Who this guide is for
- Homeowners with cabinet doors that hang crooked or rub
- People preparing to brief a cabinet fitter or kitchen installer
- Anyone unsure whether it is one door or a run-wide issue
- Owners wanting a clear record before an adjustment visit
Reading the reveal gaps
The gap around a door — the reveal — should be even top to bottom and side to side. Note where it narrows and widens: a door tilting in suggests one pattern, a door dropping suggests another.
Describe the gaps you see rather than deciding which hinge screw is responsible; the pattern is the data a fitter reads.
- A reveal that tapers top to bottom
- Two doors rubbing where they meet
- A door sitting proud or recessed
- A door corner catching the frame
One door or the whole run
Step back and look along the run. Note whether only one door is off or several drift in the same direction, which can suggest the carcass or wall fixing rather than a single hinge.
A quick photo straight-on along the cabinet line captures this better than words.
Movement, load and history
Note whether the misalignment followed something — a heavy item stored in the unit, a knock, settlement, or a recent installation. Record whether it has worsened over time.
Whether the door still closes and latches, or now springs open, is also worth noting.
Photographing the misalignment
Photograph each affected door straight-on, with the reveal gaps visible, and a wide shot along the run. Operating the door gently to show where it rubs helps too.
Avoid loosening hinge screws to experiment before a fitter sees it as found.
- Straight-on shots showing reveal gaps
- A wide shot along the cabinet run
- Film a door rubbing if it does
Briefing a cabinet fitter
Bring your photos, notes on whether it is one door or several, and any history before contacting a cabinet maker or kitchen fitter.
Let them adjust hinges or remount as needed; your record helps them judge the scope quickly.
Documentation checklist
- 1Record where each door's reveal gap narrows and widens
- 2Note whether one door or several are misaligned
- 3Photograph each door straight-on showing the gaps
- 4Take a wide shot along the cabinet run
- 5Note whether doors rub, spring open, or won't latch
- 6Record any event or load that preceded the misalignment
- 7Note whether it has worsened over time
- 8Leave hinge screws as found for the fitter
Common mistakes to avoid
- Twisting hinge screws to experiment before a fitter assesses the pattern
- Recording one door and missing a run-wide drift
- Ignoring a heavy load or knock that preceded the problem
- Assuming it is just a hinge when carcass or wall fixing may be involved
- Forcing a rubbing door, which can chip or mark the finish
When to involve a professional
- A cabinet maker or kitchen fitter can assess hinges, carcass and mounting and adjust accordingly
- If cabinets are pulling from the wall, ensure heavy contents are managed and have the mounting checked
- Avoid adjusting hinges blindly before assessment, as it can mask the underlying pattern
- What is involved varies by cabinet system and installation, and a professional should confirm the cause
Frequently asked questions
Questions readers ask about this topic
Is a crooked cabinet door just a hinge issue?
Often it is a hinge adjustment, but several doors drifting together can point to the carcass or wall fixing. Recording whether it is one door or the whole run helps a fitter judge that before they arrive.
Can I adjust the hinges myself first?
Twisting hinge screws before a fitter sees the pattern can mask the cause and make their job harder. It is more useful to document the reveal gaps as found and let them assess it.
Why are my two doors rubbing in the middle?
Two doors meeting and rubbing can come from one or both drifting toward each other. Photograph the gaps straight-on and along the run so a fitter can see which way each has moved.
Should I worry if cabinets seem to pull from the wall?
Doors drifting together with cabinets that look like they are pulling away is worth flagging and having the mounting checked. Manage heavy contents and document it for a professional rather than ignoring it.
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