The Challenge of Historic Homes
Especially in cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht, there are many historic buildings that have sagged considerably over the centuries. It is not uncommon for a floor to drop five centimeters over a length of three meters. When assembling a sleek, modern IKEA kitchen, you immediately run into problems: doors don't close, the worktop isn't straight, and drawers get stuck.
How We Level a Kitchen
The IKEA METOD kitchen system works with a handy suspension rail system. This is a blessing with crooked floors, because the cabinets are primarily hung on the wall (level).
Leveling Methods Overview
| Method | What it solves | Key tool |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension rail level | Crooked wall | Cross-line laser |
| Adjustable feet (CAPITA/METOD) | Floor height differences | Wooden wedges |
| Sawing the plinth | Triangular seam | Plunge saw with guide rail |
1. The Suspension Rail Perfectly Level
Everything starts with the suspension rail. Always use a cross-line laser for this, not just a short hand spirit level. If the rail hangs 100% straight on the wall, the cabinets basically hang straight as well.
2. Using the Adjustable Feet (CAPITA or METOD)
Although the cabinets hang on the rail, they still need support on the floor to carry the weight of the (granite) worktop. The IKEA adjustable feet are height adjustable (often from 7 to 10.5 cm). If the height difference in the floor is greater than the margin of the feet, we solve this by placing small wooden blocks (wedges) under the feet.
3. Sawing the Plinth to Size
If the cabinets are level, but the floor runs crookedly, a triangular seam is created. The standard IKEA plinth will not fit neatly. The solution is to saw the plinth lengthwise (diagonally) with a plunge saw with a guide rail. This requires craftsmanship, but ensures a sleek, seamless end result.
For comprehensive step-by-step plans, also read IKEA METOD kitchen assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a stone worktop be placed on a kitchen with a crooked floor?
Yes, absolutely. In fact, granite or composite worktops must lie perfectly level and tension-free, otherwise they can crack (especially at the sink cutout). By leveling the base cabinets 100%, the heavy top rests safely, regardless of how crooked the floor runs underneath.
Can appliances (like a washing machine) stand on a crooked floor?
Appliances like dishwashers and stoves have their own adjustable feet to level them. For washing machines, a crooked floor is more problematic due to vibrations (spinning); here we sometimes recommend pouring a small plateau or concrete base level, or filling it in sturdily.