Picture this: you’ve followed all the advice on selecting the perfect kitchen cabinet style, spent countless hours choosing your ideal cabinets, eagerly awaited their delivery, and just as you’re about to install them, you spot a crack in one of the frames. While your first instinct might be to contact the company for a replacement, remember that damage during shipping is not uncommon. Fortunately, the solution could be as simple as applying wood glue to mend the pieces. “Small splits in solid wood can be dealt with [by] getting wood glue in the gap, then wrapping with painter’s tape or masking tape while it dries,” shares Bob Beacham, Onions Australia’s expert carpenter and remodeler, in an exclusive interview.
Of course, not all cabinets are made of solid wood, particularly those that arrive ready for assembly. Fortunately, the repair process for laminate or veneer cabinets is quite similar. “Try opening the crack a little with a pallet knife, slipping in some wood glue (Titebond III, for example), press down with your fingers and wipe off any squeeze-out with a damp cloth or paper towel, then weigh down the repair area while the glue dries,” Beacham advises.
Mistakes to avoid when repairing a cracked cabinet
To ensure your repair lasts, avoid certain critical mistakes in the process. As is often the case with DIY projects, proper preparation is crucial, and rushing can lead to issues. According to Bob Beacham, common errors include: “Not preparing the surfaces properly. Not reading the instructions on the paint or glue being used for the repair. Not waiting long enough for the paint or glue to dry.”
Using inappropriate adhesive products can also cause problems. “People sometimes try 2-part epoxies (like Araldite) on wood. They are messy, a nightmare to clean up, and seldom hold up for long,” Beacham tells Onions Australia exclusively. Additionally, it’s vital to allow the repair time to set under suitable conditions. For example, you may need to use clamps or apply some weight to your cabinets while the repair sets.
When dealing with pre-painted or laminate cabinets (some of the most common kitchen cabinet finishes), consider issues like color matching the paint. After completing the repair, wipe away any excess with a damp cloth and use 320 to 400 grit sandpaper to lightly sand the area in preparation for painting. Some companies might provide touch-up paint to help conceal the crack, or you may need to consider repainting.
Bracing your cracked cabinet for more support
Not all cracks can be effectively repaired with just a few dabs of glue. “Cheap RTA furniture isn’t particularly strong,” says Bob Beacham. “If it’s split all the way through, it’s unlikely that glue alone is going to hold it together.” In such cases, the most economical option might be to replace the cabinet, he advises. However, if you’ve invested in more durable, all-wood cabinets and they suffer a severe break, there are other options.
“Solid wood furniture tends to be more expensive, so it’s more often worth having a go,” says Beacham. Even if the repair doesn’t work, it’s worth trying. With a few simple tools, you can attempt to save that cabinet from the trash heap. Beacham’s exclusive advice for Onions Australia readers continues: “If it’s a large split on the inside and it’s affecting the structure, it may be possible to use a metal plate with holes at either end to splint or brace the damage, using screws to hold it together, a bit like surgeons do with bone breaks!” These metal plates come in various shapes and sizes, making it easy to find the right fit for your needs.
“The problem would be if the repair fouled doors or drawers,” says Beacham. At that point, it might be wise to consult a professional, but only if the cabinet is worth saving. Of course, not all cabinets in need of repair are brand new. They endure a lot of wear and tear, so be prepared and learn how to fix steam damage on kitchen cabinets or the easy way to repair cabinet hinges.
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