Why Won't My New Kitchen Cabinets Close Properly Anymore After a Few Months?
The cabinet doors closed perfectly at the time of installation, but a few months later, some seem slightly misaligned, rub against the frame, or struggle to close all the way.
Why this misalignment is actually very common
Modern cabinet hinges are designed with adjustable settings precisely because a slight shift is expected after installation — the home itself moves slightly with the seasons, and cabinets, fastened to the wall, follow that movement on their own scale.
The most common causes of misalignment
| Cause | Why it affects door alignment |
|---|---|
| Seasonal humidity changes affecting the cabinet wood | Wood expands and contracts slightly, affecting door alignment |
| Hinges loosening slightly with repeated use | Normal mechanical movement requiring periodic adjustment |
| Wall structure settling after installation | Normal home movement, especially during the first year |
| Weight of stored items slightly affecting the cabinet's structure | More common for cabinets holding significant weight |
Why this generally isn't a manufacturing defect
Slight misalignment after several months of use is an expected phenomenon rather than a sign of poor quality — most cabinet manufacturers design their hinges with this reality in mind, including easily accessible adjustment screws for exactly this purpose.
How to adjust the hinges yourself
Most modern hinges have two or three distinct adjustment screws: one for horizontal adjustment, one for vertical, and sometimes one for depth. Small, progressive adjustments, tested after each turn of the screw rather than one big adjustment at once, generally realign the door with no specialized tools beyond a simple screwdriver.
When a hinge adjustment isn't enough
If adjusting the screws doesn't fix the problem, or several doors show simultaneous, pronounced misalignment, the cause could be more structural (a cabinet poorly secured to the wall from installation) and deserve the attention of the original contractor or installer, particularly if the work is still under warranty.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I adjust my cabinet hinges?+
Generally once a year is enough for most households, though more frequent adjustment may be needed for the most heavily used cabinets.
Are all hinge types adjustable?+
Most modern hinges are, but some older or more basic models may not offer this feature, requiring replacement rather than adjustment.
Can misalignment indicate a problem with the cabinet itself?+
Rarely for a minor, isolated misalignment, but pronounced, widespread misalignment deserves a check of how the cabinet is secured to the wall.
Can I prevent this misalignment from installation onward?+
Not completely, since the normal seasonal movement of wood and the home can't be eliminated, but regular preventive hinge maintenance limits its visible impact.
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More to know before your project.
By Catherine Lavoie — RBQ-licensed general contractor, residential renovation specialist
Updated on July 22, 2026