Yes, it is common for kitchen cabinets to become loose over time due to regular use and the weight of items stored inside them. Several factors can contribute to cabinet loosening, including:
Settling and shifting: Over time, a house may settle or experience slight movements, causing the cabinets to shift or become misaligned.
Heavy loads: Placing heavy items inside cabinets can put stress on the cabinet structure and fasteners, potentially causing them to loosen over time.
Door and drawer usage: Frequent opening and closing of cabinet doors and drawers can gradually loosen the hinges and hardware.
Moisture and humidity: In areas with high humidity or moisture, the wood in cabinets can expand and contract, affecting the stability of the fasteners.
To address loose kitchen cabinets, you can take the following steps:
Check for loose screws: Inspect the cabinets and look for any visible loose screws. Use a screwdriver to tighten them, being careful not to overtighten and strip the screw holes.
Realign cabinet doors: If cabinet doors are misaligned, you can adjust the hinges to improve their alignment. Most hinges have screws that allow for vertical, horizontal, and depth adjustments.
Reinforce support brackets: Some cabinets have support brackets or braces that hold them together. Check if any brackets have come loose and tighten or replace them if needed.
Use cabinet shims: If cabinets have shifted or are not level, you can use cabinet shims (thin wedges) to adjust their positioning and make them level and plumb. Place shims under the cabinets at the points where they make contact with the wall or floor.
Consider additional support: For heavily loaded cabinets or persistent loosening issues, you may want to reinforce the cabinet installation by adding extra screws or brackets for additional support. Consult a professional or refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for appropriate reinforcement methods.
Regular maintenance and periodic checks can help you identify and address any potential issues with loose cabinets before they become more significant problems.