How To Level Kitchen Cabinet Bases

How to Level Kitchen Cabinet Bases

Achieving a level and sturdy base for your kitchen cabinets is crucial for their proper function and aesthetic appeal. Uneven bases can cause doors and drawers to misalign, making them difficult to open and close. Follow these steps to ensure your kitchen cabinet bases are perfectly level:

1. Gather Necessary Tools

Assemble the following tools: level, shims, pry bar, hammer, and a saw (optional).

2. Remove Kick Plates and Toe Kicks

If your cabinets have kick plates or toe kicks, remove them using a pry bar to access the cabinet base.

3. Check Levelness

Place the level across the top of the cabinet base from front to back and side to side. Note any areas that are out of level.

4. Insert Shims

For areas that are too high, insert shims (thin pieces of wood or plastic) between the cabinet base and the floor. Tap the shims into place using a hammer. For areas that are too low, you may need to remove the base and add more shims.

5. Adjust and Secure

Once the cabinet base is level, secure it to the floor using screws or nails. Check the level again after securing to ensure it remains level.

6. Repeat for Other Bases

Repeat the leveling process for all other cabinet bases. Ensure they are all level with each other and the floor.

7. Reattach Kick Plates

Once all the bases are level, reattach the kick plates or toe kicks.

Tips for Leveling Kitchen Cabinet Bases

- Use a long level (at least 4 feet) to ensure accuracy.

- Check the levelness of the floor before installing the cabinets. If the floor is not level, you may need to add shims under the cabinets to compensate.

- Be patient and take your time. Leveling kitchen cabinet bases requires precision and attention to detail.

- If you encounter any significant leveling issues or gaps that cannot be resolved with shims, consider consulting a professional cabinet installer.