Appearance:
Wood is a natural material. Climate, soil type, site conditions and other factors influence colour, texture and figure of wood. These variations occur naturally and are uncontrollable by the manufacturer. Part of the natural beauty of wood is that each piece has its own unique traits.
Sunlight:
Wood gradually darkens in response to UV light (i.e. sunlight). This process is usually not noticeable unless you compare your older cabinets to brand new ones. Aging process occurs regardless of finish. This is especially true for cherry wood which develops a rich darker tone as it ages.
Moisture:
Wood is hygroscopic, which means it will release or absorb moisture from air or spills. When wood absorbs moisture it swells and when it releases moisture it shrinks. This can be a cause of cracking, splitting and warping. Finish does not stop this process, it only slows it down.
An excessively humid or dry environment can damage your cabinets. Proper climate control is essential to ensure your wood cabinetry will perform and look beautiful for many years to come. Relative humidity in your house should fall in the 25% to 55% range in order to avoid moisture problems. This may require the use of air conditioning in the summer and a humidifier in the winter. Vacation homes should maintain some form of climate control even in the off-season. Any spills should be immediately cleaned up to ensure your cabinets don’t absorb excess moisture.