You finally ordered the garage storage cabinets. The boxes are stacked in the garage, the tape is cut, and now you are staring at panels, hardware bags, and instructions, wondering how long this is going to take.
The good news is that assembling garage storage cabinets is completely manageable when you prep the space and follow a simple sequence. You don’t need a full shop or a contractor. You just need a plan!
We’ll walk you through how to assemble garage storage cabinets step by step, no matter what brand you brought home. We’ll also show you how the same process works with Armadillo Tough cabinets, which are built around a welded internal steel skeleton that makes them stronger, more stable, and easier to assemble than typical garage cabinets.
Along the way, we’ll also share a few handy garage storage ideas and show you how to use our free Design Studio to create your layout before you ever order a box. Let’s get started!
What Kind Of Garage Storage Cabinets Are You Installing?
Before you grab a screwdriver, it helps to know what kind of system you are working with. Most garage storage cabinets fall into a few basic categories:
- Free-standing floor cabinets that sit on the ground, like tall storage cabinets and base cabinets
- Wall-mounted cabinets that hang entirely on the wall
- Combination setups that use base cabinets on the floor with wall cabinets mounted above
The core steps are similar for all of these: you prep, unbox and organize, build the cabinet box, level the units, then secure everything and hang doors. However, the details will vary depending on the type of garage storage cabinets you’re assembling.
We’ll go over the general process first. Then, we’ll show you how to assemble the Armadillo Tough base and wall cabinets, and where to find the matching assembly videos.
Read More: Is It Cheaper To Build or Buy Garage Cabinets?
Step 1: Prep Your Garage for Cabinet Assembly
For any type of garage storage cabinets, a little prep saves a lot of frustration.
- Measure your wall length, ceiling height, and note outlets, switches, doors, and windows. (More on measuring wall runs in our blog: How To Measure for Your Garage Cabinets!)
- Make sure your planned cabinet run leaves room for vehicles, walkways, existing workbenches, etc.
- Clear a work zone where you can lay panels flat and move around safely.
Think about how your cabinets are supported:
- For free-standing floor cabinets, check that the concrete is reasonably flat where the cabinet feet will sit and that there’s nothing that will block doors or drawers.
- For wall-mounted cabinets, confirm your mounting height, mark stud locations, and make sure you have a sturdy step stool or ladder to work from.
Gather simple tools that most cabinet systems require:
- Tape measure
- Level
- Phillips screwdriver or bit driver
- Drill/driver
- Rubber mallet
- Stud finder
- Pencil
- A pad of paper
- Safety glasses & work gloves
Step 2: Unbox, Inspect & Organize Your Cabinet Parts
Staying organized during the assembly of your garage storage cabinets will make the job easier.
- Open one box at a time and check the parts against the instruction sheet.
- Group hardware in small containers so screws and fasteners don’t disappear.
- Keep finished panels and doors on cardboard or blankets to avoid scratches.
If you are assembling multiple cabinets, repeat the same process for each box and create separate piles so you don’t mix parts.
When you unbox an Armadillo Tough cabinet, you’re not starting with a pile of panels. Most of our garage cabinets arrive pre-assembled or require only minor assembly (e.g., adding legs, wheels, or shelves), and the doors are already mounted to the cabinet.
Each product box includes the hardware and a printed assembly manual for that specific model. You can also refer to the Assembly Guides and Videos on our website for a visual walkthrough if needed.
Step 3: Build Your Cabinet Boxes
This is where the cabinets start to take shape. Most garage storage cabinets follow a similar sequence:
- Attach side panels to a base or bottom panel.
- Add the top panel and interior braces or shelves as directed.
- Install back panels or stiffeners to lock everything together.
- Check that all joints are seated before tightening fasteners.
Follow your instructions to a T. Somebody worked hard on these, believe it or not, so assume that the sequence of steps is ordered that way for a reason.
Most Armadillo Tough cabinets come with their main structure already built. That makes your part a whole lot easier. For instance, our 2-Door Garage Storage Cabinets are assembled like so:
- Lay the cabinet on its back, unlock the doors, and remove all the parts from inside.
- Close and lock the doors so they stay shut while you work.
- Use the foam blocks from the box as support, then attach the legs with the included tool.
- Thread the adjustable levelers into each leg, stand the cabinet up with a helper, and tweak the levelers until it sits solid and doesn’t wobble.
- Unlock the doors and unlatch and lower the bottom shelf into position. Use the provided hardware to secure the remaining shelves and attach the top and tool mat.
And in a fraction of the time, you’re ready to start packing your cabinets full of tools and supplies. To make it even easier, take a look at the Assembly Video!
Step 4: Level & Secure/Anchor Your Cabinets
Once the cabinet boxes are built, you position them and secure them to the wall.
For free-standing floor cabinets:
- Start with the first cabinet in your run and place it roughly where it will live.
- Use a level front to back and side to side. Adjust levelers or shims if needed so all feet make solid contact with the floor.
- Bring the next cabinet into place, align the faces so the fronts look even, and tweak the level so the tops are flush.
- Repeat this process all the way down the wall until your cabinets form a clean, straight run.
- For cabinets that pose a tipping danger, follow your product instructions and anchor them to the wall for added safety.
For wall-mounted cabinets:
- Decide how high you want the bottom of the cabinet and mark a light level line on the wall.
- Use a stud finder to locate studs along that line and mark them with a pencil.
- Check your instruction sheet to see how the cabinet is meant to mount, whether that is directly through the back, on a hanging rail or cleat, or using brackets.
- If your cabinet uses a hanging rail, mount the rail level on the wall first, driving the screws into studs wherever possible, then hook the cabinet onto the rail.
- If your cabinet mounts directly through the back, lift it into place with a helper, line it up with your level line, and drive the mounting screws through the cabinet and into studs or approved anchors.
- Make sure at least some of the fasteners go into studs and avoid relying only on hollow wall anchors for heavy cabinets.
- Check that the cabinet is level before you tighten all the screws, and make small adjustments as needed.
Assembly for Armadillo Tough Garage Wall Cabinets is similar to that for our free-standing cabinets, up until it’s time to hang them on the wall. Then, the basic mounting steps look like this:
- Use a stud finder to locate studs and tape the paper mounting template to the wall at your chosen height.
- Mark the four mounting hole locations on the wall, making sure at least two line up with studs.
- Drill pilot holes with a 5/32 inch drill bit at the marked locations, as shown in your manual.
- With a helper, lift the cabinet into place and drive the four mounting screws through the back of the cabinet into the pilot holes.
- Check that the cabinet is level, then finish setting your shelves and start loading!
Follow the Printed Guide and/or Assembly Video closely to easily and safely secure your cabinets.
Step 5: Hang Doors, Add Hardware & Fine-Tune
With the boxes in place, it is time to take care of the details.
- Hang doors according to instructions.
- Install handles and pulls.
- Adjust hinges so door gaps are even and doors close cleanly without rubbing.
Take a moment to open and close every door and drawer. Fixing small alignment issues now keeps things working smoothly later.
Armadillo Tough Cabinets arrive with the doors and handles already installed, so you can skip hanging doors and hardware here. The welded internal steel frame keeps the cabinet square, which means you’re not fighting alignment or gap issues.
At this stage, all you need to do is open and close each door to make sure everything feels smooth and give the fronts a quick wipe. Then you can get right to loading in your tools, gear, and supplies!
If you have any questions about an Armadillo Tough product, please contact us. We’d be delighted to chat with you over the phone (888.350.7306) or in an online chat (click the red floating icon in the lower right corner.
Step 6: And a Few More Garage Storage Ideas!
Now that you know how to assemble garage storage cabinets, you can focus on how to maximize your garage storage space! A few simple habits and ideas can help you keep your space organized and easy to use:
- Create zones for tools, sports gear, yard care, and seasonal decor so everything has a home.
- Keep everyday items in base or wall cabinets at easy reach height and stash rarely used items up high (Try an Armadillo Sky Rack).
- Use clear bins with labels inside cabinets so you can see and find things fast.
- Store heavy items on lower shelves or in the bottom of tall cabinets to make lifting safer.
- Reserve one shelf, cabinet, or bin as a drop zone for things that come and go, like project supplies or returns.
- Use hooks, pegboard, or magnetic strips near your work area for frequently used hand tools.
- Keep a small cleaning caddy in one cabinet so you can quickly wipe up spills, dust, or sawdust.
- Do a quick 15-minute reset once a week, putting everything back in its zone so clutter doesn’t build up.
Final Thoughts: Armadillo Tough Makes Assembly & Everyday Use Easier
It’s not a flex. It’s just the truth. There are plenty of garage storage cabinets on the market. Armadillo Tough is built for people who want their time and effort to go further and their products to last.
- Built with an internal welded steel skeleton for unmatched strength and durability.
- Serious load capacity means your cabinets can handle real heft and wear and tear (not just look good in photos).
- Clear instructions, assembly videos, and representatives who are eager to help you.
- Backed by a lifetime warranty, so you can set up your system once and count on it for the long haul.
Have questions about which cabinets fit your space or how much to budget? Use our free Design Studio. Work with an in-house designer at no cost. Plug in your measurements, a photo of your space, and some info about what you’re looking for, and we’ll get to work!