Why Are My Kitchen Cabinets Cracking?

why are my kitchen cabinets cracking

Last Updated on October 2, 2023

Cabinets are a crucial part of your kitchen design. Not only do they provide extra storage, but they also add a touch of style and functionality to your kitchen.

However, cabinets can be expensive and time-consuming to install- so when cracks start forming in the walls or the doors no longer close properly, you may find yourself wondering what happened. We will discuss some of the most common causes of cabinet cracking in this article and solve them!

What Are Some Common Causes Of Cabinet Cracks?

Though the damage is usually the result of wear and tear, several factors may cause kitchen cabinets to crack. If you are wondering why are my kitchen cabinets cracking, then let’s take a look at some of these common causes below.

Cabinets are Installed Too Tightly Against the Wall

When cabinets are installed too snugly against the wall, it can cause stress on the joints and corners of the cabinet. This constant pressure will eventually result in cracks along the edges. If you notice your cabinets seem to be fitted unusually tightly against the wall, you may want to re-evaluate that decision.

Cabinets Are Not Secured Well Enough

When cabinets become loose and wobbly, they can cause all sorts of damage- including cracks in the wood. If you notice your cabinets seem to be shifting back and forth or up and down, this could indicate that the screws or nails are not secure enough. Try re-tightening each of the screws until they feel snug to see if that helps with the problem.

Cabinets Were Installed During Colder Temperatures

If your cabinets were installed when the weather outside was particularly cold, this could cause damage over time. As your cabinets expand and contract because of the warm and cold temperatures, this could eventually result in cracks along the walls- especially if they’re expanding and contracting more than usual. Keep this in mind when you are thinking about installing your cabinets for the summer or winter months.

Cabinets Were Installed During Warmer Temperatures

If your cabinets were installed during a particularly hot summer, the constant heat could also cause damage over time. As your cabinets absorb and release moisture, this can result in expanding and contracting along the walls; which is another big cause of cracks. Keep this in mind when you’re thinking about installing your cabinets for the summer or winter months.

Water is Leaking in Through the Back of the Cabinets

If water starts collecting in your cabinets, it will seep into the wood and cause damage. Eventually, this is going to lead to cracks along the walls where water has been absorbed over time. Be sure that there aren’t any leaks coming from your sink or appliances before you start worrying about cracks. If water is leaking into your cabinets, try to find and fix the source of the leak before anything else.

The Design of Your Kitchen Makes it More Susceptible to Crack

If you have a particularly unique sink or appliance in your kitchen, this may be taking a toll on your cabinets over time. For example, if you have a metal sink, this may be expanding and contracting in temperature more than your cabinets are- which can lead to cracks. Keep the different materials in mind when you’re building your kitchen.

Moisture and Humidity Levels in Your Kitchen

Moisture and humidity levels in your kitchen can also affect the way your cabinets crack over time. If you notice that moisture and humidity levels, in general, are increasing or decreasing, it could be causing damage to the wood- which will eventually lead to cracks if left untreated.

Improper Cleaning and Moisture Removal from the Cabinets

If you don’t regularly wipe up spills or clean the cabinets with a damp, soft cloth, it could lead to moisture absorption on the bottom of your cabinets. This will eventually seep into the wood if not removed and result in damage to the walls.

Overtime Spills, Scratches, and Dents Happen

Even if you’re careful with your cabinets, they will inevitably start to collect dents or scratches over time. As these imperfections are absorbed into the wood, this can lead to cracks.

Improper Nail Placement When Installing Cabinets

If the nails and screws that hold your cabinets to the walls aren’t set deep enough, it could result in cracks along the bottom or top of the cabinets.

Nails and Screws That Are Too Deep

On the opposite end of the problem, nails and screws that are driven into your cabinets a little too deep could cause cracks over time.

Improperly Installed Hinges on the Doors of Cabinets

If the doors aren’t hung properly, the weight will be distributed in unexpected ways. Eventually, this can result in cracks along the borders of your cabinets, where it is handling most of the pressure.

Excess Sagging Above the Cabinets

If you’ve noticed that there is excess pressure above the cabinets due to a particularly dense area of countertops or appliances, this can result in cracks along the borders of your cabinets where it is handling most of the pressure. Keep this in mind when you’re cooking or cleaning up after a meal.

Improperly Installed Shelves in Cabinets

If the shelves aren’t level, it could cause nothing but trouble for your cabinets down the road.

Over-tightening the Knobs on Cabinets Doors

If you’re over-tightening these knobs, it can cause pressure on the wood of the cabinets where they are being attached. Eventually, this will lead to cracks along the borders of your cabinets, where it is handling most of the pressure. Keep this in mind when you’re cooking or cleaning up after a meal.

Improperly Installed Drawer Slides in Cabinets

If the drawer slides aren’t secure, it could cause nothing but trouble for your cabinets down the road. Keep this in mind when you’re installing or removing certain parts of your kitchen; if they’re not secure, try re-installing them yourself.

Taking Action

Kitchen cabinets are a key part of any kitchen- and they should be well-maintained to prevent cracks. If you suspect that there might be an issue arising with your cabinets, make sure to find the source of the leak before anything else. If they are visibly cracked, something is likely wrong.

There are a few solutions that you can try to prevent your kitchen cabinets from cracking.

Regular Cleaning and Moisture Removal

One of the easiest solutions is to regularly clean the cabinets and remove any moisture. This will help to keep the wood healthy and free from damage.

Proper Nail Placement When Installing Cabinets

If you’re installing your cabinets, make sure to use the right nails and screws for the job. Make sure they’re set deep enough so that they don’t cause any cracks down the road.

Proper Hinges on Doors of Cabinets

If you’re hanging your cabinet doors, make sure they’re hung properly so that the weight is distributed evenly. This will prevent pressure from being put on anyone’s spot, which can cause cracks in your cabinets.

Excess Sagging Above the Cabinets

If there is a particularly dense area above your cabinets, try to give them a little more breathing room by either moving appliances or countertops. This will prevent excess pressure from being put directly above your cabinets and help to prevent cracks in the process.

Properly Installed Shelves in Cabinets

If you’re installing or removing shelves, make sure that they’re level and secure before doing any heavy lifting. This will help to prevent putting excess pressure on one area of your cabinets, which can lead to cracks down the road.

Conclusion

Regularly maintaining your cabinets is the easiest way to ensure that they stay crack-free for as long as possible. If you’re worried about why are my kitchen cabinets cracking, make sure to find the source of the problem and fix it before anything else happens.

Don’t forget to check out these key points when preventing your kitchen cabinets from cracking so you can save yourself a lot of headaches down the road! 

Regular cleaning, moisture removal, using the right nails, making sure that they’re level and securely in place- we have all the solutions for you right here! Kitchen cabinets are an essential part of any kitchen, so make sure to take care of them properly. We hope this blog has helped you out!

Thanks for checking out our blog on how to prevent your kitchen cabinets from cracking!

Why Are My Kitchen Cabinets Cracking?

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