Laundry Room Cabinets: Easy Installation Guide

how to install laundry room cabinets

Installing laundry room cabinets is a great way to add storage space and improve the functionality of your laundry area. Whether you have a small laundry closet or a spacious room, cabinets can provide a sleek and organised look while also boosting the room's overall aesthetic. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of installing laundry room cabinets, from planning to execution, ensuring that you achieve the best results for your space.

Characteristics Values
Tools Laser level or regular level, straight board, electric drill, 2.5-inch cabinet screws, filler bar, shelving material, shelf braces or floating shelf brackets, miter saw, paintable caulk
Planning Locate wall studs, plan out cabinets with at least two studs for support on each cabinet, make a reference line for the bottom of the cabinet, mark stud locations, consider the position of electrical lines and plumbing
Installation Use a ledger board, remove cabinet doors, pre-drill holes in the cabinet, fill gaps with a filler bar, mount the cabinets, reattach doors and hardware, remove ledger board
Additional Considerations Cabinets should be hung around 54 inches from the floor, crown molding can be added for a finished look, consider purchasing stock cabinets from home improvement stores

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Finding the right cabinets

The best material for laundry room cabinets is natural hardwood, which is more durable and can withstand the high moisture levels found in laundry rooms. If you're looking for something more affordable, plywood is your next best option.

When choosing the right cabinets for your laundry room, it's important to consider the size and layout of your space, as well as the specific needs of your family. If you have a small laundry room, you might want to opt for closed wall cabinets to house detergents and supplies. On the other hand, if you have a large space, you can install wardrobe-style cabinets or even kitchen cabinets with extra features like built-in drying racks or rods.

  • Flat-front European-style cabinetry for a clean-lined, contemporary look.
  • Glossy black cabinetry with gold hardware for a sophisticated feel.
  • Natural wood corner cabinets to maximise storage space.
  • Cabinets with a built-in ironing board or drying rack.
  • Stacked washer-dryer cabinets with a countertop for folding clothes and an upper cabinet for storage.
  • Wall-to-wall cabinetry with a mix of closed Shaker cabinets, glass-front cabinets, open shelving, and a drying rod.
  • Two-tone floor-to-ceiling cabinets to maximise storage in a long and narrow laundry room.
  • Wrap-around lower cabinetry and drawers to fulfil all your laundry room storage needs.
  • Open and closed storage with a mix of shelves, slots, and cabinet doors for customised storage options.
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Preparing the wall

Before installing your laundry room cabinets, you will need to prepare the wall. Start by locating the wall studs using a stud finder. Mark the locations of the studs on the wall with a pencil or painter's tape. You will also need to measure the height and width of the cabinets and mark their placement on the wall. Try to have at least two studs to support the weight of the cabinets.

Next, use a level to draw a horizontal line across the wall where the bottom of the cabinets will sit. Mark the studs above and below this line so you don't cover your marks when hanging the cabinets. Also, mark the top of where the cabinets will likely end. Check to make sure that the wall is plumb and shim if necessary.

If you plan to use a ledger board, nail or screw a straight board into the studs under the level line you drew. The ledger board will support the cabinet while you screw it into the wall.

If you are installing multiple cabinets, you can attach them together before putting them up on the wall. This makes it easier to line them up, especially if you need to shim. However, only attach as many cabinets as you can safely support.

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Preparing the cabinets

Before you begin the installation process, there are several steps you should take to prepare your cabinets. Firstly, decide whether you want to remove the cabinet doors for easier installation. Removing the doors can reduce the weight of the cabinet, making it easier to handle during the installation process. If you choose to remove the doors, be sure to set them aside safely to avoid damage.

Next, you should use a stud finder to locate the wall studs. The studs are crucial for properly supporting the weight of the cabinets. Try to plan out the cabinet placement so that there are at least two studs available to bear the weight of each cabinet. If you are installing multiple cabinets, you can attach them together before putting them up on the wall. This makes lining them up easier. However, only attach as many cabinets together as you can safely support.

Once you have located the studs and planned the cabinet placement, mark the stud locations on the wall. You can use a pencil to mark the wall, or use painter's tape if you prefer to avoid making marks on the wall surface. Additionally, mark the desired height and width of the cabinets on the wall. Use a level to draw a horizontal line across the wall, indicating where the bottom of the cabinets will sit. This line will serve as a reference point during the installation process.

At this stage, you should also prepare the cabinets for hanging. Pre-drill holes in the cabinets for the screws that will be used to hang them. Pre-drilling the holes helps to prevent the wood from splitting during installation. It is important to note that you only need to pre-drill holes in the cabinets themselves and not in the walls.

If you are installing cabinets above a washer and dryer, it is recommended to place heavy blankets on top of the appliances before proceeding. This will provide a stable surface and protect the appliances during the installation process.

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Filling gaps

First, assess if there are any gaps between the wall and the last cabinet. If there are noticeable spaces, you can use a filler bar or filler strip to close the gap and create a seamless finish. Filler bars are typically narrow, rectangular pieces of wood or similar material that can be cut to size.

Before securing the final cabinet in place, carefully measure the gap between the wall and the cabinet. Use a measuring tape or a ruler to determine the width and height of the gap. It is crucial to be accurate in your measurements to ensure a precise fit.

Next, using a pencil or a marker, make clear and precise marks on the filler bar or strip to indicate where you need to cut. A handsaw, jigsaw, or circular saw can be used to cut the filler to the required size. If you are using a handsaw, ensure the blade is suitable for the material you are cutting. Clamp the filler securely to your workbench or a stable surface when cutting to ensure straight and safe cutting.

Once you have cut the filler to size, it is time to secure it in place. Position the filler bar or strip against the wall, flush with the front of the cabinets. You can use a few clamps to hold it in place temporarily. From the inside of the cabinet, use a nail gun or a drill with appropriate screws to fasten the filler securely. Ensure that the filler is firmly attached and unable to move.

If you prefer a more concealed finish, you can opt to add the filler after installing the cabinets. In this case, measure, cut, and secure the filler to the side of the last cabinet before fixing it to the wall. This method may require more precise cutting to ensure the filler fits perfectly between the cabinet and the wall.

For a seamless look, consider using a filler with the same finish as your cabinets. Many home improvement stores sell fillers that match the colour and style of stock cabinets. Alternatively, you can use a solid piece of matching wood and paint it to blend in with your cabinets.

By following these steps, you can effectively fill gaps when installing laundry room cabinets, creating a polished and professional look for your space.

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Mounting the cabinets

Now that you've found the studs in the wall, marked their locations, and prepared the wall and the cabinets, it's time to mount the cabinets. If you're installing multiple cabinets, attach them to each other before putting them up on the wall. This will make it easier to line them up, especially if you need to use shims. However, only attach as many cabinets together as you can comfortably support.

If you're working with a partner, have them hold the first cabinet on the wall while you check that it's level. You can use a bubble level or a laser level for this. Once you're sure the cabinet is level, use screws to attach the cabinet to the wall at the studs. Drive the screws through the back of the cabinet and into the studs. Use at least two screws for each stud, and consider using cabinet screws to prevent the wood from splitting.

If you're installing the cabinets alone, a ledger board can be very helpful. First, nail or screw a straight board into the studs at the height of the bottom of the cabinet. This creates a temporary shelf for the cabinet to rest on while you work. Place the cabinet on the ledger board and check that it's level. Then, drive screws through the cabinet and into the studs as described above.

If you're mounting the cabinets above a washer and dryer, you can use them as a work surface. Place heavy blankets on top of the appliances to protect them, then lift the cabinet and slide it into place on top of them. Drive one screw through the top rail of the cabinet into a stud at a 15-degree angle. Use a cordless screw gun and 3-inch screws for this. Then, drive additional screws through the top rail into each vertical stud. Finally, drive two more screws through the back of the cabinet into each stud: one centred, and the other 1 inch up from the bottom of the cabinet.

Once all the cabinets are mounted, reattach the doors and any hardware. If you used a ledger board, remove it now, and patch and paint the wall if necessary.

Frequently asked questions

You will need a laser level or a regular level, a straight board to use as a ledger, an electric drill, 2.5-inch cabinet screws, a filler bar, shelving material, shelf braces or floating shelf brackets, and a miter saw or circular saw.

Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs and mark their locations. Measure the height and width of the cabinets and mark their placement on the wall. Draw a horizontal line across the wall where the bottom of the cabinet will sit.

Screw the cabinets together before attaching them to the wall. Remove the cabinet doors if desired and pre-drill holes for hanging to prevent wood splitting.

Use a filler bar to close the gap. Before securing the last cabinet, measure, mark, cut, and secure this piece to the side of the cabinet.

A ledger board is a straight board that the cabinet sits on while you attach it to the wall. It is not necessary, but it makes it easier to hang a cabinet perfectly level.

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