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Why Won’t My Cabinet Doors Close All the Way?
It could be as simple as a loose hinge or as complicated as warped wood
Photo: Johner Images / Getty Images
Photo: Johner Images / Getty Images
Highlights
Cabinet doors that won’t close can be caused by racking or warping.
Before tackling the problem yourself, check if your cabinets are still under warranty.
Sometimes, adjusting or tightening the hinges is enough to fix the issue.
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One of your kitchen cabinet doors has been sticking out, and it’s really starting to get on your nerves. So, why won’t your cabinet doors close all the way? A number of issues could be causing this common but annoying problem, including warped wood, loose hinges, obstructions, or overlap issues. The good news is most of these issues are fairly easy to fix, and if you can’t tackle the repair on your own, you can likely hire a professional to do so without a hefty price tag.
1. Overlapping Doors
Cabinet doors that overlap slightly—and therefore don’t close all the way—can be caused by a number of reasons. It could be that your cabinets are racked, or out of square, due to an installation error; you can use a level to check. You may also have the wrong size door, either because the cabinet manufacturer accidentally sent you the wrong one or, if your cabinets were custom-made by a local cabinet maker, that person could have made an error in measurements.
If you still have a warranty on your cabinets, you should be able to have these problems fixed at no cost to you. But sometimes overlapping doors can be fixed by a simple adjustment to the hinges, so be sure to try that, too. As a last resort, you may be able to correct overlap issues by sanding or shaving down portions of the door, but you will then need to repaint or stain those areas, and it can be difficult to get everything to match perfectly.
2. Warped Wood
Since a majority of cabinets are made of wood and medium-density fiberboard (MDF), there’s a chance the cabinet doors have become warped over time. This is especially true if you live in a climate with high humidity or have experienced flooding or water damage in your home. Take a good look at your cabinet doors to see if they’re out of alignment due to warping. If the warping is minor, you may be able to fix it with clamps and a heat source such as a heat gun or hair dryer. For more severe warping, your best bet will probably be to replace the door.
3. Hinges Need Adjusting
Photo: milan2099 / E+ / Getty Images
In older cabinets that have been around for years, the hinges can often become loose or misaligned, leading to doors not shutting all the way. Start by checking each hinge to see if it needs tightening, in which case you’ll just need a screwdriver to secure the screws in place. You can also try repositioning the hinges if they’re adjustable.
4. Obstructions
Maybe your cabinet has become a large-scale junk drawer, or maybe it’s been a few years since you sorted through the items taking up space inside. Whatever the case, the reason your doors won’t close all the way could be that items are blocking its closure. This is a fairly easy fix so long as you have the time to clear out and organize your cabinet to prevent an obstruction from happening again.
Cost to Repair Cabinet Doors
If you’ve attempted to fix the problem using the steps above but haven’t had luck solving the issue, it may be time to call in a local cabinet repair company. They’ll be able to assess your cabinets and provide you with an estimate to repair them. An experienced contractor will ensure that any work done to your cabinets blends in seamlessly, so you can continue to use and enjoy your cabinets for years to come.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Repairing cabinets that won't close can be a manageable DIY project if the issue is minor, like loose hinges or misaligned doors. With basic tools and some patience, you can often fix these problems yourself, saving on labor costs.
However, hiring a professional might be better if the cabinets have more complex structural issues. Pros have the expertise and tools to address underlying problems effectively and ensure a long-lasting repair.
Melissa Graham contributed to this piece.
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