How To Adjust Kitchen Cabinet Doors and Hinges

Over time, frequent use can cause cupboard doors to sag, misalign, or stop closing properly. While this might seem like a job for a professional, adjusting kitchen cabinet doors is a simple DIY task. With just a Phillips screwdriver and a few easy steps, you can realign your doors for a sleek, professional look.

This comprehensive guide on how to adjust kitchen cupboard hinges will walk you through the adjustment process, address common issues, and provide maintenance tips tailored for UK-style kitchen cabinets.

What You’ll Need

• Essential Tool: Phillips (crosshead) screwdriver
• Optional Tools: Spirit level for precise alignment; a soft cloth for cleaning hinges

Types of Hinges

Most UK kitchens feature European concealed hinges that are adjustable in three dimensions:

• Side-to-Side: Aligns the door horizontally
• Vertical: Corrects height sagging
• Front-to-Back: Adjusts the door’s depth

This guide will focus on these common hinges, including their soft-close variants.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting Cupboard Hinges

Most designs of kitchen cupboard door hinge in the UK will look like the one below. And there are four screws that are the important ones for adjusting cupboard door hinges, and you just need this tutorial on how to adjust cupboard hinges

Each screw will manoeuvre the cupboard door in a different direction so that you can align it with the body of the cupboard (known as the carcass).

And if it needs clarity, lefty losey, righty tighty. Turn the screws clockwise (right) to tighten, and anti-clockwise (left) to unscrew to loosen.

1. Side-to-Side Adjustment

This is the most common adjustment that you will make on your cupboard doors. This ensures even gaps between doors or between the door and the cupboard carcass (frame).

• Locate Screw 1 on the hinge to adjust doors from side to side.
• Clockwise Turn: Moves the door closer to the hinge side.
• Anti-Clockwise Turn: Moves the door further from the hinge side.
• Adjust both top and bottom hinges for a uniform, balanced look and give you the perfect gap.

2. Vertical Adjustment

You will usually need to use this when the cupboards doors have dropped below the carcass. If the cupboard door has sagged or sits too high, vertical adjustment is required.

• Loosen Screws 2 and 4 slightly by turning them anti-clockwise.
• Move and hold the door in the correct position and slide it up or down as needed.
• Tighten the screws clockwise to secure the new alignment.

This can be used on both top and bottom hinges.

3. Front-to-Back Adjustment

This will adjust the gap between the back of the cupboard door and the frame. This is used if the door is not shutting properly and ensures the door sits flush with the carcass and closes smoothly.

• Locate Screw 3 on the hinge.
• Clockwise Turn: Brings the door closer to the cupboard carcass (if the gap is too small the door will not close fully)
• Anti-Clockwise Turn: Creates a larger gap between the door and the carcass.
• Check that the door closes without rubbing against the frame.

Again, this adjustment can be made to both top and bottom hinges.

Do-It-Yourself

Simple and easy do-it-yourself adjustability tips to make your kitchen cupboards look and feel like they are newly installed without the need to call out a professional.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Why do kitchen cabinet doors drop?

It’s not just kitchen’s, wardrobes do this too. It’s mostly the movement of being opened and closed which loosens the screws. Plus gravity from the weight of the doors.

To fix a dropping cabinet door, you may need to tighten or replace the hinges, adjust the alignment of the door. Regular maintenance, such as tightening screws, can prevent issues before they worsen.

What If the Adjustments Don’t Work?

• Inspect Hinges: Damaged or worn hinges may need replacement.
• Examine Door and Frame: Warped doors or carcasses might require professional intervention.
• Soft-Close Hinges: Check for adjustment levers or damping screws to fine-tune soft-close functionality.

Tips for Soft-Close Hinges

Soft-close hinges often include a damping adjustment to control how gently the door closes. If the door slams or doesn’t shut completely:

• Look for a damping screw on the hinge mechanism.
• Turn clockwise to increase damping strength or anti-clockwise to reduce it.

Preventative Maintenance

To keep your cupboard doors looking and functioning like new:

• Regularly Tighten Screws: Prevent hinges from loosening over time.
• Clean Hinges: Remove dirt or grease with a soft cloth to maintain smooth operation.
• Avoid Overloading Doors: Excess weight can strain hinges.

Additional Resources

• Manufacturer Manuals: Refer to your hinge brand’s guide for specific adjustment instructions.
• DIY Video Tutorials: Online videos can provide visual clarification for tricky adjustments.

Final Tips on How to Adjust Cabinet Hinges

• Use a Spirit Level: Ensure precise alignment for a polished finish.
• Make Small Adjustments: Tiny tweaks can yield significant improvements.
• Clean and Lubricate: Maintain hinge performance with occasional cleaning and lubrication.

By following this guide to cupboard door hinge adjustment, you’ll restore your kitchen cupboards to their original alignment with minimal effort. This easy DIY task saves both time and money, avoiding the need for professional repairs.