Why Are My Kitchen Cabinets Cracking?

Kitchen cabinets, especially those crafted from solid wood, are designed to withstand daily use for decades. The timeless elegance of high-quality solid wood cabinets makes them perfect for any kitchen. However, vertical lines or cracks can appear in wooden materials as time passes.

Why do wooden cabinet cracks show up in the kitchen? Humidity and temperature swings are the root causes of cabinet lines and cracks. There is a correlation between the humidity in the kitchen and the wood expanding and contracting, which can cause the paint on your cabinets to chip and reveal the joint lines. Other potential causes include wetness, shoddy installation, relocated cabinets, or poorly prepped wood before painting.

Reasons For Kitchen Cabinet Cracks

There is a reason why cracks and lines emerge on the surface of your cabinets. When wood is exposed to high humidity and excess moisture in the kitchen, it expands and contracts constantly, eventually causing the seams and joints to crack.

Both light and dark colours with glaze finishes will reveal these problems more clearly on a painted piece of wood.

The kitchen's aesthetic value can be diminished if the cabinets have such defects, so it's important to know what causes them and how to avoid or correct them. For example, if your wooden cabinet has developed cracks, you may want to consider the following:

Poor Cabinet Installation

If your kitchen cabinets need to be installed and assembled correctly, you may notice cracks in the walls. Butt joints, rabbet joints, dado joints, and corner joints are just some of the types of joints used in the construction of your cabinets and other pieces of home furniture.

Damage and cracks can develop over time in poorly assembled and installed cabinets because the joints are weaker and the overall structure is compromised. If you want your cabinets to last long without cracking, hire professionals who properly secure the joints and install the cabinets.

Painting Without Prepping The Wood Or Cabinets

Your kitchen cabinet may develop cracks in the wood if the wood isn't treated or prepped before the final painting process. Painting on a dirty surface increases the likelihood of bubbles and cracks developing over time. Cleaning the wood thoroughly before painting is essential for a good paint job.

Applying paint to a damp surface increases the likelihood of bubble formation, peeling, and cracking in your wood cabinet doors and panels.

Water Damage

Since the kitchen is usually the hub of household activity, water-related accidents will likely occur, such as spills or stains on your painted cabinet surfaces. The absorption of even a small amount of water can severely compromise the quality and appearance of your wood. It can cause the wood in your cabinets to expand, the paint to peel or bubble, and the butt joints in your corner cabinets to crack.

The cabinets Need to be More Sufficiently Secured.

Cracks in the wood are just one of the many problems resulting from loose and wobbly cabinets. Insufficient screws or nails may be to blame if your cabinets rock back and forth or rise and fall. To see if this solves the issue, try retightening all the screws until they are secure.

Improper Cabinet Cleaning And Moisture Removal

The bottom of your cabinets may absorb moisture if you don't routinely wipe up spills or clean them with a damp, soft cloth. If this isn't handled, it will seep into the wood and cause structural problems.

Extreme Humidity And Temperature Changes

Kitchen temperature and humidity fluctuations cause cracks in the wood centre panel and cabinet doors. Because wood is a natural material, it adjusts to the humidity and temperature of its surrounding environment over time and across the seasons.

Humidity and vapour in the air rise during the warmer months of the year, and because wood absorbs moisture from the air, cabinetry can swell during these times. Conversely, wood contracts or shrinks as the humidity drops in the fall and winter.

The paint on your kitchen cabinets will start peeling because the wood always shifts. These flaws manifest as tiny spaces or thin cracks at the cabinet's joints, corners, or panel doors. Humidity control in the kitchen can prevent these painting problems. Humidity levels between 40 and 50 per cent are recommended for crack prevention.

Transporting Or Moving The Cabinets

There is a small chance that your kitchen cabinets will develop cracks during delivery. This is because cabinets are typically packed closely together, and their combined weight can put a lot of stress on the surfaces.

There may be minor dings, warped flat panels, and crooked drawers in the cabinets due to the stresses experienced during shipping. Ensure to protect the cabinets from damage during transport by placing soft padding between each cabinet.

Installing Cabinets In Cooler Temperatures

Your cabinets could suffer long-term damage if installed during an especially cold spell. Cracks in your cabinets' walls are possible due to the constant expansion and contraction brought on by the changing temperatures. Consider this as you plan your cabinet installation for the warm and cold seasons.

Overly Deep Nails And Screws

On the other hand, if the nails and screws that are used to assemble your cabinets are hammered in a little too deeply, there is a possibility that they will crack over time.

Water Is Leaking Into The Cabinets From The Back.

Water can seep into the wood of your cabinets and cause serious damage if it accumulates there. The absorbed water will eventually seep through the walls and cause cracks. Before stressing over cracks, ensure your sink and appliances aren't leaking. The first thing you should do if water is seeping into your cabinets is to locate and repair the leak's source.

Your Kitchen's Design Makes It More Prone To Cracking.

Kitchen cabinets can be damaged over time by an unusual sink or appliance. For instance, a metal sink might expand and contract in temperature more than the cabinets, causing the latter to split. So when planning your kitchen's design, remember the various components.

Overtightening Cabinet And Door Knobs

Be careful not to overtighten the knobs, as this could put undue stress on the cabinets' wood. As a result, your cabinets are more likely to develop cracks along their edges, bearing the brunt of the stress. Remember this while preparing food or washing dishes.

Cabinets That Are Sagging Excessively

Suppose you have noticed cracks along the borders of your cabinets. In that case, it may be because of the extra pressure exerted above them from a particularly dense area of countertops or appliances. This is important to remember while preparing food and washing dishes.

Taking Action

The cabinets in a kitchen are essential, so it's important to keep them in good condition to avoid damage. If there's a problem with your cabinets, you should first locate the water's original entry point. Something is wrong if they are visibly cracked.

If your kitchen cabinetry is prone to cracking, you can take preventative measures.

Regular Maintenance

You should perform routine maintenance to ensure that your cabinets remain in good condition over time. Clean them using a gentle detergent and water, and check on them regularly for any indications of damage or wear. Address any concerns immediately to prevent them from developing into more significant issues.

Cabinet Doors With Proper Hinges

When you hang the doors of your cabinets, you have to make sure they are sturdy and stable and hung correctly so that the weight is evenly distributed. Because of this, none of the spots on your cabinets will be subjected to the kind of pressure that can lead to cracks.

Moisture And Humidity Control

Keep the humidity and moisture levels in your kitchen to a minimum by controlling the temperature and ventilation. Cooking can produce a lot of steam, so exhaust fans and range hoods should be used to remove it. Don't wait to clean up spills, and consider getting a dehumidifier.

Shelves In Cabinets That Are Properly Installed

Ensure the shelves are secure and at the proper height before moving things around. This will help distribute weight evenly across your cabinetry, reducing the likelihood that any section will crack over time.

Extreme Temperatures Should Be Avoided.

Avoid putting your cabinets in hot or cold spots, such as next to radiators or windows. To prevent your cabinets from being damaged by the constant changes in temperature, install blinds or curtains.

When Installing Cabinets, Use Proper Nail Placement.

Ensure that you use the appropriate nails and screws for the job while installing your cabinets. Also, check to see that they are installed at a depth that is sufficient to prevent cracks from appearing in the road in the future.

Sagging Over The Cabinets In Excess

By rearranging the furniture, you can give your cabinets some breathing room if there is a crowded area above them. The stress that would otherwise be exerted on the area directly above your cabinets will be distributed more evenly.

How Should You Choose Your Wood To Prevent Cracks?

High-quality wood is essential for your kitchen cabinets to last a long time without splitting. Unfortunately, when it comes to durability and longevity, some woods outperform others. In this part, we'll discuss some of the top choices in wood that won't cause your kitchen cabinets to split.

Plywood

Plywood can be used for a variety of cabinetry purposes and is inexpensive. It's constructed from many thin wood veneers adhered together to form one solid piece. Plywood's construction makes it more resistant to the expansion and contraction induced by changes in humidity and temperature, making it less prone to crack than solid wood.

Hardwoods

Kitchen cabinets made from hardwoods are the most popular option because of their longevity and resistance to cracking. Hardwoods like oak, cherry, maple, and walnut are always good choices. The strength and stability of these woods make them resistant to splitting as a result of changes in humidity or temperature.

Exotic Woods

Teak, mahogany, and bamboo are just a few of the exotic woods that offer superior moisture resistance and are less likely to break. Natural oils or distinctive grain patterns in these woods are common factors in their longevity. However, remember that exotic woods may be more costly and difficult to obtain compared to common hardwoods.

Engineered Wood 

Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) and particleboard are two examples of engineered wood that can be used to build sturdy kitchen cabinets that are less likely to develop cracks over time. 

Wood fibres or particles are compressed with adhesive to create this dense and stable material. Engineered wood is a common alternative to solid wood for cabinets due to its lower price and greater durability.

Should There Be A Space Between Kitchen Cabinet Doors?

When deciding on kitchen cabinet doors, there are many aspects to consider. Kitchen cabinet doors are often overlooked but can prevent you from having many empty cabinets and limited storage space. In addition, the distance between cabinet doors is a crucial design element for any kitchen.

In addition to making it more challenging to find a suitable spot to keep your appliances, a size disparity between your cabinet doors can be a pain to clean. Consistencies in the dimensions of the cabinet doors can also make maintenance easier.

To clean cabinets with a sizable space between them, you'll need two or more workers and a technique to seal the space while you work. In addition, you'll have to clean and store your appliances in two distinct locations without a gap.

Conclusion 

Kitchen cabinets, especially those crafted from solid wood, are designed to withstand daily use for decades. However, vertical lines or cracks can appear in wooden materials as time passes. Humidity and temperature swings are the root causes of cabinet lines and cracks, as well as wetness, shoddy installation, relocated cabinets, or poorly prepped wood before painting. To avoid or correct these defects, it is important to know what causes them and how to avoid or correct them. Poor cabinet installation and painting without prepping the wood or cabinets can lead to cracks in the wood.

The most important details are that applying paint to a damp surface increases the likelihood of bubble formation, peeling, and cracking in wood cabinet doors and panels, water damage, inadequate cabinet security, improper cabinet cleaning and moisture removal, extreme humidity and temperature changes, and transporting or moving the cabinets. Humidity levels between 40 and 50% are recommended for crack prevention. Transporting or moving the cabinets can also cause cracks due to their combined weight. The most important details in this text are the steps to protect cabinets from damage during shipping, installing in cooler temperatures, overly deep nails and screws, water seeping into the cabinets from the back, kitchen design making it more likely to crack, overtightening cabinet and door knobs, and cabinets that are sagging excessively. To prevent damage, it is important to protect the cabinets from shipping by placing soft padding between each cabinet, installing them in cooler temperatures, avoiding overly deep nails and screws, ensuring the sink and appliances aren't leaking, planning the kitchen's design, overtightening cabinet and door knobs, and taking action if the cabinets are visibly cracked.

The most important details in this text are the steps that can be taken to prevent cracking in kitchen cabinetry. These include regular maintenance, proper hinges, moisture and humidity control, shelves in cabinets that are secure and at the proper height, extreme temperatures, proper nail placement, rearranging the furniture, and choosing high-quality wood. Plywood is the most popular choice for kitchen cabinets due to its durability and longevity, while hardwoods are the most popular option due to their longevity and resistance to cracking. Exotic woods such as teak, mahogany, and bamboo offer superior moisture resistance and are less likely to break. Engineered wood such as MDF and particleboard can be used to build sturdy kitchen cabinets that are less likely to develop cracks over time.

Content Summary: 

• Kitchen cabinets, especially those crafted from solid wood, are designed to withstand daily use for decades.
• The timeless elegance of high-quality solid wood cabinets makes them perfect for any kitchen.
• Why do wooden cabinet cracks show up in the kitchen?
• Humidity and temperature swings are the root causes of cabinet lines and cracks.
• There is a correlation between the humidity in the kitchen and the wood expanding and contracting, which can cause the paint on your cabinets to chip and reveal the joint lines.
• There is a reason why cracks and lines emerge on the surface of your cabinets.
• When wood is exposed to high humidity and excess moisture in the kitchen, it expands and contracts constantly, eventually causing the seams and joints to crack.
• If your kitchen cabinets need to be installed and assembled correctly, you may notice cracks in the walls.
• If you want your cabinets to last long without cracking, hire professionals who properly secure the joints and install the cabinets.
• Your kitchen cabinet may develop cracks in the wood if the wood isn't treated or prepped before the final painting process.
• Painting on a dirty surface increases the likelihood of bubbles and cracks developing over time.
• Cleaning the wood thoroughly before painting is essential for a good paint job.
• Applying paint to a damp surface increases the likelihood of bubble formation, peeling, and cracking in your wood cabinet doors and panels.
• Since the kitchen is usually the hub of household activity, water-related accidents will likely occur, such as spills or stains on your painted cabinet surfaces.
• The absorption of even a small amount of water can severely compromise the quality and appearance of your wood.
• It can cause the wood in your cabinets to expand, the paint to peel or bubble, and the butt joints in your corner cabinets to crack.
• The cabinets Need to be More Sufficiently Secured.
• Cracks in the wood are just one of the many problems resulting from loose and wobbly cabinets.
• The bottom of your cabinets may absorb moisture if you don't routinely wipe up spills or clean them with a damp, soft cloth.
• Kitchen temperature and humidity fluctuations cause cracks in the wood centre panel and cabinet doors.
• The paint on your kitchen cabinets will start peeling because the wood always shifts.
• Humidity control in the kitchen can prevent these painting problems.
• Humidity levels between 40 and 50 per cent are recommended for crack prevention.
• There is a small chance that your kitchen cabinets will develop cracks during delivery.
• Ensure to protect the cabinets from damage during transport by placing soft padding between each cabinet.
• Your cabinets could suffer long-term damage if installed during an especially cold spell.
• Cracks in your cabinets' walls are possible due to the constant expansion and contraction brought on by the changing temperatures.
• Consider this as you plan your cabinet installation for the warm and cold seasons.
• Water can seep into the wood of your cabinets and cause serious damage if it accumulates there.
• The absorbed water will eventually seep through the walls and cause cracks.
• Before stressing over cracks, ensure your sink and appliances aren't leaking.
• The first thing you should do if water is seeping into your cabinets is to locate and repair the leak's source.
• Kitchen cabinets can be damaged over time by an unusual sink or appliance.
• So when planning your kitchen's design, remember the various components.
• As a result, your cabinets are more likely to develop cracks along their edges, bearing the brunt of the stress.
• Remember this while preparing food or washing dishes.
• Suppose you have noticed cracks along the borders of your cabinets.
• The cabinets in a kitchen are essential, so it's important to keep them in good condition to avoid damage.
• If your kitchen cabinetry is prone to cracking, you can take preventative measures.
• You should perform routine maintenance to ensure that your cabinets remain in good condition over time.
• Clean them using a gentle detergent and water, and check on them regularly for any indications of damage or wear.
• Keep the humidity and moisture levels in your kitchen to a minimum by controlling the temperature and ventilation.
• Avoid putting your cabinets in hot or cold spots, such as next to radiators or windows.
• To prevent your cabinets from being damaged by the constant changes in temperature, install blinds or curtains.
• Ensure that you use the appropriate nails and screws for the job while installing your cabinets.
• By rearranging the furniture, you can give your cabinets some breathing room if there is a crowded area above them.
• The stress that would otherwise be exerted on the area directly above your cabinets will be distributed more evenly.
• High-quality wood is essential for your kitchen cabinets to last a long time without splitting.