There are various ways of supporting the underside of a cabinet. Modular cabinets are often designed to sit on a separate base or 'plinth'.

This enables the base to be installed on-site, along the full length of the wall where the cabinets will go, and levelled before the cabinets are positioned on top.

The drawing at right shows a typical 'ladder frame' base. It is generally made from particleboard or MDF and fixed together with nails, staples or screws.

You'll notice that two of the cross supports are notched out at the bottom to help allow for uneven floors.

This type of base can either be prefabricated in the workshop or built piece by piece on-site.

For more information about on-site methods, go to: 'Installing the base' in the unit: Installing cabinets on-site.

Another way of supporting a modular cabinet is to use adjustable legs.

These sit behind a decorative kickboard, which is attached after the cabinets have been installed and levelled.

This drawing shows a leg with a 'kicker clip' for attaching the kickboard, and a screw-in foot for height adjustment.

Adjustable legs are commonly used in bathrooms and other areas where moisture could be a problem at floor level.

They are quick to adjust and allow all boards and timber to be kept clear of the floor.