Cabinet Pulling Away From Wall? – Learn How to Fix!

Having your cabinet pulling away from wall is a sight that isn’t only disturbing but scary. Especially if it’s a top cabinet.

The fear of it detaching and falling off the wall could be so much of an issue.

In this article, I will discuss with you the common causes of cabinets’ fallout. I will also share with you my number one secret for fixing it.

The most common reason why cabinets pull off the wall is mostly due to improper installation.

How Much Weight Can A Cabinet Hold

Our plates and utensils seem to be getting heavier over the years.

And there are a lot of kitchen items to be stored and little space in the kitchen.

One might be left to wonder how much weight a cabinet can accommodate.

Note: Overall, the average weight a cabinet is expected to carry is about 600lbs.

Our cabinets are built in such a way as to be able to carry as much weight as possible.

The amount of weight that a cabinet can carry, depends so much on certain factors.

Below are the factors:

Cabinet Material 

The cabinet material is a major factor that affects how much weight a cabinet can carry.

If the cabinet is made from durable wood, it is sure to carry more weight.

Although a cabinet made from lightweight wood wouldn’t carry much weight.

Construction And Design

The construction and design also play a key role in determining how much weight a cabinet can accommodate. 

A top cabinet has a different set of designs and construction from a floor.

They are usually built to be able to accommodate a lot of weight considering they will be hung on the wall.

And they have no support aside from the studs and screws. 

Fastener And Screws

Other factors that determine how much weight your cabinet can carry are the fasteners, studs, joists, and screws.

These are used to put the cabinets in place. They, therefore, play a vital role in giving the cabinet enough strength to accommodate weights.

If the studs and screws aren’t firm and fixed properly, it is advisable not to overweigh the cabinet with items.

Tip: You can hire the service of a furniture maker to construct a custom cabinet that can accommodate more weight than the average standard cabinets.

Why Is My Cabinet Pulling Away From Wall?

Cabinets pulling away from the wall can be a very risky situation if not fixed on time. If not fixed, the cabinet could pose a lot of stress and damage. 

Dangers include damage to our items, the sudden shock caused by falling off, and the damage to the cabinet itself. 

It could also cause a possible injury to anyone present at the moment.

It is, therefore, necessary that we take notice of our cabinets shifting and fix it on time.

Improper Installation 

The major question is what causes the cabinet to pull away from the wall.

The major cause of cabinet pulling away is an improper unprofessional way of installing the cabinet on the wall.

If the cabinet isn’t properly installed onto the wall, there is a high chance of it pulling off. 

Weak Joist, Screw, And Straps

Another reason why a cabinet may pull off is because of weak joist, screws, and straps.

The joist and screw holding the cabinet may begin to get weak mostly due to the age of the house.

Older houses may begin to get weak in the walls. 

This will lead to the screws not having a firm grip on the walls. Water can also cause the walls to get damp.

This also in turn leads to cracks and softness on the walls of the house.

Pipes are run through the walls of the kitchen which means the possibility of leaking is high. 

Tip: A good tip is to be cautious of water leakages.

Weight Load

A not-so-common cause of cabinet shifting is the weight load the cabinet is carrying.

With so much to keep in the kitchen and not enough space, we are bound to overuse the cabinet for its purpose. 

But it should be noted that a cabinet has the required amount of storage it can accommodate.

Storing more than the required amount over a long period will cause the joist and straps of the cabinet to become weak.

Hence causing the cabinet to pull from the wall.

Tip: Cabinet Pulling can also be caused by structural problems such as foundation shifting.

How To  Fix A Cabinet Falling Off The Wall

As said earlier, it is best to fix a cabinet separating from the wall before it gets worse or more damaging.

Fixing the cabinet does not necessarily need the help of an expert. 

You can do it yourself with the techniques I shall be sharing with you soon. But if you feel the need to call for a professional, then feel free to do so.

Just ensure it is a professional who is good. This is to avoid the cabinet separating from the wall again. 

Step #1. Remove Any Residue

Using a putty knife, insert it between any separations, cracks, and loose joints.

Remove any remaining dried glue, loose wood fibers, wood chips, or debris, with a scraper.

This is necessary to create space for new installations.

Step #2. Take Necessary Measurement 

To get the cabinet up against the wall, use your hands to push against the cabinet. Then push back as far back as you can.

This will hold the cabinet enough for you to take the necessary measurements.

It is important to calculate any distance between the top of the counter and the cabinet’s bottom while holding it in place with one hand.

Measure to the ground if a countertop is not present.

Two studs should be cut using a miter saw to that length after adding an extra half an inch to the measurement.

Step #3. Fasten The Cabinet With Glue 

Any cracks, separations, or loose joints should be filled with glue. Just below the cabinet front, install the studs at an angle.

Then tap the studs from under with a hammer upward. Do this to hold the cabinet onto the wall. 

Step #4. Drill The Necessary Holes

There must be some areas where glue has been applied. In such areas, drill a hole through the cabinet using a cordless drill.

Whilst drilling through into the shelves from the sides of the cabinet. 

This will strengthen the joints of the cabinet. For the countersink, drill every hole to a depth of ¼ inch.

Afterward, insert screws of ½ inch into every hole and then tighten the screws. 

Add a very small amount of glue to the holes in the countersink, then use a wood plug to tap the holes.

Then finish up the installation.

Step #5. Drive The Screw

Leaning into the cabinet, locate where the mounting screws are located.

A wooden rail ought to support the top of the back cabinet. There will be two or three screws in the rail.

Use the cordless driver to insert one screw into each side of the existing screws. When you make contact with a stud, you will know it.

The screw will be difficult to drive. Once the studs have been located and screwed into, the cabinet will remain in place.

Allow the adhesive to dry for 24 hours.

Remove the props. Utilize a chisel to remove the tops of the wood plugs.

The plug’s end should be lightly ground with 120-grit sandpaper before being colored with a stain-coordinating marker.

Conclusion

It is best to be observant of your cabinet pulling away from wall. As this will reduce the possibility of a cabinet accident. 

All things being equal, a cabinet fixed properly barely pulls out of the wall. If your cabinet keeps pulling out, the chances are that the wall is weak.

Or maybe the building is having structural problems. In such situations, do well to consult a professional.