Choice Cabinet Warranties
Lifetime Limited Warranty by Choice Cabinet
Description of Warranty
This warranty applies only to the original purchaser for as long as he/she lives in his/her home, and it is not transferrable. From the date of initial purchase, Choice Cabinet offers purchaser a Lifetime Limited Warranty on all of its cabinetry. All drawers, shelves, roll out trays, and mechanical components are covered under the warranty as well. In the event that any Choice Cabinet product fails during the course of normal use, Choice Cabinet, at its discretion, will either repair or replace the defective product.
Whether the installation of the cabinetry was performed by a contractor, a Choice Cabinet authorized dealer, or yourself; any expenses involved in the shipping, removal, installation, or consequent damage of the defective product is not covered under this warranty. Additionally, this warranty does not apply to products installed in mobile homes or recreational vehicles.
Intended Use of Product
To be covered by this warranty, the product must be used only for its intended purpose(s). Cabinets that have been improperly stored, installed, misused, modified, mishandled, and/or subject to excessive moisture or extreme temperature and humidity levels are not covered under this warranty. In addition, any damage caused by smoking or environmental/chemical effects is also not covered under this warranty.
III. Anticipated Variance in Product
The Choice Cabinet warranty only applies to product defects and does not apply to properties of natural wood that are inherent in natural wood species. Anytime you have a natural wood product, occurrences such as pinholes, knots, and variances in color or grain are normal and are not covered under this warranty.
Because half of the weight of freshly cut wood is water, its natural properties are such that they can react to climate and/or humidity changes in your home. Choice Cabinet doors and face frames are manufactured from solid wood that has been carefully kiln-dried, retaining just enough moisture for proper construction and finishing. These hardwoods continue to react to their surroundings long after the manufacturing process has been completed. When wood cabinet doors are in a warm, moist environment (high humidity), the wood expands. In a dry, colder environment (low humidity), the wood will contract. Even with humidity regulation, this phenomenon can be controlled, but it can never be completely eliminated.
Door panels may also be prone to this minor expansion and contraction as seasonal temperature and humidity changes occur in your home. The contraction (shrinkage) of the center door panel during periods of low humidity may result in the appearance of an unfinished line along the edge of the center panel. Choice Cabinet does not consider the appearance of this line a defect and will not replace doors due to this situation. Touch-up markers are made available to cover this. The installation of a humidity control system is recommended to reduce the possibility of expansion and contraction in wood products.
All Choice Cabinet doors are manufactured in moisture-controlled environments under precise specifications. Although slight door warping can be common in one or two doors within a newly installed kitchen, any door that has not been through a complete heating and cooling cycle has the possibility of warping. Slight warpage can be eliminated through hinge adjustments. Any warping that continues to occur should be further examined by removing the door from the cabinet and placing it on a flat surface. Hinge spacers are available through your authorized Choice Cabinet dealer in cases where the warping cannot be eliminated through hinge adjustments. If warping cannot be eliminated through hinge adjustments or the use of hinge spacers, and if the doors have been through a complete heating and cooling cycle, and if all of the cabinets are true and plumb, then Choice Cabinet will consider replacement.
As mentioned above, normal movement in wood products is typical. In addition to issues listed above, climate conditions can cause finish breaks, recesses, joint and panel lines. An open joint line is not considered a defect and is not covered under this warranty.
Product Repair or Replacement
Throughout the duration of the warranty period, Choice Cabinet’s sole obligation is to repair or replace any defective product for no charge. This warranty only applies to cabinets and affiliated products sold by Choice Cabinet offered through an authorized Choice Cabinet dealer. In the event that a claim is filed after the original product has been discontinued or cancelled, Choice Cabinet will honor the warranty, at their discretion, subject to the availability of the product, by either:
Repairing or replacing the defective product with a new product of the same style
OR
Repairing or replacing the defective product with a product of equal value and complementary style in order to maintain the appearance of the original cabinetry purchase.
An exact match between the finish of the original purchased product and the replacement or repaired product is not guaranteed.
Rights of Consumer
There are no other warranties, disclosed or indicated, associated with this product. This document serves as a description of the consumer’s definitive legal rights within the transaction and is the exclusive warranty of Choice Cabinet. The exclusion or partial limitation of contingent or substantial damages is not permissible in some states. The consumer may also have further rights from state-to-state which are not cited in this warranty.
Submission of a Claim
All claims must be submitted to the authorized Choice Cabinet dealer where the cabinets were originally purchased. Claims are to be submitted in writing. Every claim must include a dated copy of the original sales receipt as a proof of purchase. Unless and until the product is specifically requested by the Choice Cabinet claims department, please do not send the defective item(s)
26401 Fargo Avenue Bedford Heights, Ohio 44146 855•378•2828 www.choicecabinet.com
1-Year Limited Warranty by
Description of Warranty
This warranty applies only to the original purchaser and is not transferrable. From the time of purchase, Choice Cabinet offers a One Year Limited Warranty on all of its cabinetry. In addition to cabinetry, all drawers, shelves, roll out trays, and mechanical components are covered under the warranty as well. In the event that any Choice Cabinet product fails during the course of normal use, Choice Cabinet, at its discretion, will either repair or replace the defective product.
Whether the work was performed by a contractor, Choice Cabinet authorized dealer, or yourself; any expenses involved in the shipping, removal, installation, or consequent damage of the defective product is not covered under this warranty. This warranty does not apply to products installed in mobile homes or recreational vehicles.
Intended Use of Product
To be covered by this warranty, the product must be used only for its intended purpose(s). Cabinets that have been improperly stored, installed, misused, modified, mishandled, and/or subject to excessive moisture or extreme temperature and humidity levels are not covered under this warranty. In addition, any damage caused by smoking, environmental, or chemical effects are also not covered under this warranty.
Anticipated Variance in Product
The Choice Cabinet warranty only applies to product defects and does not apply to properties of natural wood that are inherent in natural wood species. Anytime you have a natural wood product, occurrences such as pinholes, knots, and variances in color or grain are normal and are not covered under this warranty.
Because half of the weight of freshly cut wood is water, its natural properties are such that they can react to climate and/or humidity changes in your home. Choice Cabinet doors and face frames are manufactured from solid wood that has been carefully kiln-dried, retaining just enough moisture for proper construction and finishing. These hardwoods continue to react to their surroundings long after the manufacturing process has been completed. When wood cabinet doors are in a warm, moist environment (high humidity), the wood expands. In a dry, colder environment (low humidity), the wood will contract. Even with humidity regulation, this phenomenon can be controlled, but it can never be completely eliminated.
Door panels may also be prone to this minor expansion and contraction as seasonal temperature and humidity changes occur in your home. The contraction (shrinkage) of the center door panel during periods of low humidity may result in the appearance of an unfinished line along the edge of the center panel. Choice Cabinet does not consider the appearance of this line as a defect and will not replace doors due to this situation. Touch-up markers are made available to cover this edge line. The installation of a humidity control system is recommended to reduce the possibility of expansion and contraction in wood products.
All Choice Cabinet doors are manufactured in moisture-controlled environments under precise specifications. Although slight door warpage can be common in one or two doors within a newly installed kitchen, any door that has not been through a complete heating and cooling cycle has the possibility of warping. Slight warpage can be eliminated through hinge adjustments. Any warping that continues to occur should be further examined by removing the door from the cabinet and placing it on a flat surface. Hinge spacers are available through your authorized Choice Cabinet dealer in cases where the warpage cannot be eliminated through hinge adjustments. If warping cannot be eliminated through hinge adjustments or the use of hinge spacers, and if the doors have been through a complete heating and cooling cycle, and if all of the cabinets are true and plumb, then Choice Cabinet will consider replacement.
As mentioned above, normal movement in wood products is typical. In addition to issues listed above, climate conditions can cause finish breaks, recesses, joint and panel lines. An open joint line is not considered a defect and is not covered under this warranty.
Product Repair or Replacement
Throughout the duration of the warranty period, Choice Cabinet’s sole obligation is to repair or replace any defective product for no charge. This warranty only applies to cabinets and affiliated products sold by Choice Cabinet offered through an authorized Choice Cabinet dealer. In the event that a claim is filed after the original product has been discontinued or cancelled, Choice Cabinet will honor the warranty, at their discretion, subject to the availability of the product, by either:
Repairing or replacing the defective product with a new product of the same style
OR
Repairing or replacing the defective product with a product of equal value and complementary style in order to maintain the appearance of the original cabinetry purchase.
An exact match between the finish of the original purchased product and the replacement or repaired product is not guaranteed.
Rights of Consumer
There are no other warranties, disclosed or indicated, associated with this product. This document serves as a description of the consumer’s definitive legal rights within the transaction and is the exclusive warranty of Choice Cabinet. The exclusion or partial limitation of contingent or substantial damages is not permissible in some states. The consumer may also have further rights from state-to-state which are not cited in this warranty.
Submission of a Claim
All claims must be submitted to the authorized Choice Cabinet dealer where the cabinets were originally purchased. Claims are to be submitted in writing. Every claim must include a dated copy of the original sales receipt as a proof of purchase. Unless and until the product is specifically requested by the Choice Cabinet claims department, please do not send the defective item(s).
26401 Fargo Avenue
Bedford Heights, Ohio 44146 855•378•2828 www.choicecabinet.com
PROTECTING YOUR CABINETS AGAINST LOW TEMPS AND HUMIDITY
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this eBook is to inform you on what you can do to get years of enjoyment in your kitchen and bathroom cabinetry. The information provided will cover important considerations relative to the control of environmental factors and the proper care of kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
Our Raw Material
It all starts with high quality hard wood. Wood is a living matter and because of this, the natural beauty of wood will reveal mineral streaks, grain, knots and other characteristics that develop in wood as it grows. Choice Cabinet hand selects the most premium grades of solid hardwoods to minimize these characteristics.
A significant amount of water exists in wood. It is important to condition the wood so that it will hold its dimensions so that it doesn’t twist and turn or shrink and expand. This is done by removing a certain amount of the moisture in wood through a process that is called kiln drying. Kiln drying involves the careful removal of moisture through heat exposure in a very large oven. The material is kept in the oven for a number of days
until the moisture level reaches a very carefully controlled and measured moisture content.
The material is now stabilized and conditioned and ready for production.
THE EFFECTS OF WINTER
In northern climates, the winter months can create conditions within a home which can remove much of the moisture within a home due to the heated air from a furnace. As the outside temperature drops, so does the humidity level within a home. Low humidity levels inside a home can pull moisture out of wooden products. Removing the normal moisture content out of wood can cause shrinkage in specific all wood parts. This shrinkage will show up as a separation or a gap in cabinet doors where the stile and rail come together to form miters or mortis and tenon joints. The effect can also be seen around the edge of the center panel of the cabinet door where either an unstained line may appear or if painted where the paint has pulled away from the inside edge. Some dry home conditions can even cause cabinet doors to warp. The effect of dryness in a home can extend well beyond kitchen and
bathroom cabinets and can include window and door casings, ceiling crown, flooring and many other wooden trim applications in a home. Excessively dry homes have been known to even cause cracking or splitting in wooden doors.
Although this may seem alarming, a simple remedy is to add a whole house humidifier or at the absolute minimum a standalone humidifier. Restoring proper humidity levels in a home is not only beneficial to wooden products but also has health benefits.
Most cabinet companies will recommend that a home should have humidity levels maintained between 40 and 50%.
Once the proper humidity level is reached, the doors should return to their normal shape and size and the gap or seam separation will disappear. In other instances, it might be necessary to use a wax fill stick that is provided by the cabinet company to fill-in the gap or to touch-up the unstained line/ exposed panel edge with a touch-up marker.
It is not uncommon to make occasional adjustments to cabinet doors where they may have shifted or mildly bowed due to a change in humidity. Choice Cabinet has adjustable hinges that provide adjustability in 6 different directions for realignment
Elegant. Affordable.™
26200 Richmond Road, Bedford Heights, OH 44146
www.choicecabinet.com | 855•378•282
Rev 2.22.2019
© 2019 Choice Cabinet
All rights reserved
Elegant. Affordable.TM
CABINET CARE 101
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR CABINETS
The finish on Choice Cabinet cabinetry is just like that of a high-quality piece of furniture. Although it is designed to protect against normal, everday home use, general upkeep and cleaniness are very important. With proper care, your cabinetry will look great for generations to come.
Dusting
Dust your cabinets frequently with a soft, lint-free cloth. If need be, slightly dampen the cloth with water or a spray-type dust remover.
Spills
Clean spills and splatters immediately. Prolonged exposure to spills, including food, water, oil, grease, and other liquids can cause permanent discoloration and/or damage to your cabinet’s finish. To clean spills, use a clean, soft cloth dampened with mild soap. Dry immediately with another clean, soft cloth.
Cleaning
Use a clean, soft cloth dampened with mild soap to clean your cabinets. Dry immediately with another clean, soft cloth.
There are also a variety of wood cleaning products available for use on cabinetry.
Waxing & Polishing
Waxing your cabinets is not required or recommended. Over time, the wax will build up on the surface of the cabinet. This can cause a hazy, streaky, or yellowed appearance, as well as attract dust particles. The wax can become very difficult to remove. We recommend that you clean and polish your cabinets once or twice each year. To polish your cabinets, use a light coat of quality furniture polish.
Glass Doors
If you have glass panels installed in your cabinet doors, you will want to clean them periodically. To clean the glass, you can use any commerical glass cleaner. Never apply glass cleaner directly to the glass. Spray a small amount of cleaner onto a clean, soft cloth or paper towel, then wipe the glass. Be careful not to damage the cabinet finish or hardware while cleaning.
Hardware
You will want to periodically clean knobs, pulls, or handles installed on your cabinet doors and drawers. To do so, use a clean, soft cloth dampened with mild soap. Thoroughly dry all hardware joints, surfaces, and the surrounding area with another clean, soft cloth.
Products to Avoid
- Harsh chemicals
- Solvents or petroleum-base products, such as mineral spirits, nail polish removers, or paint thinners
- Abrasive cleaning products
- Ammonia or cleaning products that may contain ammonia
- Bleach or cleaning products that may contain bleach
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR CABINETS
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR CABINETS
Self-Cleaning Appliances
Self-cleaning appliances use intense heat during the cleaning cycle. During installation and with age, the integrity of the seal or gasket on the appliance can be compromised. Because of this, Choice Cabinet recommends the removal of any cabinet doors and/or drawers located adjacent to or directly above the appliance during a cleaning cycle.
Heat-Producing Appliances
Mounting or placing heat-producing appliances beneath cabinets is not recommended. The excess heat and moisture from appliances, such as coffee makers and toaster ovens, can damage your cabinets.
UV Effects
Ultraviolet light rays from natural sunlight can affect the appearance of your cabinets. The appearance of your cabinets may change over time depending on the natural characteristics of the wood and the applied finish, the amount/direction of light exposure, and the portion of the cabinet that receives light.
CABINET MAINTENANCE
No matter how careful you are with your cabinetry, normal wear and tear from everyday use is inevitable. This is why Choice Cabinet has made it easier than ever to keep your cabinets looking brand new.
Touch-Up
We offer touch-up markets and fill sticks that have been specially formulated for each of our high-quality cabinet finishes.
Your Choice Cabinet Design Professional can assist you in how to order and how to use these products.
NOTE: Substantial repairs may require the help of a professional refinisher.
Adjusting Your Cabinetry Hardware
Over time, the door hinges, soft-close pistons, drawer glides, and decorative hardware on your cabinetry may need to be tightened or adjusted. All of our hardware has been designed to be easily adjusted with a Phillips-head (“crosshead”) screwdriver. Soft-close pistons are adjusted by simply turning the small dial on the backside of the piston with your finger.
CARE & MAINTENANCE
Elegant. Affordable.TM
855•378•2828 | choicecabinet.com
Lifetime Limited Warranty by Choice Cabinet
Description of Warranty
This warranty applies only to the original purchaser for as long as he/she lives in his/her home, and it is not transferrable. From the date of initial purchase, Choice Cabinet offers purchaser a Lifetime Limited Warranty on all of its cabinetry. All drawers, shelves, roll out trays, and mechanical components are covered under the warranty as well. In the event that any Choice Cabinet product fails during the course of normal use, Choice Cabinet, at its discretion, will either repair or replace the defective product.
Whether the installation of the cabinetry was performed by a contractor, a Choice Cabinet authorized dealer, or yourself; any expenses involved in the shipping, removal, installation, or consequent damage of the defective product is not covered under this warranty. Additionally, this warranty does not apply to products installed in mobile homes or recreational vehicles.
Intended Use of Product
To be covered by this warranty, the product must be used only for its intended purpose(s). Cabinets that have been improperly stored, installed, misused, modified, mishandled, and/or subject to excessive moisture or extreme temperature and humidity levels are not covered under this warranty. In addition, any damage caused by smoking or environmental/chemical effects is also not covered under this warranty.
III. Anticipated Variance in Product
The Choice Cabinet warranty only applies to product defects and does not apply to properties of natural wood that are inherent in natural wood species. Anytime you have a natural wood product, occurrences such as pinholes, knots, and variances in color or grain are normal and are not covered under this warranty.
Because half of the weight of freshly cut wood is water, its natural properties are such that they can react to climate and/or humidity changes in your home. Choice Cabinet doors and face frames are manufactured from solid wood that has been carefully kiln-dried, retaining just enough moisture for proper construction and finishing. These hardwoods continue to react to their surroundings long after the manufacturing process has been completed. When wood cabinet doors are in a warm, moist environment (high humidity), the wood expands. In a dry, colder environment (low humidity), the wood will contract. Even with humidity regulation, this phenomenon can be controlled, but it can never be completely eliminated.
Door panels may also be prone to this minor expansion and contraction as seasonal temperature and humidity changes occur in your home. The contraction (shrinkage) of the center door panel during periods of low humidity may result in the appearance of an unfinished line along the edge of the center panel. Choice Cabinet does not consider the appearance of this line a defect and will not replace doors due to this situation. Touch-up markers are made available to cover this. The installation of a humidity control system is recommended to reduce the possibility of expansion and contraction in wood products.
All Choice Cabinet doors are manufactured in moisture-controlled environments under precise specifications. Although slight door warping can be common in one or two doors within a newly installed kitchen, any door that has not been through a complete heating and cooling cycle has the possibility of warping. Slight warpage can be eliminated through hinge adjustments. Any warping that continues to occur should be further examined by removing the door from the cabinet and placing it on a flat surface. Hinge spacers are available through your authorized Choice Cabinet dealer in cases where the warping cannot be eliminated through hinge adjustments. If warping cannot be eliminated through hinge adjustments or the use of hinge spacers, and if the doors have been through a complete heating and cooling cycle, and if all of the cabinets are true and plumb, then Choice Cabinet will consider replacement.
As mentioned above, normal movement in wood products is typical. In addition to issues listed above, climate conditions can cause finish breaks, recesses, joint and panel lines. An open joint line is not considered a defect and is not covered under this warranty.
Product Repair or Replacement
Throughout the duration of the warranty period, Choice Cabinet’s sole obligation is to repair or replace any defective product for no charge. This warranty only applies to cabinets and affiliated products sold by Choice Cabinet offered through an authorized Choice Cabinet dealer. In the event that a claim is filed after the original product has been discontinued or cancelled, Choice Cabinet will honor the warranty, at their discretion, subject to the availability of the product, by either:
Repairing or replacing the defective product with a new product of the same style
OR
Repairing or replacing the defective product with a product of equal value and complementary style in order to maintain the appearance of the original cabinetry purchase.
An exact match between the finish of the original purchased product and the replacement or repaired product is not guaranteed.
Rights of Consumer
There are no other warranties, disclosed or indicated, associated with this product. This document serves as a description of the consumer’s definitive legal rights within the transaction and is the exclusive warranty of Choice Cabinet. The exclusion or partial limitation of contingent or substantial damages is not permissible in some states. The consumer may also have further rights from state-to-state which are not cited in this warranty.
Submission of a Claim
All claims must be submitted to the authorized Choice Cabinet dealer where the cabinets were originally purchased. Claims are to be submitted in writing. Every claim must include a dated copy of the original sales receipt as a proof of purchase. Unless and until the product is specifically requested by the Choice Cabinet claims department, please do not send the defective item(s)
26401 Fargo Avenue Bedford Heights, Ohio 44146 855•378•2828 www.choicecabinet.com
1-Year Limited Warranty by
Description of Warranty
This warranty applies only to the original purchaser and is not transferrable. From the time of purchase, Choice Cabinet offers a One Year Limited Warranty on all of its cabinetry. In addition to cabinetry, all drawers, shelves, roll out trays, and mechanical components are covered under the warranty as well. In the event that any Choice Cabinet product fails during the course of normal use, Choice Cabinet, at its discretion, will either repair or replace the defective product.
Whether the work was performed by a contractor, Choice Cabinet authorized dealer, or yourself; any expenses involved in the shipping, removal, installation, or consequent damage of the defective product is not covered under this warranty. This warranty does not apply to products installed in mobile homes or recreational vehicles.
Intended Use of Product
To be covered by this warranty, the product must be used only for its intended purpose(s). Cabinets that have been improperly stored, installed, misused, modified, mishandled, and/or subject to excessive moisture or extreme temperature and humidity levels are not covered under this warranty. In addition, any damage caused by smoking, environmental, or chemical effects are also not covered under this warranty.
Anticipated Variance in Product
The Choice Cabinet warranty only applies to product defects and does not apply to properties of natural wood that are inherent in natural wood species. Anytime you have a natural wood product, occurrences such as pinholes, knots, and variances in color or grain are normal and are not covered under this warranty.
Because half of the weight of freshly cut wood is water, its natural properties are such that they can react to climate and/or humidity changes in your home. Choice Cabinet doors and face frames are manufactured from solid wood that has been carefully kiln-dried, retaining just enough moisture for proper construction and finishing. These hardwoods continue to react to their surroundings long after the manufacturing process has been completed. When wood cabinet doors are in a warm, moist environment (high humidity), the wood expands. In a dry, colder environment (low humidity), the wood will contract. Even with humidity regulation, this phenomenon can be controlled, but it can never be completely eliminated.
Door panels may also be prone to this minor expansion and contraction as seasonal temperature and humidity changes occur in your home. The contraction (shrinkage) of the center door panel during periods of low humidity may result in the appearance of an unfinished line along the edge of the center panel. Choice Cabinet does not consider the appearance of this line as a defect and will not replace doors due to this situation. Touch-up markers are made available to cover this edge line. The installation of a humidity control system is recommended to reduce the possibility of expansion and contraction in wood products.
All Choice Cabinet doors are manufactured in moisture-controlled environments under precise specifications. Although slight door warpage can be common in one or two doors within a newly installed kitchen, any door that has not been through a complete heating and cooling cycle has the possibility of warping. Slight warpage can be eliminated through hinge adjustments. Any warping that continues to occur should be further examined by removing the door from the cabinet and placing it on a flat surface. Hinge spacers are available through your authorized Choice Cabinet dealer in cases where the warpage cannot be eliminated through hinge adjustments. If warping cannot be eliminated through hinge adjustments or the use of hinge spacers, and if the doors have been through a complete heating and cooling cycle, and if all of the cabinets are true and plumb, then Choice Cabinet will consider replacement.
As mentioned above, normal movement in wood products is typical. In addition to issues listed above, climate conditions can cause finish breaks, recesses, joint and panel lines. An open joint line is not considered a defect and is not covered under this warranty.
Product Repair or Replacement
Throughout the duration of the warranty period, Choice Cabinet’s sole obligation is to repair or replace any defective product for no charge. This warranty only applies to cabinets and affiliated products sold by Choice Cabinet offered through an authorized Choice Cabinet dealer. In the event that a claim is filed after the original product has been discontinued or cancelled, Choice Cabinet will honor the warranty, at their discretion, subject to the availability of the product, by either:
Repairing or replacing the defective product with a new product of the same style
OR
Repairing or replacing the defective product with a product of equal value and complementary style in order to maintain the appearance of the original cabinetry purchase.
An exact match between the finish of the original purchased product and the replacement or repaired product is not guaranteed.
Rights of Consumer
There are no other warranties, disclosed or indicated, associated with this product. This document serves as a description of the consumer’s definitive legal rights within the transaction and is the exclusive warranty of Choice Cabinet. The exclusion or partial limitation of contingent or substantial damages is not permissible in some states. The consumer may also have further rights from state-to-state which are not cited in this warranty.
Submission of a Claim
All claims must be submitted to the authorized Choice Cabinet dealer where the cabinets were originally purchased. Claims are to be submitted in writing. Every claim must include a dated copy of the original sales receipt as a proof of purchase. Unless and until the product is specifically requested by the Choice Cabinet claims department, please do not send the defective item(s).
26401 Fargo Avenue
Bedford Heights, Ohio 44146 855•378•2828 www.choicecabinet.com
PROTECTING YOUR CABINETS AGAINST LOW TEMPS AND HUMIDITY
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this eBook is to inform you on what you can do to get years of enjoyment in your kitchen and bathroom cabinetry. The information provided will cover important considerations relative to the control of environmental factors and the proper care of kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
Our Raw Material
It all starts with high quality hard wood. Wood is a living matter and because of this, the natural beauty of wood will reveal mineral streaks, grain, knots and other characteristics that develop in wood as it grows. Choice Cabinet hand selects the most premium grades of solid hardwoods to minimize these characteristics.
A significant amount of water exists in wood. It is important to condition the wood so that it will hold its dimensions so that it doesn’t twist and turn or shrink and expand. This is done by removing a certain amount of the moisture in wood through a process that is called kiln drying. Kiln drying involves the careful removal of moisture through heat exposure in a very large oven. The material is kept in the oven for a number of days
until the moisture level reaches a very carefully controlled and measured moisture content.
The material is now stabilized and conditioned and ready for production.
THE EFFECTS OF WINTER
In northern climates, the winter months can create conditions within a home which can remove much of the moisture within a home due to the heated air from a furnace. As the outside temperature drops, so does the humidity level within a home. Low humidity levels inside a home can pull moisture out of wooden products. Removing the normal moisture content out of wood can cause shrinkage in specific all wood parts. This shrinkage will show up as a separation or a gap in cabinet doors where the stile and rail come together to form miters or mortis and tenon joints. The effect can also be seen around the edge of the center panel of the cabinet door where either an unstained line may appear or if painted where the paint has pulled away from the inside edge. Some dry home conditions can even cause cabinet doors to warp. The effect of dryness in a home can extend well beyond kitchen and
bathroom cabinets and can include window and door casings, ceiling crown, flooring and many other wooden trim applications in a home. Excessively dry homes have been known to even cause cracking or splitting in wooden doors.
Although this may seem alarming, a simple remedy is to add a whole house humidifier or at the absolute minimum a standalone humidifier. Restoring proper humidity levels in a home is not only beneficial to wooden products but also has health benefits.
Most cabinet companies will recommend that a home should have humidity levels maintained between 40 and 50%.
Once the proper humidity level is reached, the doors should return to their normal shape and size and the gap or seam separation will disappear. In other instances, it might be necessary to use a wax fill stick that is provided by the cabinet company to fill-in the gap or to touch-up the unstained line/ exposed panel edge with a touch-up marker.
It is not uncommon to make occasional adjustments to cabinet doors where they may have shifted or mildly bowed due to a change in humidity. Choice Cabinet has adjustable hinges that provide adjustability in 6 different directions for realignment
Elegant. Affordable.™
26200 Richmond Road, Bedford Heights, OH 44146
www.choicecabinet.com | 855•378•282
Rev 2.22.2019
© 2021 Choice Cabinet
All rights reserved
Elegant. Affordable.TM
CABINET CARE 101
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR CABINETS
The finish on Choice Cabinet cabinetry is just like that of a high-quality piece of furniture. Although it is designed to protect against normal, everday home use, general upkeep and cleaniness are very important. With proper care, your cabinetry will look great for generations to come.
Dusting
Dust your cabinets frequently with a soft, lint-free cloth. If need be, slightly dampen the cloth with water or a spray-type dust remover.
Spills
Clean spills and splatters immediately. Prolonged exposure to spills, including food, water, oil, grease, and other liquids can cause permanent discoloration and/or damage to your cabinet’s finish. To clean spills, use a clean, soft cloth dampened with mild soap. Dry immediately with another clean, soft cloth.
Cleaning
Use a clean, soft cloth dampened with mild soap to clean your cabinets. Dry immediately with another clean, soft cloth.
There are also a variety of wood cleaning products available for use on cabinetry.
Waxing & Polishing
Waxing your cabinets is not required or recommended. Over time, the wax will build up on the surface of the cabinet. This can cause a hazy, streaky, or yellowed appearance, as well as attract dust particles. The wax can become very difficult to remove. We recommend that you clean and polish your cabinets once or twice each year. To polish your cabinets, use a light coat of quality furniture polish.
Glass Doors
If you have glass panels installed in your cabinet doors, you will want to clean them periodically. To clean the glass, you can use any commerical glass cleaner. Never apply glass cleaner directly to the glass. Spray a small amount of cleaner onto a clean, soft cloth or paper towel, then wipe the glass. Be careful not to damage the cabinet finish or hardware while cleaning.
Hardware
You will want to periodically clean knobs, pulls, or handles installed on your cabinet doors and drawers. To do so, use a clean, soft cloth dampened with mild soap. Thoroughly dry all hardware joints, surfaces, and the surrounding area with another clean, soft cloth.
Products to Avoid
- Harsh chemicals
- Solvents or petroleum-base products, such as mineral spirits, nail polish removers, or paint thinners
- Abrasive cleaning products
- Ammonia or cleaning products that may contain ammonia
- Bleach or cleaning products that may contain bleach
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR CABINETS
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR CABINETS
Self-Cleaning Appliances
Self-cleaning appliances use intense heat during the cleaning cycle. During installation and with age, the integrity of the seal or gasket on the appliance can be compromised. Because of this, Choice Cabinet recommends the removal of any cabinet doors and/or drawers located adjacent to or directly above the appliance during a cleaning cycle.
Heat-Producing Appliances
Mounting or placing heat-producing appliances beneath cabinets is not recommended. The excess heat and moisture from appliances, such as coffee makers and toaster ovens, can damage your cabinets.
UV Effects
Ultraviolet light rays from natural sunlight can affect the appearance of your cabinets. The appearance of your cabinets may change over time depending on the natural characteristics of the wood and the applied finish, the amount/direction of light exposure, and the portion of the cabinet that receives light.
CABINET MAINTENANCE
No matter how careful you are with your cabinetry, normal wear and tear from everyday use is inevitable. This is why Choice Cabinet has made it easier than ever to keep your cabinets looking brand new.
Touch-Up
We offer touch-up markets and fill sticks that have been specially formulated for each of our high-quality cabinet finishes.
Your Choice Cabinet Design Professional can assist you in how to order and how to use these products.
NOTE: Substantial repairs may require the help of a professional refinisher.
Adjusting Your Cabinetry Hardware
Over time, the door hinges, soft-close pistons, drawer glides, and decorative hardware on your cabinetry may need to be tightened or adjusted. All of our hardware has been designed to be easily adjusted with a Phillips-head (“crosshead”) screwdriver. Soft-close pistons are adjusted by simply turning the small dial on the backside of the piston with your finger.
CARE & MAINTENANCE
Elegant. Affordable.TM
855•378•2828 | choicecabinet.com