You finally invested in a cabinet painting project. Your kitchen or bathroom looks fresh and clean, but something feels off. The doors don’t line up the way they should. Some are slightly crooked, others don’t close right, and a few may even rub against each other. Instead of enjoying your updated space, you notice the flaws every time you walk into the room.
This is a problem no homeowner wants to deal with, especially after spending money on a project that was supposed to improve their home. Crooked doors don’t just affect the look of your cabinets; they also raise questions about the quality of the work done.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been serving homeowners in Omaha since 1996. Over nearly three decades, we’ve repainted, refinished, and repaired thousands of cabinets. We’ve seen it all—doors hung unevenly, hardware installed incorrectly, and shortcuts taken in the prep and finishing process. Our experience gives us the ability to explain not only why crooked cabinet doors happen but also how to fix them.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll know:
Now let’s walk through everything you need to know.
If you just had your cabinets painted and you’re dealing with crooked doors, chances are it wasn’t the paint itself that caused the problem. More often, it’s related to how the doors were reinstalled. Here are the most common reasons:
For painting, doors and drawer fronts must be removed so they can be sprayed or brushed evenly. When it comes time to reattach them, each hinge and screw needs to be put back in exactly the right place. If the painter rushes or doesn’t know how to properly adjust hinges, doors can end up uneven.
Sometimes crooked doors aren’t about the paint job at all. If your cabinets already had older hinges, painting day may have made those weaknesses more noticeable. Hinges that are bent, stripped, or out of adjustment can make doors hang unevenly.
If a painter doesn’t properly remove hinges before spraying, paint can build up where the hardware attaches. This creates an uneven surface, which makes the doors sit crooked when they’re put back on.
Occasionally, the wood itself is the culprit. Moisture, age, or improper sealing can cause doors to warp. Painting alone won’t fix this issue, and sometimes the new finish makes the problem stand out even more.
Before you can fix crooked doors, you need to figure out what’s causing the problem. Here’s a step-by-step way to check:
If you’re handy and willing to troubleshoot, some fixes are straightforward.
This is the easiest place to start. Using a screwdriver, make sure each hinge screw is snug. If a screw hole is stripped, you can fill it with a wooden toothpick and wood glue, then reinsert the screw.
Most newer cabinet hinges are adjustable. You’ll see small screws that let you move the door slightly up, down, left, or right. Small adjustments can make a big difference in alignment.
If your hinges are outdated or damaged, replacing them may be the best solution. New hinges often give you more adjustment options and hold doors in place better.
If the hinges were painted over, carefully remove the hinges and sand away any paint underneath. Then reinstall the hinge flush against the wood.
Unfortunately, if your door itself is warped, there isn’t an easy fix. In this case, replacement may be the only option.
While some fixes are simple, not every homeowner has the tools, time, or patience to deal with crooked cabinet doors. If you’ve tried adjusting and the problem persists, it may be time to call a professional. A qualified painter or carpenter can:
Professionals shouldn’t leave doors crooked after painting. If your project ended this way, it may be worth reaching out to the painter who did the work and asking them to make it right.
The best fix is prevention. Here are some steps you can take before hiring a painter in Omaha to make sure your cabinet doors don’t end up crooked.
A professional painter should remove doors and hardware before spraying or brushing. They should also reinstall everything carefully. Ask how they handle this step.
Each cabinet door should be labeled before removal so it goes back in the right spot. A painter who skips this step can easily mix up doors, which leads to poor alignment.
Good painters don’t paint over hinges. They take the time to remove hardware, tape properly, and make sure nothing interferes with reinstallation.
If a company consistently leaves clients with sloppy finishes or crooked doors, reviews usually reflect it. Look for photos of completed cabinet projects to see if everything looks straight and aligned.
Can painting itself cause doors to become crooked?
No. Paint doesn’t change the alignment of doors. The problem is usually related to how the doors were reinstalled or the condition of the hinges and wood.
Do all painters remove doors before painting?
Not always. Some painters cut corners and try to paint doors while they’re still attached. This often leads to overspray on hinges and poor results.
Can I fix crooked doors myself, or should I always call a pro?
If you hired a painter to paint your cabinets, you should call them first to see if they can fix the issue. Many small fixes, like tightening screws or adjusting hinges, can be done by a homeowner. But if you’re dealing with warped wood or poor installation after a paint project, a professional is usually the better choice.
How do I know if my door is warped?
Take it off the hinge and lay it on a flat surface. If it rocks back and forth or doesn’t sit evenly, it’s warped.
If your newly painted cabinets have crooked doors, you’re not alone. Many Omaha homeowners face this issue after hiring a painter who rushed through the reinstallation process. The good news is that crooked doors can usually be fixed by tightening screws, adjusting hinges, or replacing old hardware. In more severe cases, a professional may need to reinstall the doors or recommend replacing warped wood.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve been helping Omaha homeowners with cabinet refinishing projects since 1996. A professional should never leave you with crooked doors after painting, and if you’re currently dealing with that frustration, there are clear steps you can take to fix it.
If you’re ready to make sure your cabinets look as good as they should, click the button below to get a quote.
If you’re not quite ready for a quote, we’ve also put together a free guide on hiring a painter. This resource will help you ask the right questions and avoid problems like crooked cabinet doors in the future.