How To Level Up Kitchen Cabinets

How to Level Up Your Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets, forming the backbone of your kitchen's design and functionality, should not only look aesthetically pleasing but also perform seamlessly. To achieve this, having properly leveled kitchen cabinets is crucial. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to assess, adjust, and ensure the precise leveling of your kitchen cabinets:

Assessing the Situation:

Before embarking on the leveling process, you need to ascertain the extent of any misalignment. Start by examining the cabinets visually. Look for noticeable gaps or misalignments between adjacent cabinets or between cabinets and the countertop.

Supplement your visual inspection with a spirit level. Place the spirit level on top of each cabinet. If the bubble inside the level doesn't sit perfectly in the center, you have a leveling issue.

Adjusting Cabinet Doors:

Cabinet doors are the most visible components of your kitchen, and ensuring their proper alignment is essential. If you notice that a door is hanging crooked or not closing smoothly, it's time for adjustment.

Locate the hinges connecting the door to the cabinet frame. Usually, there are two or three hinges per door. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws on the hinges, but be careful not to remove them completely.

Once the screws are loose, gently adjust the door's position until it hangs evenly and closes smoothly. Hold the door in place and tighten the screws back.

Addressing Cabinet Drawers:

Drawer misalignment can be just as annoying as misaligned doors. To fix it, start by pulling out the drawer completely.

Inspect the drawer slides, which are typically located on the sides of the drawer and the cabinet frame. Look for any debris or obstructions that may be preventing smooth movement.

If you spot any obstructions, carefully remove them. You can also lubricate the drawer slides with a silicone-based lubricant to ensure smooth gliding.

Leveling the Entire Cabinet:

In cases where the entire cabinet is leaning or uneven, you need to make adjustments to the cabinet's base. This is where shims come in handy.

Shims are thin wedges made of wood, plastic, or metal. Place the shims underneath the cabinet's base in areas where the cabinet is not level. Use a hammer to gently tap the shims until the cabinet is stable and even.

Stay Vigilant:

Leveling kitchen cabinets is not a one-time task. Over time, due to various factors like temperature changes or weight distribution, the cabinets may start to shift or become unlevel. Therefore, it's crucial to stay vigilant and conduct periodic checkups.

Consistently monitor the alignment of your cabinet doors, drawers, and the overall cabinet structure. If you notice any sign of misalignment, promptly follow the above-mentioned steps to rectify the issue.

By adhering to these simple yet effective techniques, you can ensure that your kitchen cabinets remain level, functional, and aesthetically pleasing for years to come.