Use and Care Guide
Eects of Humidity
What happens when temperature and humidity levels are extreme?
Coastal or other areas that are known for high humidity may see
70%-80% humidity levels within the home, causing cabinet joints to
swell. Geographical areas that have extremely cold, dry winters, may
often have a relative humidity below 20% for weeks at a time, causing
shrinkage of doors and/or center panels to occur.
Examples of humidity imbalance include: swollen doors or drawer
fronts and butt doors that do not close properly. Door and drawer
front panel contraction or expansion, joint separation — especially
in mitered doors — and the bowing of stiles and rails of the cabinet
door or drawer fronts can also occur.
• Adjusting door hinges may help swollen or contracted doors for a
better appearance until acclimation occurs.
These reactions are NORMAL, and are not a fault of the cabinetry.
Open or closed joints will be more prominent on painted cabinetry.
New cabinets are meant to last for years to come. Now that you’re in the
know about humidity and its eects, you’ll appreciate the nuances of
beautiful, breathing wood!
HIGH HUMIDITY
LOW HUMIDITY
SHRINKAGE
When wood swells, miter joints
open as shown above.
When wood shrinks, miter
joints open as shown above.
When wood shrinks, the center
panel may shift position as
shown above.