1-1/4" Overlay Cabinet Assembly Guide

A clear visual guide to assembling 1-1/4-inch Overlay cabinets. Review the selected product page for cabinet-specific components and instructions before beginning.

Before you begin

This visual guide covers the common assembly sequence for 1-1/4-inch Overlay cabinets. Cabinet configurations differ, so review the selected product page and the hardware included with your shipment before beginning.

Work on a clean, protected surface and keep finished doors and drawer fronts face-up and protected.
Sort the back, sides, top or bottom, shelves, face frame, hardware, and drawer parts before assembly.
Use the predrilled holes and the supplied hardware. A Phillips screwdriver and a rubber mallet are helpful; use glue only where the product instructions call for it.
Do not force parts. If a panel will not seat cleanly, stop and recheck the orientation and hardware location.

Prepare the cabinet parts

Identify each panel before fastening anything. Finished edges belong where they will remain visible after installation.

Build and square the cabinet box

Start from the back panel and use the predrilled locations to keep the case square as each side and the bottom or top are added.

Start with the back panel

Fit the first side and the bottom or top panel to the back. Use a supplied wood screw only in the matching predrilled hole.

Use the marked bracket locations

Position the metal corner brackets at the punched or predrilled locations shown for the cabinet configuration.

Fasten the angle brackets

Install the supplied brackets as shown, checking that the case remains square before tightening the hardware.

Install the face frame and supports

Attach the face frame only after the cabinet box is square, then fit the internal brackets and drawer-glide boots where shown.

Install brackets and glide boots

After the case is stable, fit internal brackets and drawer-glide boots into their matching predrilled locations.

Attach the cabinet front

Secure the face frame only after the cabinet box is square and the panel joints are fully seated.

Fit cabinet-specific corner hardware

Some cabinets include additional corner brackets. Use the provided part only where the cabinet has matching locations.

Assemble the drawers

Build each drawer on a protected work surface. Seat the drawer bottom in the grooves before gently locking the dovetails.

Lay out the drawer parts

Set out the drawer front, sides, back, bottom, clips, and hardware on a protected work surface.

Join the drawer sides

Start the dovetail joints by hand. Keep the drawer components aligned and avoid forcing the finished front.

Slide in the drawer bottom

Insert the drawer bottom in its grooves before seating the remaining drawer components.

Seat the drawer front carefully

Keep finished surfaces protected. If the assembly instructions call for glue, use only a small amount on the dovetail joints.

Lock the dovetails gently

Use a rubber mallet or protected tapping block to seat the joints; do not strike a finished surface directly.

Fit glides, doors, and final hardware

Install drawer glides and doors with the correct screws, then adjust the fronts for consistent reveals and add the supplied bumpers.

Fit the drawer clips

Install the drawer clips in their designated locations before placing the finished drawer on the extended glides.

Attach the drawer glides

Fit each glide to its boot and the predrilled face-frame location. Confirm that both sides are level and aligned.

Install the drawer

Extend both glides, set the drawer onto them, and slide inward until the clips engage on both sides.

Check glide alignment

Verify the glide engages its boot and sits squarely before operating the drawer.

Attach and adjust the doors

Use the correct hinge screw length. Adjust the hinges after installation for straight, even door reveals.

Complete the toe kick

Install the toe-kick component after the cabinet is assembled and positioned according to the selected cabinet’s instructions.

Construction and installation notes

The 1-1/4-inch Overlay style uses door and drawer fronts that cover most of the face frame. Confirm filler requirements at inside corners, beside walls, and at exposed ends before installation so doors and drawers can open freely.

Selected product pages provide the current materials, dimensions, hardware, shelf, and cabinet-specific assembly details. Assembly hardware is included unless the product page states otherwise; decorative handles and knobs are sold separately.

After installation, use the hinge adjustment screws and drawer-glide clips to align doors and drawers. Before final fastening, confirm the cabinet run is level, plumb, secure, and clear of appliances, walls, and countertop overhangs.

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