Stop dealing with crooked doors and learn how to adjust cabinet door hinges like a pro.
Time 10-30 minutes
ComplexityBeginner
Cost$0 to $10
Introduction
Achieve perfectly aligned cabinet doors that open and close smoothly with this step-by-step project on how to adjust cabinet doors.
If you’re frustrated with cabinet doors that don’t quite line up, there’s a straightforward solution that requires just a screwdriver (and a level if you want to be thorough). My cabinets are equipped with European-style hinges, which are incredibly user-friendly when it comes to adjustments. Unlike traditional hinges, which offer limited modification options, Euro hinges can be fine-tuned in three distinct ways: depth, height, and alignment.
To adjust your cabinet doors, just turn a few screws to get the depth, height, and alignment right. It can take a bit of trial and error, so no worries if it doesn’t work perfectly the first time. After making adjustments, close the door to see how it fits. If it’s not quite right, just tweak the screws again until everything lines up nicely. Keep at it until the doors shut smoothly and look even with the other cabinet doors. There is nothing exciting about this project, but completing these minor details will significantly improve the appearance of your kitchen cabinets.
Tools Required
- Level
- Philips Screwdriver
Project step-by-step (5)
Step 1
Make sure the hinges are secure
Ensure that the hinges are installed correctly and securely fastened to both the cabinet doors and the cabinet sides. You can tighten them using a screwdriver by turning the mounting screws clockwise. Depending on your hinges, you may first need to remove the cabinet door to access the mounting screws on the cabinet side of the hinge.
Step 2
Adjust the depth
To check if the door is aligned with the adjacent doors, begin by adjusting the depth screw, which is the last screw located on the hinge farthest from the cabinet door. This screw allows you to move the door in or out, adjusting the gap between the back of the cabinet door and the front edge of the cabinet casework. Some depth screws will adjust the door position as you turn them, while with most, you will need to loosen the screw, reposition the door as needed, and then tighten the screw again.
Step 3
Adjust the sides
If the door is crooked and not aligned properly with the adjacent doors, you can adjust it by using a screwdriver on the side screw, which is located on the hinge and is nearest to the cabinet door. This adjustment moves the door from side to side, left to right. In some cases, you may need to slightly loosen the depth screw to make the adjustment to the side screw. Use a small level to determine which side needs adjustment.
Step 4
Adjust the height
If the cabinet door is aligned and parallel with the other doors but is positioned too high or too low, adjust the height by rotating the height adjustment screw located in the middle of the hinge. Keep in mind that both the upper and lower hinges will need to be adjusted for the cabinet door to move up or down.
Step 5
FAQ
Why are my cabinet doors not closing all the way?
Misaligned hinges can often prevent cabinet doors from closing fully. This problem may occur if the hinges are incorrectly installed or have loosened over time. Additionally, there might be items inside the cabinet obstructing the door from closing. It is also possible that the cabinet doors are warped or damaged.
Can you adjust how far a cabinet door opens?
Modify the depth control to adjust the opening distance of a cabinet door. The ideal gap between the door and the cabinet should be around 1/4-in.
How do you adjust cabinet doors with old hinges?
A screwdriver can be used to loosen or tighten the screws on the hinges, and to adjust the height, depth, and sides of the cabinet doors until they are level and aligned. Add cardstock shims behind the leaves of the hinge if needed.
