Ceiling not parallel to the floor

[JanieB]

It took me months to find a welsh dresser that was long enough and low enough to fit into my kitchen diner. I eventually found one and my daughter and I were looking forward to getting it out of my sitting room and into its rightful place. It wasn't to happen. The new floor is as level as the installers could get it. But I'd measured the height at the other end of the room assuming that the ceiling was level. There is a 3 1/2 inch difference from one end to the other. I should have realised as when I hung a picture last year it looked wonky even though I used a spirit level but it didn't look level with the beam above.

I now need to find someone who can take 2 1/2" off the bottom of the dresser. I don't trust myself to do it neatly.

 

[worms]

The joys of life in and old house!

 

[88v8]

And you need to decide whether you want it parallel to the ceiling, or the floor

Most antique shops have access to a decent joiner.

Ivor

 

[Kearn]

I should have realised as when I hung a picture last year it looked wonky even though I used a spirit level but it didn't look level with the beam above.

A spirit level - one of the dustiest unloved tools in my house!!!! I've learned that unless levels serve an actual purpose beyond aesthetic, then judging by eye is more than good enough!

I know what you mean about fuetnitire - we had the same issue with a lovely wardrobe - just wouldn't fit in this house although the measurements said it should!

 

[kreyszig]

levels.. just been re-slating a single level outbuilding. Trying to get the new battens to look right took forever! Doing it by eye whilst on the roof - looked wonky from the ground - perpendicular to the rafters - same problem. Parallel to the bottom of the bay above - again didn't look right. Perpendicular to an outside wall - no chance! Parallel to the other outside wall - even worse!
In the end I made them level to the earth and they look completely wrong when stood on the roof but OK from the ground. Not much help but thought I'd share my frustrations!

 

[steveb]

I wonder if there is a market for trapezoid furniture and pictures so that they can look level in old houses?

 

[Lime]

Personally I think it is a mistake to cut up the furniture.
In my house the tiled floors are uneven and I compensate for small differences (up to an inch) using penny washers.
I jack up the furniture using a simple wood lever and block and add however many washers are needed stacked together to bridge the gap between the furniture foot and floor.
Then I bind the washers together using pvc insulating tape so they don't separate or fall apart.
For larger discrepancies I use wooden blocks cut to shape.
Far better to make extended feet that chop the furniture up!

 

[JanieB]

Personally I think it is a mistake to cut up the furniture.
In my house the tiled floors are uneven and I compensate for small differences (up to an inch) using penny washers.
I jack up the furniture using a simple wood lever and block and add however many washers are needed stacked together to bridge the gap between the furniture foot and floor.
Then I bind the washers together using pvc insulating tape so they don't separate or fall apart.
For larger discrepancies I use wooden blocks cut to shape.
Far better to make extended feet that chop the furniture up!

Can't do that as that would make the dresser even taller. I agree about chopping up furniture but in this case I have the choice of selling it and finding another or taking 2and half inches off it.

 

[JanieB]

And you need to decide whether you want it parallel to the ceiling, or the floor

Most antique shops have access to a decent joiner.

Ivor

It was an excellent joiner who laid the reclaimed oak floor. He's unbelievably busy and already in trouble with his wife for not spending enough time at home (he's a friend of my son's). I have the tools and I can tackle this myself with the help of my daughter.

 

[88v8]

If you can slice it cleanly, and you keep the bits preferably in a bag in the back of the dresser so they won't get lost, then it could be restored to its full height in the future.
This is great for taking clean slices off things. If you've never used a pullsaw before, practice first, and mind your fingers.
http://www.axminster.co.uk/axcaliber-fineline-pull-saws-ax869341

We had to sacrifice the height of a lovely oak cupboard to get it in our cottage. It's not unusual; one sees many long-case clocks that have been 'lowered', and other items of formerly high-class furniture that were cut down to size to accommodate their descent through the social strata.

Ivor

 

[philpjuk100]

DWB (long time since she has posted) used to make workmen leave their spirit levels in the van.

 

[CliffordPope]

Do you mean that the ceiling is actually too low at one end for a physical fit, or that it fits but looks odd because there is a wedge-shaped gap along the top?

I'd consider:
1) cutting a section out of the ceiling at one end
2) removing the top, shortening the panels and refitting
3) making use of any natural break, eg at half-way surface level, to cut, trim, and and re-join
4) removing floor tiles and creating a lower cill
5) as you suggest, cutting off part of each bottom corner
6) selling it and buying a tape measure and another dresser, in that order.

 

[Owain]

But I'd measured the height at the other end of the room assuming that the ceiling was level. There is a 3 1/2 inch difference from one end to the other.

I have a similar problem. In my case I measured down from the ceiling to hang the kitchen wall units, then found the fridge wouldn't fit underneath.