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New Kitchen Cabinets Issue (Or Not)

geoman's picture

New Kitchen Cabinets Issue (Or Not) (post #198307)

geoman on Tue, 02/01/2011 - 19:05
in

Hello All,


We have been busy remodeling this 60s era Bi-Level since we bought it in 2004.   Recently, (september 2010) we had new kitchen cabinets installed.  Though we have a ways to go before crossing the finish line we are slowly getting this project done.  This past Saturday, while doing some straightening and cleanup in advance of company Super Bowl Weekend, I noticed for the first time what looks liked a potential issue with the cabinets.  It appears that the raised panel inserts inside the door frames are revealing unfinished surfaces.   Checking with the cabinet maker, they said it was normal.  Please see below pics.   Is she right?

Thanks so much,

GEOMAN

-A +A

Not usual.......... (post #198307, reply #1 of 10)

by calvin in reply to geoman [original] on Wed, 02/02/2011 - 03:37

but certainly possible.

If the cab parts are not prestained, then shrinkage can cause panels to show no color.  Low humidity in the home might shrink the panels enough to show unstained wood.

Lack of 'spaceballs", small rubber bb's that cushion movement, yet hold the panels firm might do the same.  Not all cab door construction use these 'shims".

For you problem, remove the door and provide a solid yet "soft" cushion to adjust the door panel.   Evenly tap the bottom of the door on this hard (yet forgiving surface). (you can use cardboard).  You are going to drive the panel down into the frame of the door.  Once centered, the stain line will be buried.

 

What is the humidity in the house?   Should be around 35% to keep furniture semi stable.

A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.


http://www.quittintime.com/

 

Hi Calvin, (post #198307, reply #9 of 10)

by geoman in reply to calvin [original] on Tue, 02/15/2011 - 07:43

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

I've seen it.  But that's (post #198307, reply #2 of 10)

by DanH in reply to geoman [original] on Wed, 02/02/2011 - 04:55

I've seen it.  But that's about the worst I've seen.


We are like tenant farmers chopping down the fence around our house for fuel when we should be using Nature's inexhaustible sources of energy -- sun, wind and tide. ... I'd put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don't have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that. --Thomas Edison

It is caused by seasonal shrinkage (post #198307, reply #3 of 10)

by Jigs-n-fixtures in reply to geoman [original] on Wed, 02/02/2011 - 17:04

The solid wood panel has shrunk from the seasonal humidity changes.  

My guess is that the door was assembled, and then spray finished.  With the color integrated into the finish. 

The "right" way to finish them is to stain first, and then assemble. 

But, I'm not sure if there is a standard that requires it.  I certainly wouldn't by custom cabinets from the individual again, or recommend them to anyone. 

"The "right" way to finish (post #198307, reply #4 of 10)

by gfretwell in reply to Jigs-n-fixtures [original] on Thu, 02/03/2011 - 22:39

"The "right" way to finish them is to stain first, and then assemble."

 

Thanks Jigs, I am getting ready to start my raised panel door project and this is good to know.

It is common and not defective... (post #198307, reply #5 of 10)

by arthur1111 in reply to geoman [original] on Fri, 02/04/2011 - 02:03

Most kitchen shops now a days order their doors from a door manufacturer, as such it is not possible to stain the doors before assembly.  It is a common issue with this type of doors, just look at any antique furniture. In my opinion a touch-up is in order, and thats it.  The doors will stabilize after a season or two and shouldn't shrink as much with each cycle.  

 

Carpentry is my thing, Toronto Canada

normal? (post #198307, reply #6 of 10)

by Mongo in reply to geoman [original] on Sat, 02/05/2011 - 22:14

It does appear to be normal. I read their installation instructions and it does say on page 5 that:

3) For a few months out of the year your custom cabinet doors will look like garbage due to our inferior construction and finishing practices. This is perfectly normal and will go away when humid weather returns.

I'd take a small artists paint brush and touch the panty lines up a bit to at least get it close.

There are 10 kinds of people in this world; those who understand binary and those who do not.

It all comes down to the Price.... (post #198307, reply #7 of 10)

by arthur1111 in reply to Mongo [original] on Sun, 02/06/2011 - 02:23

It all comes down to the Price paid.... Can other kitchen shops make better doors? I am sure they can.  Can other kitchen shops make better doors for the same price? That should be the question. 

 

Carpentry is my thing, Toronto Canada

they said it was (post #198307, reply #8 of 10)

by junkhound in reply to geoman [original] on Sun, 02/06/2011 - 04:25
they said it was normal only by incompetents, better to DIY than buy something like that..

Thanks to ALL (post #198307, reply #10 of 10)

by geoman in reply to junkhound [original] on Tue, 02/15/2011 - 07:48

 ...for taking the time to respond to my post.  The cabinet maker is going to send a repair individual to stain the exposed wood on the raised panel.  And refasten loose shoe molding around a peninsula.