Gap between top of base cabinets and worktop

Beverly27 · 19 Dec 2019

We had our kitchen fitted last week and the worktop installed a couple of days ago.
The worktop doesn't sit flush with the top of the base cabinets, leaving a quite visible gap between the two where there are blobs of adhesive. Because we have a kitchen which is open to the living area, when we're sat on the sofa this gap is very evident and looks sloppy. Is there an economical way that we can close up this gap between the worktop and the top of the cabinets and how would you suggest we do this please? Thanks.

Alexnh · 20 Dec 2019

Could you move the doors up using the vertical adjustment, covering most of the gap,

Is either that or take it off and reglue with smaller dabs or making sure they spread out properly.

oldbutnotdead · 20 Dec 2019

The best way would be to get the fitter back to finish the job properly. Either your worktop is warped (squint down it or use a straight edge to check it) or the units aren't level.
If you can't or don't want to get fitter back then check that your units have adjustable legs- if they do then lift the worktop, get rid of those glue blobs, level the job up and refix. If that glue is silicon or PVA it'll be soft and easy to remove (prod it with a hacksaw blade or knife). If it is gripfill or no more nails it will be hard and more difficult to shift (chisel)

bernardgreen · 20 Dec 2019

Do the base units have adjustable feet ?, if they do then maybe adjusting the feet so as to lift the base units up till they meet the underside of the work surface may be a solution.

JohnD · 20 Dec 2019

Is that a stone worktop?

They're very heavy and, since you can't screw them, commonly glued down.

Your installation is very shoddy.

I've found stone can't be removed without some damage to the units, as the glue is very hard and strong.

You may be luckier.

mrgobby · 21 Dec 2019

I'd guess the units/bases were not installed level by the fitter and assuming the worktop fitter was a different person, they just had to work to what was there. Check to see if the top is level in both directions though. If you paid for the installation take it up with the fitting company, Alternatively you could see if a sawblade will take out that glue blob and adjust the unit if the worktop is level but how many of the units are out! If they are screwed tight to the wall as well they may not move. You could try running a sealant around it or fitting a slim trim but I wouldn't try any of these options before first talking to the fitting company about correcting the work.

John D v2.0 · 21 Dec 2019

To be honest if everything is in the right place and it's just the gap that's the problem then don't go meeting around, just fill the gap with caulk. Costs about 3 pounds a tube and you could even get a coloured one to approximately match.
I did the same on our kitchen where the bottom trim (cornice is it?) was about 2mm gap just at my eye level by coincidence, and i could see the cabinet light shining through. Bit of grey caulk and i haven't had an issue

opps · 21 Dec 2019

I have to agree that it looks like the units weren't weren't lined up properly.

In the first image there is a massive gap between the end panel and the carcass (height wise).

Personally I would be asking the kitchen fitter why there is such a large gap. If you don't want to then you can purchase colour matched silicone eg

https://www.sealantsonline.co.uk/Products/Mastic-Sealant-Colours

You will need to ask the kitchen manufacturer what the RAL code for the door colour is (RAL is a widely used colour specification).

^woody^ · 21 Dec 2019

I'd get the fitter back for a look, and when he bends down, whack him on the arse with a cricket bat. Then get a proper fitter in and charge it to that imbecile.

cdbe · 21 Dec 2019

I guess it's the visible white carcasses you want to cover up as well. I would fill the gap flush to the front of the carcasses with no nails, let it set then glue on some grey "iron on" edging that's deep enough to finish below the door/drawer fronts.

I wouldn't want whoever did that back in my house!

Beverly27 · 21 Dec 2019

JohnD said:
Is that a stone worktop?

They're very heavy and, since you can't screw them, commonly glued down.

Your installation is very shoddy.

I've found stone can't be removed without some damage to the units, as the glue is very hard and strong.

You may be luckier.

JohnD thanks, I thought as much. The worktop isn't warped, so in your view is this an issue with the cabinets not being level? I'm going to ask the worktop installers today about the glue they used.

Beverly27 · 21 Dec 2019

mrgobby said:
I'd guess the units/bases were not installed level by the fitter and assuming the worktop fitter was a different person, they just had to work to what was there. Check to see if the top is level in both directions though. If you paid for the installation take it up with the fitting company, Alternatively you could see if a sawblade will take out that glue blob and adjust the unit if the worktop is level but how many of the units are out! If they are screwed tight to the wall as well they may not move. You could try running a sealant around it or fitting a slim trim but I wouldn't try any of these options before first talking to the fitting company about correcting the work.

Thanks mrgobby, you're right, the base units were installed by a different person to the worktop company

Beverly27 · 21 Dec 2019

opps said:
I have to agree that it looks like the units weren't weren't lined up properly.

In the first image there is a massive gap between the end panel and the carcass (height wise).

Personally I would be asking the kitchen fitter why there is such a large gap. If you don't want to then you can purchase colour matched silicone eg

https://www.sealantsonline.co.uk/Products/Mastic-Sealant-Colours

You will need to ask the kitchen manufacturer what the RAL code for the door colour is (RAL is a widely used colour specification).

Thanks opps, I will take your advice and do that

Beverly27 · 21 Dec 2019

^woody^ said:
I'd get the fitter back for a look, and when he bends down, whack him on the arse with a cricket bat. Then get a proper fitter in and charge it to that imbecile.

Haha, I'm going to add a cricket bat to my Christmas list!

JohnD · 21 Dec 2019

Beverly27 said:
Thanks mrgobby, you're right, the base units were installed by a different person to the worktop company

"not my fault guv, it's the other guy"

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Gap between top of base cabinets and worktop

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