Here’s a clear, beginner-friendly step-by-step guide on how to fix kitchen cabinets, covering the most common problems (loose doors, sagging hinges, broken drawers, and minor damage).
Tools & Materials You May Need
Screwdriver (Phillips & flathead)
Drill (optional)
Wood glue
Wood filler
Clamps
Measuring tape
Level
Replacement hinges/screws (if damaged)
Sandpaper (120–220 grit)
Paint or touch-up marker
Hammer & small nails
🧰 Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Kitchen Cabinets
1. Inspect the Cabinet
Check for loose doors, sagging shelves, sticking drawers, or cracked wood.
Identify whether the issue is with hinges, screws, wood joints, or alignment.
2. Fix Loose or Sagging Cabinet Doors
Problem: Door hangs unevenly or won’t close properly.
Steps:
1. Open the cabinet door.
2. Tighten all hinge screws on both the door and cabinet frame.
3. If screws spin loosely:
Remove the screw
Fill the hole with wood glue + toothpicks
Let it dry, then reinsert the screw
4. Adjust hinge screws slightly to align the door evenly.
✅ Tip: Use a level to ensure straight alignment.
3. Repair Broken or Weak Hinges
1. Unscrew the damaged hinge.
2. Replace it with a matching hinge.
3. Screw it firmly into place.
4. Test the door opening and closing.
4. Fix Cabinet Doors That Won’t Stay Closed
Cause: Worn magnetic catch or latch.
Steps:
1. Remove the old magnetic catch.
2. Install a new one in the same position.
3. Adjust until the door snaps shut properly.
5. Repair Loose or Broken Cabinet Shelves
1. Remove the shelf.
2. Tighten or replace shelf support pins.
3. If the shelf is cracked:
Apply wood glue to the crack
Clamp tightly and let dry for 24 hours
4. Reinstall the shelf and test weight support.
6. Fix Sticking or Broken Drawers
1. Remove the drawer.
2. Tighten loose screws on slides.
3. Clean dirt from the tracks.
4. Apply a little wax or lubricant.
5. Replace damaged slides if necessary.
7. Repair Cracks, Holes, or Chipped Wood
1. Clean the damaged area.
2. Apply wood filler with a putty knife.
3. Let it dry completely.
4. Sand smooth.
5. Paint or touch up to match cabinet color.
8. Reattach Loose Cabinet Frames
1. Tighten mounting screws inside the cabinet.
2. If separated from the wall:
Apply wood glue
Screw firmly into wall studs
3. Use clamps if needed until secure.
9. Final Check & Clean-Up
Open and close all doors and drawers.
Check alignment and stability.
Wipe down cabinets for a finished look.
✅ Maintenance Tips
Tighten hinges every 6–12 months
Avoid slamming doors
Keep cabinets dry to prevent wood damage
Clean hinges and tracks regularly