- 1). Measure the height of the lower cabinets from the ground up and snap a chalk line along this point on the wall, checking that it is level. Most kitchen cabinets are between 36 to 45-inches high.
- 2). Measure up from this line around 18-inches, or the height you want the bottom of the upper cabinets to sit and snap another chalk line along at this point, again, ensuring it is level.
- 3). Find the distance between the bottom of the upper cabinets and the point where the cabinets will rest on the cleats--this is typically an inch or two shorter than the total height of the upper cabinet.
- 4). Measure this distance up from the second chalk line, which will give the position where you will attach the cleats and snap a third chalk line at this point, ensuring again that it is a level line.
- 5). Find the wall studs with the stud finder and mark their position along the chalk line intended for the cleats. Position a cleat along the underside of the cleat line and drill a countersunk hole through it into the wall and a stud; screw in place. Use the level to ensure the cleat is on an even plane before screwing it down through consecutive studs.
- 6). Repeat with remaining cleats until all the area where your upper cabinetry will be hung is completed, after which you can begin installing the cabinetry.
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