Cabinet Installation Tips for Olympia Kitchen Remodels

Planning a kitchen remodel in Olympia? One of the most critical parts of any successful renovation is the cabinet installation. Cabinets define the style and function of your kitchen—and poor installation can ruin even the most beautiful design.

At Mountain Peak Construction, we install both stock and custom cabinetry in homes across Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater. Whether you’re working with a cabinet shop or sourcing semi-custom options, here’s everything you need to know to get your cabinet install right the first time.

1. Confirm All Cabinet Measurements Before Delivery

Before any cabinet installation starts, accurate measurements are essential. We do a full pre-install walk with our clients to confirm layout, wall dimensions, and appliance placement.

If your cabinets are being built by a local shop, we’ll coordinate with them to make sure the dimensions match the field measurements—especially for fillers, end panels, and trim pieces.

Pro Tip: Don’t rely solely on plans or manufacturer specs. Always double-check final dimensions once drywall is up and flooring is in.

2. Cabinets Should Be On-Site Before We Begin

This may seem obvious, but it’s a common issue. Cabinets should be delivered, unboxed, and inspected before your install date. If anything is damaged or missing, we can catch it ahead of time and avoid costly delays.

If you’re working with a third-party supplier, we’ll ask that you confirm delivery dates and product readiness before your install goes on the schedule.

We cover more details like this on our full cabinet install services page, so be sure to check it out if you’re in the planning stage.

3. Make Sure Your Space Is Ready

Cabinet installs are one of the final steps in a kitchen remodel—but there’s still some prep work required. Before install day, your space should have:

• Final drywall and paint complete

• Flooring installed

• Appliance specs confirmed

• Electrical and plumbing stub-outs ready

Need help coordinating the other parts of your kitchen remodel? Our kitchen remodeling team can manage the entire project from demo to final trim.

4. Understand the Order of Installation

A typical kitchen cabinet install starts with base cabinets and works upward. Here’s a basic order:

1. Mark layout lines and confirm level reference

2. Install base cabinets starting at the highest point of the floor

3. Install wall cabinets

4. Install tall pantry or oven cabinets

5. Add crown molding and trim

6. Make final adjustments to doors, drawers, and fillers

This sequence ensures everything is square and level before moving to the next step.

5. Watch for Uneven Walls and Floors

Olympia homes—especially older ones—often have uneven framing or sloped floors. This can throw off the install if you’re not prepared.

We always assume the floor to be level, but if leveling compound is needed, it’s handled as a change order. We’ll walk you through what to expect if issues like this arise.

Learn more about how we handle prep work in posts like our guide on what to expect before and after install day.

6. Add Blocking for Heavy Cabinets or Appliances

If your layout includes wall ovens, appliance garages, or large upper cabinets, we’ll check for framing or blocking support. In some cases, we’ll add backing during the framing phase to ensure your cabinets are secure.

This level of attention to detail is part of why homeowners throughout Thurston County trust us to handle custom installs with precision.

7. Allow Time for Final Touchups and Adjustments

Once the main install is complete, we’ll do a walkthrough to:

• Check for level and alignment

• Adjust hinges and drawer glides

• Fill nail holes and touch up paint

• Review the punch list with you

We recommend waiting to schedule countertops until cabinets are fully installed and inspected—especially if they’re custom-fabricated based on cabinet placement.

We bring the same quality checks to our bathroom remodeling projects, so you can expect consistency across every room.

8. Coordinate With Your Countertop and Tile Installers

If you're using quartz, granite, or solid surface countertops, we’ll let your fabricator know once the cabinets are ready for templating. Most need 3–5 days after cabinets are installed.

Backsplash tile is usually installed after countertops, and we can coordinate with your tile supplier or installer to keep everything on schedule. If you're using our team for flooring or tile, we’ll handle this directly.

Curious about flooring that pairs well with your cabinetry? Visit our flooring page for popular kitchen-friendly options.

Why Homeowners in Olympia Trust Mountain Peak Construction

From full remodels to standalone installs, we offer:

• Free design consultations

• Cabinet layout and planning

• Accurate estimates and project timelines

• Expert trim, flooring, and finish work

• Clean job sites and respectful crews

We’re a local company with deep roots in Olympia, and we treat every home like it’s our own. Learn more about our story and approach on our About page.

Want to continue exploring home upgrades? Check out our recent post on Olympia siding upgrades for tips on improving your home’s exterior after your kitchen is complete.

Ready to Install Cabinets in Your Olympia Kitchen?

Let’s make it happen. Whether you’re working with a cabinet shop or ordering through a supplier, we can handle the full install—accurately and efficiently.

Reach out today through our contact page to schedule a free consultation and get your install on the calendar.