How to assemble a flat-pack kitchen island
A freestanding kitchen island is a set of cabinets with a heavy worktop. The carcass must be level and square before the worktop goes on, because a heavy top on a twisted base will never sit flat.
- Time
- about 3 h
- Difficulty
- Hard
- People
- 2 people
- Steps
- 6
Tools needed
- Allen key (supplied)
- Cross-head screwdriver
- Drill-driver
- Spirit level
- Tape measure
- Clamps
Parts to check first
Before you start, lay everything out on a soft surface (the flattened box works) and check it against the parts list in your manual.
- Cabinet carcass panels
- Doors, drawers, hinges and runners
- Worktop and its fixing brackets
- Adjustable legs or plinth
- Cam locks, dowels and screws
Step by step
Step 1: Build each cabinet carcass on its back, square it, and fix the back panels.
Step 2: Fit the adjustable legs, stand the cabinets in place and level them in both directions.
Step 3: Join neighbouring cabinets with connector screws through their sides, clamping them flush first.
Step 4: Fit the worktop brackets, then lift the worktop on with a helper and fix it from underneath with screws of the right length.
Step 5: Build and fit the drawers, hang the doors and adjust the hinges for even gaps.
Step 6: Fit the plinth, handles and any end panels.
Common mistakes
- Fixing the worktop before the cabinets are level.
- Using worktop screws that are too long and come through the surface.
- Joining cabinets without clamping, so the fronts end up out of line.
Safety notes
- A solid worktop needs two people to lift.
- If the island will have power, have the electrical connection done by a qualified electrician.
This is general guidance for this type of product. Your product's own manual comes first: follow its order, fittings and torque values where they differ from this page.
Updated 2026-09-30