In the realm of kitchen design, the corner cabinet filler plays an indispensable role. Ensuring seamless operations and aesthetics of your kitchen hinges largely upon the right use of these fillers. This guide will delve into the details of corner cabinet fillers, their applications, and how much filler to put in a corner between kitchen cabinets.

Understanding Corner Cabinet Fillers

Cabinet fillers are essentially strips of wood or other material that serve a variety of purposes in kitchen design. They are mainly used to fill the voids or gaps between cabinets or between a cabinet and a wall. In the context of corner cabinets, fillers ensure that the cabinet doors and drawers operate smoothly without colliding into each other or the adjacent walls.

The Role of Corner Cabinet Fillers

The Space Maximizers

A well-designed corner cabinet filler can help you maximize your storage space. As space is often in high demand in kitchens, corner fillers can effectively utilize what might otherwise be wasted or inaccessible space.

The Problem Solvers

Corner cabinet fillers also solve functional problems, especially in the case of a blind corner cabinet. They ensure that the doors and drawers of the cabinet can open smoothly without colliding into each other or into the handles or knobs of adjacent cabinets or appliances.

How Much Filler to Put in a Corner Between Kitchen Cabinets

The size or width of the corner cabinet filler is a crucial factor that determines the functionality of the cabinet and the ease of access to its contents. The key to determining the right size of the filler is careful measurement and planning.

Filler Size for Cabinets with Drawers

For cabinets with drawers, a standard filler size of three inches (3”) is often recommended. This allows enough room for the drawer to clear the handle or knob on the adjacent cabinet when it is opened.

Filler Size for Cabinets with Doors

For cabinets with doors only, the filler size can be reduced to about one and a half inches (1.5”). This allows the cabinet door to open to a full 90-degree position without hitting the adjacent cabinet or wall.

Filler Size for Cabinets Near Appliances

Where there are appliances like a dishwasher or range, the filler size may need to be larger, between five to six inches. This ensures that the drawers can clear the appliance when opened.

Tips for Determining the Right Filler Size

Measure Twice, Cut Once

The saying "measure twice, cut once" is particularly applicable when determining the right filler size. The width of the filler should be decided based on the exact depth of the hardware (like pulls or handles) that will be installed on the front of the drawers.

Consider the Corner Squareness

The corner squareness also needs to be taken into account when deciding the filler size. If the corner is out of square, a larger filler size may be required.

Check for Possible Obstructions

It’s important to check for possible obstructions, like door casing or appliances, when deciding the filler size. The filler needs to be wide enough to ensure that the drawers and doors can clear these obstructions when opened.

Cabinet Filler Strip and Its Uses

A corner cabinet filler strip is a piece of wood that's used to fill the gap between kitchen cabinets, or between a cabinet and a wall. The filler strip can be cut to fit the exact space, and can be painted or stained to match the surrounding cabinets.

This kind of strip comes in handy when you're installing cabinets and find that they don't fit perfectly in the available space. They are also useful in corners to allow doors and drawers to open fully without obstruction.

How Much Space in an Inside Corner Filler Cabinet

In the case of an inside corner filler cabinet, the amount of space needed may vary. However, a standard rule of thumb is to allow at least 3” of space for an inside corner filler cabinet to ensure that the doors and drawers can operate smoothly.

The Right Corner Cabinet Filler

Getting the filler size right is essential for the functionality and aesthetics of your kitchen. Remember, the key to achieving the right balance lies in meticulous planning, accurate measurements, and careful consideration of all the variables involved.

Whether it's a blind corner cabinet, an appliance corner cabinet, or simply a base cabinet next to a wall, the right use of corner cabinet fillers will ensure that your kitchen not only looks great but also works smoothly.

While this guide provides a comprehensive overview, it's always a good idea to consult with a professional kitchen designer or cabinetmaker to ensure the best results for your specific kitchen layout and needs.