How to design a kitchen

Step by step

1. Check corners for right angles using the
3-4-5 method. In this case 1200mm
(3 x 400), 1600mm (4 x 400) and 2000mm (5 x 400). Check the walls for plumb (vertical) and mark a horizontal line at floor cabinet height (870mm in our case) on the stud wall.

3. Position bases and level them using
packers. If packers are more than 15mm
thick overall (because the floor is very uneven) you may need to plane or belt-sand the bases where the floor is highest. Screw fix the base back rail to masonry walls using green plugs and 50mm x 8g screws. Getting the bases level and straight is most important, so take time and care with this step.

5. Lift the unit into place and adjust for out-of-true corners or walls (we did this by attaching an extra cabinet to the corner pantry before fixing it to wall). Pack behind if necessary, then fix with 60mm x 8g screws for stud walls or 50mm x 8g screws and green plugs for masonry walls.

2. Locate the studs by tapping the wall
(or use a stud finder). Drill holes below
the line to find the stud’s centre, then
mark plumb lines using a spirit level.

4. Mark the stud positions on the inside
of the cabinet back and drill 5mm
diameter holes for fixing it to the wall.

6. Fix end panels where floor and overhead
cabinets attach to full height cabinets. Pre-drill 5mm holes through the cabinet ends, then clamp panel to cabinet and fix together using 28mm x 8g screws. The panel should finish 19mm forward of the front edge (or to suit the door) of the cabinet to allow for the door thickness. The panel may need scribing to the wall and/or floor if it’s oversize.