How to Add a Filler Strip Between Cabinets

Installing kitchen cabinets is like putting a puzzle together. Invariably, you take many measurements but still end up with a gap or two between the cabinets. Thankfully, kitchen cabinet manufacturers create what are called filler strips of the exact color of your cabinets. They designed these for just this reason, and if installed properly, they look as if they were there all along.

Measuring tape
Saw
Planer
Electric drill
Filler screws
Clear silicone construction caulk

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the distance between the cabinets to determine how large a gap you need to fill. Make sure to take several measurements in case there are any variances in the width of the gap.
- 2
  Secure the first cabinet on one side of the gap to the wall or floor. Do not install the second cabinet until the filler strip is in place. Leave the second cabinet out of the way while you install the filler strip.
- 3
  Cut the filler board to match the gap measurements. Place the board in the gap to make sure it fits. Plane down the edges to make the filler strip fit perfectly into the space.
- 4
  Clamp the filler board in place so it is flush with the front of the cabinet. Drill countersunk pilot holes through the filler and into the cabinet face, one at the top, one at the bottom and two spaced out in the middle. Screw in the screws to hold the filler piece in place.
- 5
  Install the second cabinet, taking care not to apply too much pressure to the filler board.
- 6
  Caulk the edges where the filler board meets the cabinets with a clear silicone construction caulk. Smooth out the caulk with your finger, removing any excess. Let the caulk dry for 24 hours.

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