How Does Summer Weather Affect Cabinet Doors?

Discover how summer weather affects cabinet doors, causing cracks, splits, and size changes, plus tips on how to care for your doors.

A hand holding a hygrometer reading 28°C and 70% humidity. High humidity and temperatures in summer can cause damage to cabinet doors.

You love your cabinets – until they start sticking, warping, or cracking in the summer heat. Suddenly, doors that used to close smoothly won’t shut, finishes start peeling, and joints feel loose. These frustrating changes can make you wonder: Is this normal? Or is there a bigger issue?

At Cutting Edge, we’ve spent over 20 years crafting custom cabinet doors in Canada. We’ve seen firsthand how humidity and temperature fluctuations affect cabinets. The good news? Most of these issues are preventable or seasonal.

In this article, you’ll discover:

By the end of this article, you’ll have the information you need to prevent or assess the effects of summer weather on cabinet doors and know your next steps in each case.

But first, why are cabinet doors affected by the weather?

Why Does Summer Weather Affect Cabinet Doors?

The primary culprit behind summer cabinet door issues is humidity. Wood is a natural material that absorbs and releases moisture depending on the surrounding environment. When humidity rises, wood expands. When humidity drops, it contracts. These changes can lead to warping, cracking, or sticking doors.

Temperature swings also play a role. While wood adjusts gradually to climate changes, heat and high humidity can speed up moisture absorption, causing noticeable shifts in cabinet doors.

Why Does Humidity Affect Cabinet Doors?

Wood is hygroscopic, meaning it naturally absorbs and releases moisture. In summer, humidity levels often exceed 50%, causing the wood to absorb moisture and expand. If your cabinet doors are solid wood, they’re more likely to react to humidity changes. Veneered or engineered wood options are more stable but can still experience minor swelling or warping.

On the other hand, running air conditioning excessively can lower indoor humidity too much, making the wood dry out and contract. This cycle of swelling and shrinking can weaken the structure of your cabinets over time.

Now, how can you identify changes caused by humidity? What do they look like?

Effects Summer Weather Can Have on Your Cabinet Doors

Summer weather can cause several noticeable changes in your cabinet doors. Some are temporary and will resolve as the humidity stabilizes, while others may require maintenance or repair. Below are five of the most common issues homeowners face when it comes to cabinet doors in the summer:

  • Sticking or Swelling Doors – Cabinet doors that were easy to open in the winter may now stick or feel tight due to moisture absorption.
  • Warping or Bowing – Some cabinet doors may appear slightly curved or misaligned as uneven moisture exposure causes them to warp.
  • Cracking or Splitting – Low indoor humidity from air conditioning can dry out the wood, making the doors crack or split.
  • Loose Joints and Seams – Expanding and contracting wood can weaken joints, causing doors to feel wobbly or develop visible gaps.
  • Peeling or Bubbling Finish – High humidity and heat can cause cabinet finishes to bubble, peel, or become discoloured.

Each of these issues has different causes and solutions. In the following sections, we’ll go over each problem in detail, explain whether it’s a temporary issue or something more serious, and guide you through the best next steps to protect your cabinets.

Problem What Causes It? Is It Serious? How to Fix It
Doors sticking or swelling High humidity No, it often resolves Use a dehumidifier to keep humidity between 30-40%
Warping or bowing Uneven moisture absorption Sometimes Improve air circulation and consult a cabinet maker if severe
Cracking or splitting Over-dry air from AC Yes, it can indicate structural damage Use a humidifier; consider applying a wood conditioner
Loose joints or gaps Repeated expansion and contraction Possibly Use wood glue to reinforce the joints if necessary
Peeling or bubbling finish High humidity or direct heat Yes; it exposes the wood to damage Avoid harsh cleaners, refinish if needed

Cabinet Doors Sticking or Swelling

During the summer, you may notice that your cabinet doors feel tighter than usual or even stick when you try to open or close them. This happens because the increased humidity in the air causes the wood to absorb moisture and expand. Solid wood doors are more susceptible to this issue than veneered or engineered wood. You might find that doors that closed smoothly in the winter now require extra effort to shut properly.

Is This a Problem?

In most cases, this is a seasonal occurrence. As humidity levels decrease in the fall, the wood will naturally contract back to its original size, and the doors should function normally again. 

Next Steps

To minimize the issue, monitor indoor humidity and keep it between 30-40% using a dehumidifier if necessary. Avoid excessive force when closing doors, as this can cause stress on hinges and weaken them over time.

Warping or Bowing Cabinet Doors

Warping occurs when cabinet doors absorb moisture unevenly, causing one side to expand more than the other. This results in a curved or bowed appearance, making doors look misaligned. This issue is more common with solid wood doors or cabinets exposed to direct sunlight, where uneven heating can accelerate the warping process.

Two cabinet doors side by side with a red arrow pointing to the warped cabinet door.

Is This a Problem?

Slight warping is normal and may correct itself when humidity stabilizes. However, severe warping can signify prolonged moisture exposure or poor cabinet installation. If the warping is excessive and the doors no longer close properly, you may need assistance from a cabinet maker or contractor.

Next Steps

Improving air circulation and controlling the humidity levels in the kitchen can help prevent further warping. If the doors remain warped even after humidity stabilizes, contact a cabinet maker or contractor to discuss replacement pieces. Alternatively, if you know where your cabinet doors came from, you can contact your cabinet door supplier directly for assistance.

Cracks or Splitting Wood

Cracking or splitting in cabinet doors is a sign that the wood has dried out too much. This can happen when air conditioning removes too much moisture, causing the wood to contract rapidly. Over time, this weakens the material, leading to visible damage such as hairline cracks or larger splits in the panels.

A close-up image of a cabinet door panel with a red arrow pointing to splits in the wood. When cabinet doors split or crack, it indicates that the humidity is too low.

Is This a Problem?

Yes, cracking indicates that the wood is too dry and is losing structural integrity. Unlike swelling or minor warping, cracks do not resolve on their own. In fact, they may worsen if the environment remains too dry.

Next Steps

To prevent further damage, maintain indoor humidity levels between 30-40% using a humidifier if necessary. Applying a wood conditioner or polish can help restore moisture and protect the wood from further cracking.

Loose Joints and Seams

As wood expands and contracts with seasonal changes, cabinet doors can develop loose joints or small gaps at the seams. This is particularly noticeable in painted doors, where the solid colour highlights any cracks. Over time, repeated swelling and shrinking can weaken the joints, making doors feel wobbly or misaligned.

A painted door with a red arrow pointing to a hairline crack at the stile and rail joint. Cracks are more noticeable in painted cabinet doors.

Is This a Problem?

Minor gaps (like the image above) and slight joint movement are normal. These may resolve as the humidity stabilizes. However, it is a problem if doors become significantly loose or the joints separate.

Next Steps

Check and tighten any loose hinges or screws to reinforce the joints. If gaps persist, applying wood glue and clamping the affected area until dry can help restore stability. Monitoring indoor humidity and keeping levels between 30-40% can also prevent further shifting.

If you can’t fix the issues, contact a cabinet maker, contractor, or your cabinet door supplier for assistance.

Peeling or Bubbling Finish

Excessive moisture or direct heat can cause cabinet door finishes to peel, bubble, or discolour. High humidity levels can soften the finish, making it more susceptible to damage, while direct sunlight can cause fading over time. Cleaning cabinets with too much water or harsh chemicals can also contribute to peeling.

A painted cabinet door with a red arrow pointing to an area with bubbling and peeling finish. When the finish on cabinet doors is compromised, they are more vulnerable to additional damage.

Is This a Problem?

Yes. Once the protective finish is compromised, the underlying wood becomes more vulnerable to further moisture damage. If left untreated, exposed wood may absorb excess moisture, leading to more severe issues like warping or rot.

Next Steps

To prevent further damage, avoid using excessive water when cleaning cabinet doors. Instead, use a damp (not wet) cloth and mild, wood-safe cleaning products. Applying a protective sealant or a finish restorer can help extend the life of the finish. If the finish is already peeling significantly, professional refinishing may be required.

How to Protect Cabinet Doors Against the Effects of Summer Weather

Maintaining proper humidity levels is essential to keep your cabinet doors in top shape year-round. The ideal indoor humidity range is between 30-40%, as this prevents excessive swelling or drying out. Controlling the temperature is equally important, with the recommended range being between 60-80°F (15.5-26.5°C). Proper ventilation can also help reduce excess moisture in the kitchen. Ensuring good airflow prevents cabinets from absorbing too much humidity, which can lead to warping and swelling.

Direct sunlight can accelerate damage to cabinets, causing fading and finish deterioration. Installing window treatments or using UV-protective films on windows can help minimize exposure to harsh sunlight. Regular maintenance (cleaning cabinets with a damp, not wet, cloth and using wood-friendly products) can also extend the lifespan of cabinet doors. 

These preventive steps will help ensure that your cabinets remain in excellent condition, even through the hottest months of the year.

Learn How To Tell When Your Cabinet Doors Are Covered Under Warranty

Summer weather can affect your cabinets in many ways, from swelling and warping to cracks and peeling finishes. Now that you understand these issues, you can take steps to protect your investment. Your cabinets are an essential part of your home, and you shouldn’t have to worry about seasonal damage. Keeping indoor humidity and temperature levels stable can prevent most summer-related problems.

If you’re noticing cabinet issues and wondering if they’re covered under warranty, now is the time to check. Understanding your warranty options can save you time, money, and stress. At Cutting Edge, we’ve been helping homeowners protect their cabinets for over 20 years. If you need expert advice on cabinet care or warranty coverage, we’re here to help. Start by learning how to tell if your cabinet doors have warranty coverage today.