How to Install Wall Cabinets in Your Laundry Room

Posted October 11, 2019 by Gracie DeSantis

Adding cabinetry to a laundry room is both beneficial for resale and if you’re the homeowner. Cabinets hide any unsightly necessities like laundry detergent and also keep your laundry room organized. Adding cabinets above your washer and dryer is a simple DIY project that can be done in a matter of hours. So let’s get started!

Want to know what supplies are needed before starting? Check our Supplies List at the end of the blog.

A man finding studs in a home improvement renovation project with wall cabinets.
Make sure to mark the studs in the wall to prevent issues later on.

Step 1. Find the studs in your wall and mark them.

Using a stud finder, look for the studs in your wall so you can safely fasten the cabinets to the wall. If you don’t want to mark the wall itself, you can always use painters tape and put a mark there.

You will need make sure the spot where you drill the cabinets into the wall lines up with the studs, so it would be beneficial to have an idea of exactly where both cabinets are going before you start to drill. If needed, make a general outline of where you plan to place the cabinets to ensure the holes line up with the studs.

A ledger board on a grey wall during a home improvement remodel project with shaker cabinets in a laundry room.
Adding a ledger can be a real lifesaver when it comes time to put the cabinets up.

Step 2. Add a ledger to the wall.

A ledger is a long board that will help support your cabinets as you work. If you’re installing them alone this will be particularly helpful. Any board can be used as long as it is long enough to span your cabinets length. The average height for cabinets is 54 inches so hang the board at the 54 inch mark where the studs are. A 2″ x 4″ board should work fine. Keep in mind this board will be removed once your cabinets are in place, so it doesn’t matter what the board looks like.

Tip: While the average height is 54 inches, ensure there is enough room to open your washer lid. Move cabinets to account for any extra space needed for the washer.

A man working with a screwdriver in a home remodel project with white shaker cabinets.
It may sound odd, but removing the cabinet doors will make install so much easier.

Step 3. Remove the doors of your cabinets.

If you haven’t already, remove the doors for easier hanging. Remember to save all of the screws and hardware in labeled bags or containers, so they don’t get lost before you need them again!

wall cabinet installation.
Check to see if your cabinets have pre-drilled holes.
Image: Construction Tips

Step 4. Drill holes in the back of your cabinets.

There might be pre-drilled holes, but if there are not, prepare your cabinet by drilling 3 holes in the back: in the top, middle, and bottom rails.

real wood cabinet installation
It’s time to start installing!
Image: Family Handyman

Step 5. Begin installation with the corner cabinet or far left cabinet.

Put the cabinet in place with your pre-drilled holes lined up with the studs you previously marked. Use your ledger for support. Check that your cabinet is level before drilling. Drill wood screws into your bottom holes and work your way up. Add a shim behind the cabinet if needed.

installing wall cabinets in a laundry room
Like building blocks, your cabinets are coming together, and your new laundry room is coming to life.
Image: Family Handyman

Step 6. Place the second cabinet against the first installed cabinet and clamp together.

Check again if the cabinets are level and add shims in the back of the cabinet if needed.

DIY cabinet installation in laundry room.
Installing your own cabinets doesn’t have to be intimidating.
Image: HGTV

Step 7. Drill the second cabinet to the wall just like the first.

white cabinet installation
You’re almost done installing your new cabinets!

Step 8. Remove the ledger and replace the cabinet doors.

Supplies List

  1. Cabinets – We suggest our cabinets from Cabinets To Go because they are affordable and come in many styles to add character to your laundry room!
  2. 2″ x 4″ board
  3. Level
  4. Shims (if needed)
  5. Stud Finder
  6. 3″ #10 Screws – 3 to 6
  7. Drill and drill bit