Use and Care Guide

Eects 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 eects, 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.