Leveling a corner base cabinet, particularly an RTA (Ready-To-Assemble) one, involves a few key steps to ensure stability and proper installation. RTA cabinets, unlike glued and screwed component cabinets, sometimes need special attention due to their assembly method.
Why Corner Base Cabinets Need Leveling
Corner base cabinets are crucial for kitchen layouts but can pose challenges if not perfectly level. Uneven cabinets can lead to:
- Misaligned countertops
- Doors and drawers not closing properly
- Structural stress on the cabinet
According to the provided video reference, the need to level is more common in RTA cabinets because they are not glued and screwed. This makes the base a little more unstable.
Steps to Level a Corner Base Cabinet
Here’s how to level your corner base cabinet effectively:
- Initial Assessment:
- Place a level on the top of the cabinet in multiple directions (front to back, side to side, and diagonally).
- Note the areas that are out of level, which are normally the back corners.
- Identify Problem Areas: Determine which areas of the cabinet need adjustment, paying close attention to the back, as the video demonstrates a focus on the back.
- Adjusting the Feet (If Applicable):
- Most base cabinets have adjustable feet that can be turned to raise or lower them.
- Use a screwdriver to adjust these legs until the cabinet is closer to level.
- Make small adjustments and recheck with the level.
- Using Shims:
- If the cabinet feet don't provide enough adjustment, use shims.
- Place shims under the cabinet's base, primarily under the parts that need lifting to make it level.
- Use a level to continuously check and adjust placement as you go.
- Focus on the back corner if the issue is with an RTA cabinet as suggested in the provided YouTube video reference.
- Final Check:
- Once you believe the cabinet is level, place the level on multiple areas of the cabinet (like the top, front and sides) to confirm accuracy.
- Ensure the cabinet is stable and doesn’t wobble.
Important Considerations
- RTA Cabinets: Be aware that RTA cabinets might require more attention to leveling, as they are not glued and screwed, according to the YouTube video reference.
- Floor Condition: An uneven floor can make leveling challenging; take this into account.
- Cabinet Load: Consider the weight of the cabinet and its contents. This might require the use of heavy duty shims or reinforcement.
Summary Table
| Step | Description | Tools Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Assessment | Use a level to identify areas that are not level. | Level |
| Adjust Feet | Turn adjustable feet to raise or lower sections of the cabinet. | Screwdriver (if applicable) |
| Use Shims | Place shims under the cabinet to correct areas not accessible to feet adjustments | Shims |
| Final Check | Recheck with a level in multiple directions and ensure the cabinet is stable and doesn’t wobble. | Level |
By following these steps, you can effectively level a corner base cabinet, ensuring a stable and correctly installed kitchen unit. Remember to pay attention to the unique characteristics of RTA cabinets and always double-check your work with a level.
