. at the vent hood or fridge.
15 - Install under cabinet lights.
When all the lights have been installed, be sure to test that everything is working. Also, pair the remote control with each power supply.
16 - Start assembly of base cabinets.
When all the lights have been installed, be sure to test that everything is working. Also, pair the remote control with each power supply.
17 - Tie all lower and high cabinets together.
Always use clamps.
18 - Level base and high cabinets
Using a laser level will make you able to perform this task in a few minutes only.
19 - Level wall cabinets.
20 - Build the island
I prefer to build the island before continuing with the remainder of the work.
The first video is relevant if you have Ikea’s latest floor anchor system. I have only made a video for the single-row island, but the one for a double-row island is coming soon.
If you have the old island bracket system, the following two videos are for you.
Finally, the last video is relevant if you want a floating island, i.e. not securing it to the floor. I use the old island kit in this video, but you can find the “how to attach the back panel” in the updated “single-row” video.
NEW ISLAND KIT
OLD ISLAND KIT
HOW TO BUILD A FLOATING ISLAND
21 - Cut and install panels
22 - Cut and install any fillers
23 - Install deco strips
24 - Clean/wipe off dust inside the cabinets
25 - Install shelves in wall cabinets.
26 - Mount the power supply/supplies.
27 - Install Lazy Susan.
28 - Install all doors.
29 - Install drawers in the base and high cabinets
30 - Reinforce the long corner cabinet (26 x 47”)
31 - Install knobs and handles
32 - Install toe-kicks
33 - Install cleats/supports.
If applicable, the last thing to do is mount support for the countertop if, for example, the dishwasher is sitting next to a pantry cabinet or the big fridge panel.