A shim is a piece of wood shaped like a wedge that is used to provide support or space furniture properly. Shims can however be made from different materials and are available in a broad range of sizes. Cabinetmakers can make shims from scrap wood. Although many shims are cut from cedar, others are made using other materials like plastic that doesn't split or splinter easily.

 

Almost all shims made of wood can be cut to required sizes while some allow small layers to be scraped away until the appropriate dimension is reached. A lot of woodworkers, cabinet makers, and carpenters use shims to level furniture or cabinets. A shim may also be used to align a door that is being hung properly.