When we are talking about protecting cabinetry from moisture, there is the macro moisture, such as our damp climate, and there is the micro moisture such as water spilled on wood or a wood barrel that contains a liquid. In today’s blog article, we want to discuss both of these concepts and how they relate to protecting wood cabinetry.
Macro
Here on the Lower Mainland, we live in a damp climate characterized by a rainy and dry season. If you have a general moisture problem in the home, the best way to combat that is a dehumidifier and good ventilation. But we cannot change our ambient climate.
Some wood finishes are better at protecting wood from dampness than others. Polyurethane and lacquers are good at sealing wood, but some are better than others. And these finishes can pose unique problems when it comes to refinishing the cabinets down the line if you ever want to.
Micro
Micro problems are getting water splashed or spilled on your cabinets. The easy fix for this is to wipe it up as soon as possible. If your cabinetry has a good finish on it, this is not going to be a problem.
Steam poses another problem, and for that we have hoods for ventilation over the stove. And we recommend using those hoods whenever you are boiling foods for a long time. An electric kettle on a counter can also spray steam onto cabinets, so it is a good policy to not have an electric kettle under a cabinet, especially if the cabinet is not solid wood. No matter what the finish is, if cabinets are mdf or fiberboard, steam will destroy them in short order.
If you have specific concerns about your cabinetry being able to withstand our humidity, then talk to your kitchen designer about your concerns. These are valid concerns not to be dismissed.
If you want to learn more about bathroom vanities, definitely call Elite Kitchens and Bathrooms if you need some help with your project at (604) 533-4541, as this is our area of expertise.
Elite Kitchens and Bathrooms, based in Langley, BC, is your source for everything custom cabinetry related. As the 2019 winner of the Vancouver Consumer Choice Award, they pride themselves on stellar customer service to match the quality of their cabinets.
If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about cabinets, we encourage you to contact us at [email protected].
