The kitchen is often the busiest room in a home. It gains a lot of traction due to how much goes on in the space. Due to the high amount of traffic in the kitchen it’s important to properly care for your kitchen cabinets. Your kitchen cabinetry should last at least a decade, if not longer. However, the lifespan of your cabinets can depend on how you care for them. Below you will find the top 5 things that damage kitchen cabinets and how to avoid potential issues.

5 Things that Damage Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are a great investment into your kitchen and home. Consider the following things that can damage your cabinets.

Moisture and Temperature Changes:

The leading cause of cracks in your cabinetry is temperature changes and humidity. Wood adjusts to humidity and the temperature of your house over time as it is a natural material. Kitchen cabinets often swell in the summer as it easily absorbs moisture. This can also occur in humid climates during any time of the year. The colder and drier months often result in the cabinet compressing. This can result in the paint wearing due to the continual expansion and contraction. In addition to the paint, the wood itself can crack, most often in the doors, joints, or corners. Managing the humidity levels and temperature in your home can be helpful. Shoot for a humidity level between 40 and 50 percent to avoid these issues.

Water Damage: 

Water spills are inevitable in the kitchen. However, if the water comes into contact with your cabinetry it can cause damage. Certain materials are more susceptible to water damage than others. Wood cabinetry can become easily damaged by water, but materials like plywood may not be as seriously impacted. Water damage can result in paint peeling or bubbling, wood expansion, and the cracking of butt joints in the corner cabinets. You can’t prevent every spill, so just be sure to clean any water spillage up right away to prevent any damage to your cabinets. 

Pests:

Household pests can cause so many issues in your home. Your kitchen cabinets are not immune to the impact pests can have, especially cockroaches and termites. Cockroaches often congregate near your stove due to the greasy residue that builds up behind it. Similarly, termites like moist environments like the kitchen. They can establish their colonies in your kitchen and damage your cabinetry. Household pests can be harmful to your health and your belongings so be sure and have regular inspections to keep them away.

Poor Installation: 

Kitchen cabinets in Los Angeles are a great investment into your kitchen and home. Many people are really careful with their cabinets to ensure there are no dents or scratches when they are delivered and installed. However, a common cause of damage is improper installation. Cabinets have a number of different joints that need to be properly assembled and installed. Without taking great care during this process, improper installation can lead to cracks and other types of damage over time. Professional installation is advisable to ensure that it is done correctly. Consider traditional kitchen cabinets in Los Angeles as they are durable and long-lasting. 

Failing to Prep Before Painting: 

Painting your existing cabinetry can give your kitchen a whole new look. However, the prepping process before you paint is highly important. Failing to properly prep can lead to damage. It’s important to clean your cabinets and remove any existing debris. Depending on the type of cabinetry material, you may need to take some additional preparation steps. Much of the work occurs during the preparation process.