When cabinets are fastened to the walls, what condition should they be kept in?

• A. Plumb and level at a specific height
• B. Perfectly aligned with the floor
• C. Aligned with the ceiling line
• D. Securely fastened without regard to height

Answer: (A)

Keeping cabinets plumb and level at the intended height is essential when fastening them to the wall. Plumb means the cabinet is perfectly vertical, and level means its front edge is flat and true across the top. When these conditions are met at the planned height, doors and drawers align properly, gaps stay even, and the countertop will sit smoothly. The height reference is the line you’ve planned for the cabinet run, so all units line up with each other and with the countertop and any adjacent walls. If a cabinet isn’t plumb or level, doors can swing unevenly, gaps can widen, and hardware won’t function correctly. Aligning with the floor or ceiling isn’t the goal here; the critical point is staying true to vertical and horizontal alignment at the correct height. Use shims as needed and verify with a level before final fastening to studs.