So you’ve finally decided to upgrade your kitchen. Maybe the old cabinets were falling apart, maybe you’re tired of the outdated look, or maybe you just want something clean, bright, and modern. Either way, going for pre-assembled kitchen cabinets is a smart move—especially if you’re trying to save time, avoid complicated instructions, or keep your renovation budget in check.
The great thing about fully assembled kitchen cabinets is that they arrive ready to install. No confusing diagrams, no piles of tiny hardware bags, and no hours spent trying to figure out which screw goes where. You just unbox, level, secure, and move on.
But even though they’re simpler than traditional RTA (ready-to-assemble) cabinets, there are still a few common mistakes that homeowners make—mistakes that can lead to crooked doors, uneven countertops, gaps, damage, or constant frustration every time someone opens a drawer.
If you’re planning on installing pre-assembled kitchen cabinets yourself—or even if you’re hiring a contractor—here are five mistakes you really want to avoid.
Mistake #1: Not Measuring the Space Correctly
You would think this one is obvious, but it’s the most common problem people run into.
A lot of homeowners measure the length of the kitchen wall and assume that’s good enough. But here’s the reality:
- You have to measure width and height
- You need to account for appliances
- You need to check for uneven floors or walls
- Window and door trim can interfere with cabinet size
- Wall outlets and plumbing can affect placement
Even a half-inch mistake can ruin a layout or leave a weird empty gap.
Mistake #2: Forgetting to Check for Level Floors and Uneven Walls
Most homes—especially older houses—are not perfectly level. Floors can dip. Walls can bow. Corners can be off.
That means if you place your base cabinets directly on the floor without adjusting, you’ll get:
- Gaps under the cabinets
- An uneven countertop
- Doors that don’t close right
- Drawers that slide open on their own
Even if your cabinets are perfectly built, they’ll perform poorly if the room isn’t level.
Before installing pre-assembled kitchen cabinets, grab a long level and check the floor, walls, corners and even the backsplash area. If needed, use shims under the cabinets to keep everything perfectly aligned. You’ll thank yourself later. If still not sure, contact expert kitchen remodelers in Illinois by calling on (847) 453-9884.
Mistake #3: Skipping Wall Stud Marking
Some people assume that since fully assembled kitchen cabinets are heavy and sturdy, you can just screw them into the drywall and call it a day. Absolutely not.
Cabinets store weight—dishes, appliances, cookware, groceries. Over time, drywall alone won’t hold. You need to anchor the cabinets into wall studs.
Before you lift a single cabinet, locate every stud and mark them. A stud finder makes it easier, but you can also use:
- Measuring from corners
- Outlet box edges
- Light switch placement
Mounting cabinets into studs ensures they never loosen, sag, or rip off the wall.
Mistake #4: Not Protecting the Cabinets During Installation
Even if you bought premium or affordable kitchen cabinets, damage can happen fast. Scratches from tools, dents from hardware dropping here and there, chips from cutting countertops nearby and dust clogging slides and hinges are some of the many possibilities.
A lot of people unbox their cabinets the moment they arrive. But it’s smarter to wait until the kitchen is prepped. Things like tile cutting, wall sanding, flooring, and painting should be done first.
A little extra caution prevents any damage through surface scratches or edges getting cracks. If you’ve invested in something beautiful, keep it that way.
Mistake #5: Installing Cabinets Before Finalizing Plumbing & Electrical
Many homeowners get excited and rush cabinet installation because they want to see the kitchen coming together. But installing cabinets too early creates a mess when:
- The plumber needs access to pipes
- The electrician needs to add outlets or lighting
- The contractor needs to cut holes for water lines or gas lines
Then suddenly someone needs to remove or drill into perfectly installed cabinets—and that’s how damage happens. It is prudent to follow the below order of work to keep the process well aligned:
- Plumbing, wiring, and venting first
- Flooring and drywall repairs
- Then install the cabinets
- Then countertops
- Then fixtures and finishes
Stick to the sequence and your renovation will go way smoother.
Final Tips for a Smooth Install
If you’re installing pre-assembled kitchen cabinets yourself, take your time. They’re already built, so your job is mostly leveling, anchoring, and making sure everything sits flush and secure.
Remember to use quality screws for the long lasting holding and avoid cheap ones. Try and keep them boxed until needed and plan the layout before starting with the drilling job. Begin with the upper cabinets before base cabinets and have someone help you with the lifting. Pre-assembled doesn’t mean “carefree.” It just makes the job quicker.
Why Pre-Assembled Cabinets Are a Smart Choice?
Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen for that dreamy chef-styled area or upgrading your home for resale in Illinois, fully assembled kitchen cabinets offer some major advantages:
- No complicated assembly
- Less installation time
- Cleaner, more precise construction
- Stronger joints and doors
- Cost-friendly compared to custom cabinets
You get premium style without a premium price—making them one of the best options for homeowners who want affordable kitchen cabinets that still look high-end.
The Bottom Line
Pre-assembled cabinets can save you effort, stress, and money—but only if you install them the right way. Avoid the common mistakes, plan ahead, protect your investment, and your kitchen will look amazing for years. For more inspiration check out our before and after kitchens here or schedule your free consultation today.