You should have a filler next to a wall that is scribed to the wonkiness of the wall. I use a 1 1/2" filler to minimize that. It adds strength to the panel by creating that L shape. Then the panel gets attached to the filler. Then the other panel should also have a filler to match in style. A side paneled refrigerator installation ends up taking around 38"-42" of space.

dcward89:

You need to scribe the panel to the wall. Push the panel tight to the wall and plumb it both ways with a level. Lay a pencil against the wall and pull it down, marking the panel. If the gap is too big to be marked continuously, shim out the pencil. Cut on your line and screw some 3/4" blocking continuously along the cut on the inside of the panel. Screw the blocking to the wall and you're done.

Here is a link that might be useful: Scribing

dcward89:

You didn't mention how deep your panels are. If the panels are 24" and you want them flush with the cabinets, you can't scribe any off. If the gap is behind a lower or upper cabinet and won't show, it won't matter anyway. You can still use a scribe line to mount your cleat.

Thank you both for the responses. Trebuchet...the panels are 25 5/8" deep and should sit just slightly proud of the 25" deep over-the-fridge cabinet and a little more of the cabinets (24 3/4 " deep with drawer fronts) running from the left side of the fridge down to the pantry at the other end of the cabinet run. Last night I showed my husband your responses to my question and he looked like a light bulb went on. I'll keep my fingers crossed!!