How to Hide an Unlevel Ceiling With Trim on Top of the Cabinet

Your ceiling might appear slanted, sloped or simply uneven as a result of the foundation settling or a buildup of snow and ice on the roof. Often times, you do not notice the problem, but it becomes clear in a kitchen or another room with the cabinets. The small space between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling takes on a slanted look. Covering the top of your cabinets with new trim that reaches the ceiling helps hide this damage.

New molding helps hide the uneven slant of your ceiling.

Step 1

Measure the length of the cabinets, as the cabinets stretch across the room. Measure the distance from the top of the cabinets to the ceiling. Write down the measurements of the largest space and the smallest space between the ceiling and the cabinets.

Step 2

Cut new molding to the same length as the cabinets using a reciprocating saw. The molding should be tall enough that it reaches from the top of the cabinets to the lowest part on the ceiling. Cut the molding into individual pieces the same size as each cabinet.

Step 3

Place a plywood board on top of the cabinets. Mark the slope or uneven slant of the ceiling on the board. Remove the board from the cabinets, and cut with a reciprocating saw. The plywood covers any gaps between the molding and the ceiling.

Step 4

Cover a flat surface with old newspaper, and set the molding pieces and plywood on top. Paint each piece with spray paint in the same color as your cabinets. Shake the can, and hold it 6 inches from each piece as you spray. Let the paint dry for several hours.

Step 5

Apply a thin layer of wood glue to the top of the cabinets. Carefully set the plywood piece on the wood glue, making sure that it covers the space between the cabinets and the ceiling. The plywood should sit far enough back that you have room for the molding.

Step 6

Use a second layer of wood glue to place a line of glue across the top of each cabinet in front of the plywood. Position one of your molding pieces on top of the first cabinet, pushing it into the glue. Repeat with the remaining molding pieces. The plywood blends into the molding, and the pieces hide the uneven ceiling.