Cabinet Care
At CNC, we believe that great design doesn’t stop at installation. Just like the finishes we craft, proper care and awareness make all the difference in preserving your cabinetry’s beauty and performance for years to come.
Whether you’re a homeowner, dealer, or designer, knowing how to care for cabinets - and understanding the natural characteristics of real wood - ensures your investment stays stunning, functional, and worry-free.
Here’s our guide to everything you need to know.
All of CNC’s-stained finishes are applied with the same craftsmanship and quality standards. That said, wood is a living material - it breathes, shifts, and tells a unique story with every panel and door. Here are a few natural traits to expect:
Wood Expands and Contracts
Changes in humidity cause wood to move. This can result in minor cracks at door joints or center panels slightly shrinking to expose small raw edges. These aren’t defects - they’re natural movements of real wood. To minimize impact, always maintain proper humidification during storage and after installation.
Every Tree is Unique
No two pieces of wood are the same - and that’s the beauty of it. Mineral streaks, knots, and grain patterns vary from piece to piece. As a result, your stain may look slightly different across panels. This variation is part of what gives your cabinetry character and warmth.
Texture & Grain Are Part of the Charm
End grains and panel edges may highlight natural rough spots or indentations when stained. These textured effects are expected and actually help enhance the wood’s authenticity.
Light and Color Interaction
Lighter woods can show more contrast when darker stains are used, resulting in some blotchiness or “high/low” effects. Again, this is a normal part of finishing real wood - not a flaw.
Bottom Line: These variations are natural and will not be considered quality defects. They’re what make your CNC cabinets one-of-a-kind.
Care Tips: Keep Your Cabinets Looking Their Best
Caring for your cabinetry doesn’t need to be complicated. A few simple habits can go a long way in maintaining their finish and integrity:
Humidity & Miter Joints: What You Need to Know
As humidity levels change, you may notice miter joints slightly opening - especially in high or low humidity seasons. This is completely normal and does not affect the structural integrity of your cabinet doors.
In high humidity, wood expands, and joints may push slightly open.
In low humidity, wood contracts, and joints may appear separated.
This seasonal shifting is not a defect and doesn’t warrant replacement. It's simply how natural wood reacts to its environment.
The CNC Promise
We stand by the quality and craftsmanship of every cabinet we produce. That includes helping customers understand what to expect - not just from our products, but from the beautiful, natural materials we use.
Your home deserves cabinetry that’s as timeless as it is practical. With the right care, CNC cabinets will stand the test of time - aging gracefully and beautifully with your space.
