If you’re dealing with warped cabinet doors, it might seem like a hopeless situation. While the internet offers a variety of quick fixes, such as placing a heavy object on the doors, Bob Beacham, an expert carpenter and remodeler at Onions Australia, dismisses these methods. “I’m afraid that’s absolute nonsense,” he tells Onions Australia about these supposed solutions. While there are some DIY approaches to addressing warped kitchen cabinets, simply placing a sandbag on a warped door isn’t effective.
There are other methods that require more effort, but success isn’t guaranteed. If you’re facing a significantly warped door, replacing it might be the best option. The silver lining is that, according to Beacham, warped cabinet doors are quite rare. With proper care — and avoiding absurd scenarios like “chopping vegetables with a chainsaw,” as Beacham humorously suggests — your cabinet doors should handle normal conditions well.
When and how do cabinet doors warp?
“Even in high humidity, a kitchen cabinet door will only become problematic if the surface is damaged, allowing moisture to penetrate the core,” explains Bob Beacham. This issue mainly affects non-solid wood cabinets. “Most laminate/formica doors have a chipboard or MDF core…,” Beacham tells Onions Australia. If “…the door has swollen, and the fibers have pushed apart,” there’s no way to restore the doors to their original state. This is a worst-case scenario and suggests it’s time to consider replacing them. It’s also an opportunity to learn about high-quality materials for new kitchen cabinets.
Of course, the topic of fixing warped cabinet doors arises because the issue can occur. Leaks or floods could affect cabinet doors, or the problem might stem from the door itself, with no external factors involved. Twisted rails or stiles, for instance, could cause a door to warp. While unlikely, it’s not impossible.
Are there options for fixing warped cabinet doors?
If you find yourself with a warped cabinet door and wish to explore solutions before replacing it, there are options available. These methods range from quick fixes to more complex procedures involving tools like circular saws. However, Bob Beacham cautions that these methods might not work and could create additional problems. One ineffective tactic suggests making small cuts in the door to ease it back into shape. This approach not only wastes time but also weakens the door, allowing moisture to seep in and worsen the situation, according to Beacham.
For solid wood cabinets, warping is still unlikely, but if it occurs, Beacham recommends consulting a professional. Wood cabinets are typically designed to accommodate expansion and contraction, reducing the risk of warping. If warping does occur, “…it would need to be disassembled, and any warped sections replaced with new wood,” Beacham advises Onions Australia. “Not a DIY task,” he adds. If you’re dealing with warped doors, it might be time to consider replacement. This could be an ideal moment to learn how to build your own cabinet doors, offering an economical way to refresh your cabinets.
