If you’ve ever installed cabinets before, one of the more delicate parts of the operation is the installation of the countertop. You are likely to have gaps, so how can they be fixed?
The easiest way to fix a gap between a cabinet and the countertop is to use some caulking. Small areas can be filled with caulking easily and wiped down with your finger but if the area is particularly large, you can use a backer rod to fill the gap ahead of time.
This isn’t only a problem that occurs with a new installation of cabinets and countertops, a gap can also form between the two over time in existing installations. Many people who move into a home noticed a gap at first.
Although a gap may be unsightly, it is not out of the question for it to exist. For most people, bending down to look at the space between the top of the cabinets and the bottom of the countertop is not going to happen in other people’s homes.
In other words, these gaps exist in most homes, and in many cases, they are not filled or fixed in any way. If you want them filled and fixed in your home, however, there are options on the table that can help you to do so very effectively.
Can You Fix The Gap Between Cabinet And Countertop? (How To)
One thing that you need to keep in mind when filling a gap between the cabinet and the countertop is that you don’t want it to be seen. Essentially, you’re trying to hide something that is unsightly but if you make it unsightly in the process, you are not really fixing the issue.
That is why you really need to consider a number of factors before you begin trying to fill that gap. First of all, is it really necessary to fill it?
We will take a look at some of the issues that can happen if you do have a gap between the cabinet and the countertop. Other than that, the gap really doesn’t matter if it is not seen by most people unless they bend down and look at it.
Then again, simply knowing it is there is enough for many homeowners to want to take the effort and close the gap if at all possible.
Another thing to consider is the amount of time that the gap is going to be fixed. If you use caulking to fix it, for example, then you are really only temporarily fixing the problem. Eventually, the caulking is going to need to be replaced.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on October 16, 2022.
In addition, if the gap is forming between the countertop and the top of the cabinets, it is going to continue to get worse and worse over time. There may be a time when it doesn’t get worse but until then, it is going to be an ongoing struggle.
Let’s take a look at a number of factors that can play into your decision as to whether you should fix this problem and how you should fix it.
Why You Should Fix The Gap Between Cabinet And Countertop
We’ve already established the fact that it is possible to fix a gap between the top of the cabinets and the countertop. The real question is, why should you fix it? Knowing the answer to that question can help you to make the decision if it is right for you.
Ascetics – The main reason why anyone would want to fix a gap between the cabinet and the countertop is that they don’t like the way that it looks. Perhaps it is something that is visible from across the room or maybe you just don’t like the fact that you can bend down and see it if you want to do so.
Pests – The gap that exists between the cabinets and countertops provides easy access for pests to enter the cabinets, such as cockroaches or ants. Admittedly, they’re going to find their way into the cabinets anyway whether a gap is there or not but you can at least slow them down a little if you fill the gap now.
Moisture – It may be possible in some cases for moisture to get in the gap between the cabinets and the countertop. This may cause damage to the inside of the cabinets as well as to the top of the cabinets, which is very difficult to fix. Filling the gap makes it impossible for the moisture to get through.
Cracking – Some types of countertops support their own weight nicely. Others could crack under their own weight if they are not supported properly. The best way to support the countertop is to close up any gap between the top of the cabinets at the bottom of the countertop. This will ensure that the countertop is properly supported and keep those types of issues at bay.
What Is Causing The Gap Between Cabinet And Countertop?
You might be surprised to learn that many homes have a problem with a gap forming between the cabinets and the countertop. This is an issue that can occur for many reasons, including the following:
Old Cabinets – As cabinets age, they tend to warp and shift. This can be a problem that eventually causes a gap to form at the top of the cabinets. Some of those cabinets can even deteriorate over time, causing the gap to form even further.
Installation – If the cabinets are not leveled properly when they are installed, it can cause a gap to form almost instantly between a solid surface and the top of the cabinets. This is commonly seen in certain types of countertops, such as granite. Granite will not bend to match the top of the cabinets so the gap will be there from the start.
Factory Problems – Although it is nice to have new cabinets, they aren’t always going to be cut perfectly from the factory. If you put a straight edge across the top of the cabinets, such as a framing level, you may see that there are already gaps because of imperfections in the way they were built.
You can correct this problem by sanding the top of the cabinets so that they are level but more than likely, you will just see the gap and it needs to be filled as described below.
How To Prevent Gaps From Forming Between Cabinet And Countertop
It is difficult to keep gaps from forming between the cabinets and the countertop but there may be options in some cases.
If you are using a type of countertop that is attached to the cabinets using screws, you can simply tighten the screws on a regular basis to ensure that gaps aren’t forming.
Solid countertops, such as granite, can’t take advantage of this option. You will just need to fill the gap as it occurs.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on October 16, 2022.
3 Ideas To Fix The Gap Between Cabinet And Countertop
1. Fix The Gap Between Cabinet And Countertop Using Caulking
Caulking is a DIY wonder that can correct a lot of issues. Can it also correct a problem with the gap between the top of the cabinet and the countertop?
You can easily fix most gaps between the countertop and cabinet by using caulking. Fill the gap with caulking and then run a finger along the bead to seal it perfectly. You can use a damp rag to remove any caulking from the cabinets or the countertop.
Small gaps can be filled easily in this way. Larger gaps, on the other hand, will swallow up the caulking and make it almost impossible for it to be filled properly.
If you have any large gaps that need filling like this, you can use a spline or a backer rod to fill the gap. This is a material that essentially makes a small gap out of a large gap so that you can put a bead of caulking over it and seal it up nicely.
2. Fix The Gap Between Cabinet And Countertop Using Scribing/Leveling
Another option that can be done requires you to either pull off the countertops or do it before the countertop is installed.
You can scribe the cabinets to match the existing countertop. If the countertop is wavy, scribing it in this way will fill the gap and make for a seamless match. Otherwise, you can sand the top of the cabinets so that they are smooth and level.
This can certainly fill the gap between the cabinets and countertops but it is also sometimes a temporary measure. As the cabinets get some age to them, the gap is likely to occur again and you will have to use caulking to fill it.
3. Fix The Gap Between Cabinet And Countertop Using Molding
If there is a significant overhang on the cabinets, there is another option that can correct the gap between the top of the cabinets and the countertop bottom.
You can use a small piece of molding to hide the gap that exists between the cabinet and countertop. This will look good when it is installed and it can also add a little support for the countertop if it is installed properly.
Like scribing or flattening the top of the cabinets, this is also a temporary measure. It will look good for a while but if the cabinets shift or deteriorate, you will have to use caulking to make up for any shortfall.
The gap between the cabinet and countertop can be fixed easily with some caulking and a backer rod. Put the backer rod in to fill the gaps that are large and then run the bead of caulking to fill the gap properly. Use a damp rag to wipe down the caulking and remove any that got on the cabinets or on the countertop.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on October 16, 2022.