Cabinets must be set plumb for doors, drawers, and other components to function properly. Cabinets that are not plumb may experience doors or drawers that are uneven, crooked, or appear warped. These may be adjusted to improve appearance.
However, if the cabinet is not plumb, uneven force is placed on the cabinet hardware, components and joining. Properly plumbed cabinets distribute forces evenly to the cabinet components and joining.
Failure to properly plumb a cabinet will cause uneven distribution of force on cabinet hardware, components and joining, which can lead to premature wear, cracking and even joint failure.
If a cabinet is installed on a wall or other surface that is not plumb, it is important that the cabinet be set plumb and that shims be used to fill any voids between the cabinet and the wall, at the point that the cabinet is fastened to the wall (soffit, ceiling or any other surface). Shims should be fitted before the fastener is tightened completely. This will ensure that the cabinet components and joining are not damaged or separated by tightening a fastener
and forcing a cabinet component into a void between the cabinet and an uneven surface.
Proper cabinet installation is very important for the operation of the cabinet, cabinet hardware, cabinet components, and any accessory that may be installed in the cabinet.
Cabinet appearance, cabinet performance, hardware performance, accessory performance, and the expected life of all of the above may be significantly affected by proper or improper installation.
Cabinets up to 18" wide:
Screw a top and bottom wall attachment screw into one wall stud and face frame to one adjacent cabinet.
Cabinets 21" through 39" wide:
Screw top and bottom wall attachment screws into two wall studs and face frame to one adjacent cabinet.
Cabinets 42" through 48" wide:
Screw top and bottom wall attachment screws into three wall studs or use wall anchors or toggle bolts if three wall studs are not present. |
Building Kitchen Cabinets