I generally use two sets of shims per cabinet, setting them a couple of inches in from each side. The shims are loose due to the cabinets moving when the screws fastening them to the wall were installed. That is normal and can be easily fixed by moving a shim----if you are using the wedge shaped kind-----until the shim pack is tight. That will not appreciably alter the position of a single cabinet as long as all the units are screwed together. You can push a shim in too far with a hammer, however, so all you need to do is tighten the shim pack.

If you're putting granite on top, I'd recommend screwing the bases to the wall studs wherever possible, as well as shimming. If this is your first cabinet hanging/screwing experience, I can very highly recommend the GRK brand cabinet screws, they are amazing. I don't know about the 1/16th variance -- granite is probably extremely picky and you'd do best to really get those puppies dead level. (But I'm no expert!) Good luck! :-) Below is a link to some experts discussing the base cabinet shim/screw procedure: Here is a link that might be useful: Woodweb discussion

Based on my monitor, I like Pearl best. Once you need to make your final decision, there is a method to help when dealing with a number of different possiblities. First, you could take 2 of the 5 choices and choose which you like best; then take the winner and individually compare it with the remaining 3, keeping the winner each time, until you see which one comes out on top. Second, a more complicated heirarchy for choosing would be to make a table with 5 rows and 5 lines. Across the top, list the name of each color; and down the side also list the name of each color. Quickly fill in the grid by taking the first one listed on the side and comparing it to all of the other colors listed across the top, choosing your favorite in each comparison. Then mark in the appropriate space which is the winner (i.e., number each color and write in the number of the winner for each comparison). Do this all the way down those listed on the side, then check to see which one came out the winner. This method allows you to compare every color to all of the others. (Hope the description made sense---if you just make up the grid, it will probably be clear to you.) I have used this method when having too many choices and, surprisingly, it has been helpful. Or just go with your gut. :)

Thanks, mill! You're the second person who's recommended using plastic/composite/non-compression shims over the past few months. I don't know if you noticed in my third photo (left side of cabinet), but the installer used Wilsonart laminate samples/swatches (2x2" pieces one gets from a Wilsonart dealer - hole punched and hanging on a ring) piled together as shims in this one area, but also underneath all of our cabinets (to level). DH and I thought this unorthodox (and in my mind, they qualified as plastic/non-compression); we checked w/ the installer, and he says he 'does it all the time - it's fine'. We had quality concerns with the product, in addition to many drawers being off by 1/16" wide (with 5-piece shaker drawers, one can easily see the misalignment), and the cabinet company's regional rep paid a visit. When I asked him whether the piled-up laminate swatches were ok to use, he said they were "hmmm, interesting...never seen that before", but the should be find and would not void any warranties. (Underneath some of the cabinets, the swatches were sandwiched/piled up 5-6 high.) Thoughts? We want this done properly and feel within our rights to demand this (esp given the expense of these cabinets), but I don't know where this becomes a homeowner hovering and interfering with the installer. I've read and viewed countless cabinet installation tutorials and how-to's, and all I see are the basic, wooden shims being used. Shims loosening up: this has already happened with these sample pieces. In areas we can still see (end panel of sink cabinet and dishwasher panel), the originally placed shims appear to have slid away, leaving a small gap where the shim used to be. Very concerning. We'll address this on Thursday, but what about the areas we can't see? They've already attached the toe kick skins and shoe moulding. Would appreciate any further guidance. We're moving into month 14 (month 5 with the cabinets) of what's been a very difficult reno. Thanks again.