Why Are My Kitchen Cabinets Pulling Away From The Wall?

It's a common issue for homeowners - you notice a gap starting to form between your kitchen cabinets and the wall. At first it's barely noticeable, but over time the gap grows wider and wider.

What causes this frustrating issue, and what can be done to fix it?

As your trusted kitchen remodeling experts, Oceanside Painting & Refinishing is here to provide some insight into why kitchen cabinets pull away from walls, as well as tips for solving this common problem.

What Holds Kitchen Cabinets to the Wall?

First, it helps to understand what's supposed to keep your cabinets securely attached in the first place. Most often, cabinets are held in place through screws driven through the cabinet backs into the wall studs. Studs provide a solid anchoring point for the screws.

Some installers may also apply construction adhesive between the cabinet and wall for an even more secure bond. So in an ideal installation, the combination of screws into studs and adhesive should hold cabinets tight to the wall.

Why Are Gaps Forming?

If you suddenly notice gaps forming, it likely means the original installation method wasn't sufficient for keeping cabinets anchored over time. This can happen for a few different reasons:

• Only drywall anchors were used instead of screws into studs. Drywall anchors loosen as cabinets settle.
• Cabinets were only screwed into drywall instead of locating wall studs. This provides a weak anchor point.
• Adhesive failed to bond properly or has dried out/deteriorated over time.
• The wall itself has shifted slightly due to natural settling of the home's foundation.
• Doors weren't properly aligned and square, causing uneven stress which pulls cabinets from the wall.

The end result is cabinets that visually appear to be "pulling away" from the wall, leaving unsightly gaps and an unstable feel.

Solutions for Fixing Gaps

If you're noticing gaps starting to form between your kitchen cabinets and wall, don't ignore the issue. It's best to take action promptly before the problem worsens. Here are some effective solutions our experts at Oceanside Painting & Refinishing recommend:

• Re-screw cabinets directly into wall studs for a sturdy anchor point. We can locate studs and use longer screws designed for this exact purpose.
• Apply new construction adhesive to fill any gaps behind cabinets for an extra-secure bond.
• Refinish cabinets through techniques like repainting, re-staining, or refacing. This allows us to properly realign and secure cabinets to the wall.
• As a last resort, completely remove and reinstall cabinets using best practices for optimal alignment and stability.

The solution that works best for you depends on the severity of the gap issue and your budget. Our team of professionals can assess your unique situation and recommend the right service.

Trust Oceanside Painting & Refinishing with all your kitchen remodeling and cabinet refinishing needs. We have the expertise to identify the cause of any cabinet-gap issues and address it through our premium restoration services.

Contact us today to schedule your free estimate!

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