How To Fill Gaps Between Cupboards & Walls [Step By Step Guide]

Cracks or gaps between your cupboards and walls can be forgivable if not obvious. However, regularly looking at the gap can bother you. So, how to fill it? What tools and filling materials are suitable for cupboards and walls? Discover it from the researched information.

Fill gaps that are less than 1/8 inches with latex, waterproof caulk. Apply it to the gap in a balanced amount with a caulking gun. Remove the extra adhesive with a scraper for a clean and smooth application. Always wipe a damp cloth for a clean finish.

Bigger gaps need filler strips. Determine the gap between your cupboard and the wall. Cut a filler strip following the measured gap. Then, slip it in between the gap to secure it.

The methods seem easy at first. While you can DIY filling gaps between your cabinets and walls, you still need to prepare more materials and know why it is the kind of sealer recommendable in filling the gaps. Continue reading to learn more.

Filling Gaps Between Cupboards & Walls [Step By Step Guide]

Gaps or spaces between cabinets and walls appear due to poor installation, positioning of cabinets, or renovation. It is natural to have gaps between cupboards when connected to other materials. Moreover, spaces of 1 to 3 inches are allowed upon installation, so there is an allowance to adjust. A gap within 3 millimeters between cupboards and walls is tolerable. More than that, you need to fill in.

Filling A Small Gap With Caulk

Filling a small gap is less tedious than covering a big gap. Apply caulk for gaps with less than 1/8 inches. However, smooth application and proper materials will help you finish the task as soon as possible. Follow the step-by-step guide to filling gaps between your cabinet and wall below:

Tools To Prepare:

• caulking gun
• scissors or a utility knife
• cloth
• latex, waterproof caulk, or a multi-purpose gap sealer
• painter's tape
• scraper

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Steps:

1. Wipe dust from the cupboard and wall with a clean cloth. Put painter's tape on both sides of the gap in your cupboard and wall. It serves as a guide to preventing the caulk from smudging everywhere.
2. Cut straight the caulk with a size smaller than the gap for clean application using a pair of scissors or a knife. Prick the seal with the tube's seal or a sharp object like a wire.
3. Put the caulk tube into the caulking gun and push the plunger until the tip of the tube is exposed.
4. Firmly hold the caulking gun with the tip pointing to the gap at an angle of 45 degrees. Apply a uniform amount of caulk as you cover the gap.
5. Immediately wipe off the extra caulk outside the gap with a damp cloth for a clean result.
6. Remove the tape and remove any excess dried caulk with a scraper.
7. Let the caulk dry completely for about 2 hours, especially when you are going to paint it afterward.

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Filling A Big Gap With Filler Strips

Filler strips are commonly hardwood cut into strips with a width of around 2 to 4 inches. Some strips come as add-ons when you purchase cabinets. It may require more work than working with caulk. Here is an easy guide to filling a large gap between your cupboard and wall:

Tools To Prepare:

• Filler strips
• Tape measure
• Belt sander
• Pencil
• Circular saw
• Wood glue or silicone

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Steps:

1. Measure the gap times with a tape measure. Also, measure the height of the cupboard doors to determine the size of your filler strip cut. You can go a little bigger than the measurements.
2. You can do a test measurement with cardboard. Cut the cardboard according to the measurement, and install it at the gap. See if it is correct before putting in the permanent filler strip.
3. Trace the filler strip in the cardboard. Put markings as necessary with a pencil.  
4. Cut it preferably with a circular saw. The cut is a little wider, so you can adjust further.
5. Refine the sides of the cut filler strip with a belt sander to have smooth edges and finish. Make sure the size matches your cardboard trace.
6. Distribute silicone or wood glue on one side corner of the filler strip. Align it at an angle to install it with the glued side to get in. Slowly push the other side of the strip to fit in the gap of your cupboard. You can also screw it for a tight fit. Make sure you are knowledgeable about using a drill screwdriver.

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Application Tips on Filling Gaps at the Cupboards and Walls

Learning two ways to fill the gaps in your cupboards is quite convenient. Also, knowing some applications or filling tips will make your project as smooth as possible. Find out some tips to consider in filling gaps between your cupboards and walls for a flawless finish:

• You may apply a second layer of caulk, depending on the depth and need of the gap.
• Make sure the caulk is dry before applying any coating or paint.
• It is helpful to tape both sides of the gap before putting the caulk for less clean-up work afterward.
• Put hard fillers such as expandable foam or fillers before applying caulk for efficient application.
• Use acrylic caulk with a silicone pinch to paint your cupboard and wall. Pure silicone does not stick well with paint.
• You can use a color-matching caulk for your made-up cabinets. Or, you can use a stain marker to match the wood color of your cupboard closely.
• Keep children away while working with machines such as the belt sander and the saw.
• Use a ladder whenever necessary.

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How Do You Fill Cracks In Cabinets?

Caulk is an ideal tool to fill the " target="_blank" rel="noopener">cracks in your cabinet. Spread pinches of caulk and slowly damp and smoothen it on the cabinet with a damp cloth. Use a caulk with a similar color to your cupboard to have a flawless result.

Can You Use Wood Filler On Cabinets?

Using wood filler on your cabinet before painting is a good idea. It gives you a smooth finish, especially when coating oak cabinets. Choose a filler closest to the color of oak.

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How Do You Make An Airtight Cabinet?

No one wants a loose and airy cabinet. Storage areas or boxes should be sealed and covered tightly. Measure the unit you need to install in the airtight box. Fasten the corners of the box together with nails. Then, fill every wood box joint with a silicone sealer. Install your unit into the box, spread silicone on the box rims, and secure the peak of the box with nails.

What Is The Easiest Caulk To Use?

The easiest caulk to use is a water-based sealer such as acrylic latex caulk. You can easily shape and spread it and quickly wipe it off with water. Mix silicone to your latex caulks to make a stronger adhesion and elasticity. Also, ready-mix variants are readily in the market. Look for products with labels like plus silicone or siliconized.

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Can You Use Sealant Instead Of Caulk?

Both terminologies are often used similarly. They have similar uses, which are to seal and fill gaps effectively. But dried caulk is firmer than sealant. It becomes a solid, making a hard and permanent surface or fill.

Summing Up

It is significant to measure the gap when filling gaps between cupboards and walls. Determining the size of the gap will lead you to the correct filler to use, either caulk or filler strips. Keeping a clean and smooth application will have satisfactory results.

Find out more about filling gaps in these posts:

How To Fill Gaps Between Tiles [Using Grout, Caulk, Gap Filling Powder, Or White Cement],

How To Fill Gaps Between Your Pipes And Walls [Step By Step Guide]