How to Fix Gap Between Cabinet Doors? Quick and Easy

Recently updated on May 2nd, 2024 at 10:59 am

Noticeable gaps around the cabinets ruin the overall appearance of the space, no matter whether the gap is between cabinet and wall or the gap between cabinet and floor. If you want your cabinets to be flawless, you must get them fixed.

An issue that many homeowners face usually is the gap between cabinet doors. This gap may be caused by the poor installation or misalignment of the cabinet doors.

If your cabinet doors have adjustable hinges, you can adjust the gap between cabinet doors quickly and easily by just adjusting these hinges left or right.

However, if your cabinets do not have adjustable hinges, Don’t worry, In this guide, you will find 5 ways to fix them. If you want to fix a large gap between cabinet doors, read this guide from start to end to fix it perfectly.

Causes of Gap Between Cabinet Doors

Before going to fix the gap in the cabinet doors, you need to have to know the causes of the gap between the cabinet doors. This will help you to identify the way which will be helpful for you to fix it.

Loosen Mounting Screws: Loosen mounting screws of cabinet hinges can be a reason for gaps between cabinet doors. If the hinges are loose, the doors will misalign and you will notice space.

Poor Installation: Poor installation of cabinet frames or door hinges can be the cause of the gap between cabinet doors. If the hinges are not installed properly, you will see a noticeable gap between the doors.

Inaccurate Measurements: While cutting cabinet doors, inaccurate measurements can cause a gap. If the doors are not wide enough to set on the cabinet body completely, gaps will happen.

Warped doors: Warping can occur in cabinet doors, especially if they are made of wood. Warped cabinet doors can be the reason for uneven gaps between cabinet doors.

How much gap between cabinet doors?

The general recommendation of the gap for a single cabinet door is 1/8″ (3mm) on each side and top/bottom. For double doors it will be 1/4″, as 1/8″ for each door.

If the gap between double cabinet doors is 1/4″, you have to do nothing to fix it because a 1/4″ gap between double cabinet doors is crucial for smooth opening and closing without the doors rubbing against each other.

Ways to Fix Gap Between Cabinet Doors

You will find 5 different ways to fix gaps in cabinet doors quickly and easily. Each way is a little bit different from the others. You have to determine a way that helps you to fix the gap and follow it to fix it like a professional.

Tight Loose Mounting Screws

The first way is the easiest and quickest way to fix the gap between cabinet doors. Sometimes, the mounting screws of the hinge or door can be loosened. In this way, the doors may misaligne from top or bottom, and you see a noticeable gap.

Steps:

1. Open the cabinet door and inspect the hinges. Identify the loose screws.
2. By using a screwdriver, unscrew the loose screws by rotating in counterclockwise.
3. If the screws are in good condition, simply tighten them by turning clockwise.
4. If the screw holes are stripped, fill it with wood putty or insert toothpick in it.
5. Tight the screws firmly in the clockwise direction, but be cautious not to over-tighten.
6. Now check the alignment if the doors are aligned, the gap will be fixed.

Adjust Cabinet Door Hinges

The best way to fix the gap between cabinet doors is to adjust cabinet door hinges. If your cabinet doors have adjustable hinges, you can fix the gap in just a few seconds by adjusting the hinges to adjust the doors left or right.

Steps:

1. First, identify which hinge, top or bottom, you have to adjust to fix the gap.
2. The two horizontal screws on the hinge are to adjust the cabinet door left or right.
3. To adjust the hinge, loose horizontal screws to pull the cabinet door closer to the other.
4. Close the cabinet door to check if the gap between the doors is fixed.
5. If the gap is fixed, tighten the inset screw again and check the door alignment.

Use Wood Filler

If the adjusting hinges don’t effectively fix the gap, you can fix the gap between the cabinet doors by filling the gap by using wood filler.

Steps:

1. Apply painter’s tape on both cabinet doors to get a clean finish.
2. Mix the wood filler with water, if you have powdered wood filler.
3. Fill the gap with wood filler. Push the wood filler in the gap by using a putty knife.
4. Let it dry for some time and then remove the painter’s tape.
5. Sand the wood filler to get a smooth surface and paint if needed.

Install a Cabinet Stile

If the gap is between double cabinet doors, you can fix it by installing a wide cabinet stile between the cabinet doors, if your cabinet doors do not have it.

Steps:

1. Measure and cut a cabinet stile according to your needs to fix the gap.
2. Position the stile at the center point to flush with the top and bottom of the cabinet.
3. If available, use clamps to temporarily secure the stile in place.
4. Use a screwdriver or drill to attach the stile securely to the cabinet using wood screws.
5. Close the doors to check the gap between the double cabinet doors is fixed completely.

Fix Warped Cabinet Doors

Warping of the cabinet doors can be the cause of the gap between doors. If your cabinet doors are also warped, there are many ways to fix warped cabinet doors that will help you to fix the large gap between cabinet doors.

Steps:

1. Inspect the cabinet door and measure the area to see how much correction is needed.
2. Remove the door from the cabinet so that you can easily access the area.
3. Set your heat gun at a moderate temperature to straighten the warped cabinet door.
4. Move the gun back & forth in a circular motion at a distance of a few inches on the door.
5. Place some weight on it for 4-5 hours or maybe overnight depending upon the material.
6. Install the cabinet door again and check it is aligned correctly.

Final Thought

Fixing the gap between the cabinet doors can be quick and easy if you have installed adjustable hinges on the cabinet doors. But unfortunately, if your cabinet doors do have not adjustable hinges, don’t worry you can fix the gap with the help of the other 3 ways in the last.

Follow the instructions carefully to fix the gap between cabinet doors. Take your time if you are following one of the last 3 ways to do it perfectly. GOOD LUCK!

FAQs