As anyone who’s tackled a kitchen remodel knows, even the best cabinets won’t look their best unless they’re assembled and installed correctly. Whether you’re a confident DIYer or a trade professional on a tight schedule, cabinet assembly can hit a few common snags—especially in real-world spaces with uneven floors or out-of-plumb walls.
At RTA Cabinet Store, we’re committed to helping our customers—from homeowners to contractors—get flawless results faster. That’s why we created this guide to the 10 most common RTA cabinet issues and how to solve them. Bonus: all of our cabinet lines are supported by step-by-step 3D instructions in the BILT app, so you can install with confidence.
1. Uneven Cabinet Doors
The Problem:
Your cabinet doors are misaligned—one’s higher than the other or they’re not flush.
Who It Affects:
Common for both DIYers and pros when the box isn’t perfectly level or hinges need adjusting.
The Fix:
- Use a screwdriver to adjust the hinge screws on the back of the door—start with side-to-side, then move to depth and height.
- Check if the cabinet box is level. If it’s off, shim under the cabinet or at the wall studs.
Pro Tip: Even experienced installers run into door alignment issues when walls aren’t plumb. Use a laser level to check reference lines before securing.
2. Cabinets Aren’t Sitting Flush
The Problem:
There’s a gap between cabinets or between cabinets and the wall.
The Fix:
- Shim the backs of the cabinet boxes at stud locations to bring them flush.
- Use filler strips where needed to close gaps and create a finished look.
Why It Happens:
In older homes or fast-paced installs, walls often aren’t perfectly straight.
3. Cabinets Not Level
The Problem:
Your countertop wobbles or gaps appear along the base.
The Fix:
- Use shims beneath base cabinets and check level in both directions.
- Secure only after level is confirmed across all cabinets.
Tip for Trade Pros: Use a laser level for faster setup and fewer callbacks.
4. Drawers Rubbing or Not Sliding Smoothly
The Problem:
Drawer boxes don’t glide properly or are off-center.
The Fix:
- Confirm the drawer glides are mounted square and level.
- Check for damage or obstruction in the glide track.
Use BILT: The app visually confirms which track position to use for each cabinet type.
5. Cabinets Feel Wobbly After Installation
The Problem:
Wall or base cabinets aren’t secure after mounting.
The Fix:
- Recheck that all screws are anchored into studs using at least 2½” cabinet screws.
- For wall cabinets, always use a support ledger during install.
Why Pros Care: Loose cabinets = liability. A few extra minutes checking stud layout can prevent warranty calls.
6. Hardware Doesn’t Line Up
The Problem:
Knobs or pulls are crooked or misaligned across doors and drawers.
The Fix:
- Use a cabinet hardware jig or printable template.
- Measure twice, drill once.
Pro Insight: This is often delegated to helpers—give them a template to ensure consistent results across an entire kitchen.
7. Face Frames Not Flush Between Cabinets
The Problem:
Face frames don’t align, causing uneven seams.
The Fix:
- Clamp cabinets together before securing.
- Use frame screws to pull face frames tight, then reinforce from the interior.
8. Finish Chips or Scratches During Assembly
The Problem:
A dropped door or slipped tool leaves a visible mark.
The Fix:
- Use the included touch-up kit for small scuffs.
- For larger marks, call our customer service for color-matched solutions.
9. Confusing or Missing Parts
The Problem:
Screws or hardware aren’t where you expected—or you’re not sure which piece goes where.
The Fix:
- Lay out all hardware and compare to the BILT materials list.
- Still missing something? Our service team has your back with quick replacements and guidance.
Trade Pro Tip: Encourage team members to preview BILT before starting assembly. It cuts down on assembly time and guesswork.
10. Instructions Feel Overwhelming
The Problem:
Paper instructions are cluttered or unclear.
The Fix:
- Download the BILT app for 3D animated step-by-step instructions.
- Available for iOS and Android, with voice guidance and interactive views.
Pro-Level Benefit: BILT helps installers train new team members or subs without micromanaging.
Final Tips for Flawless Cabinet Installation
- Always start with a dry fit—position everything without screws to check for alignment.
- If you’re unsure about layout or sizing, use our free kitchen design service.
- Double-check for level, square, and plumb before securing anything permanently.
- Download the BILT app before you begin—it’s the easiest way to get it right the first time.
Build With Confidence: Download BILT or Get Pro Help
Whether you’re a DIY homeowner or a seasoned contractor, RTA Cabinet Store is here to make cabinet assembly stress-free. From 3D-guided instructions to unmatched customer support, we’re your partner in every project.