ᐅ How should I proceed if the doors of an Ikea HEMNES wardrobe are not aligned properly?

Hello everyone,

I recently bought an Ikea Hemnes wardrobe, and while assembling it, I noticed that the doors are not properly aligned. Specifically, the doors do not close flush, are slightly misaligned in some areas, and sometimes stick when opening or closing. Since the material is wood, I want to avoid damaging it or applying too much force.

My question to the community: What is the best way to properly align the doors of the Ikea Hemnes wardrobe? Are there specific screws, adjustments, or tricks I should be aware of to ensure the doors fit perfectly, and if so, how exactly do I make these adjustments? What tools would be ideal for this?

I look forward to your tips and experiences, thanks in advance!

Hello noongo,

I’m happy to help you. The HEMNES cabinet doors have three main screws on the hinges that control the alignment:

- Horizontal adjustment: This screw moves the door left or right.
- Depth adjustment: This screw pulls the door closer to the cabinet frame or pushes it further out.
- Height adjustment: This allows you to change the door’s height to align it precisely.

Tip: Always start with the height adjustment, then adjust the horizontal position, and finally set the depth. It’s best to use a small Phillips screwdriver, ideally size PH2.

Common issue: The depth adjustment is often overlooked or set incorrectly, which can cause the door to stick out or jam. So be especially careful here.

Summary:
- Have your screwdriver ready
- Fully swing out the hinges, then slowly adjust the screws
- After each adjustment, check if the door closes properly and sits flush

If necessary, you can also use rubber pads to compensate for small gaps, but this is usually not needed.

Good luck!

It’s interesting how it’s often assumed that everyone should immediately know how to fine-tune adjustments.

bulanau schrieb:
The HEMNES cabinet doors have three main screws on the hinges that are responsible for alignment

To be honest, the hinges from Ikea are not the highest quality, and the adjustment screws often have some play – meaning you turn and turn, but don’t always get the exact result you want.

I would rather say that sometimes you have to accept that a perfect fit is not guaranteed with Ikea furniture. Everything else becomes more of a test of patience – and yes, absolutely frustrating for perfectionists.

Hello noongo,

I am familiar with this issue, as I have assembled several HEMNES cabinets myself. It is important to carefully follow the instructions, even if they sometimes seem unremarkable.

There is always the possibility to adjust the doors multiple times. The screws on the hinge are designed to allow you to correct minor misalignments. The following procedure helps:

- Open the door fully.
- Do not loosen the screws completely; instead, adjust the height, lateral, and depth settings precisely.
- You will feel slight resistance with each screw, allowing you to turn them in a controlled manner.

I also recommend gently closing the door after each adjustment to check the effect. It may take about 10-15 minutes per door, but it is well worth the effort.

If something is still sticking, also check whether wood chips or packaging material are caught in the hinge. This can also cause problems.

Simply adjust all three screws on the hinge:

- adjust the height at the top and bottom
- use the side screw for the width
- finally, adjust the screw for the depth

Use a PH2 screwdriver, applying moderate force. This will ensure the doors fit perfectly.

I know how frustrating it is when doors stick or don’t close properly.

With my HEMNES wardrobe, what helped was calmly and patiently adjusting the screws. Sometimes it also takes a bit of time for the wood to settle under the tension.

Don’t feel bad if it doesn’t work perfectly right away. You’re not alone, and with a bit of trial and error, it will definitely improve.