The Best Method For Repairing Your Cracked Cabinet Frame

Imagine you've gotten all the tips for choosing the right kitchen cabinet style, spent hours picking out your dream cabinets, anxiously awaited their arrival, and just as you're getting ready to install them, you notice a crack in one of the frames. You may be ready to call up the company and demand a replacement, but it's not unusual for damage to happen during shipping. And the fix may be as simple as using wood glue to put the pieces back together. "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," says Bob Beacham, House Digest's expert carpenter and remodeler, in an exclusive interview.

Of course, not all cabinets are solid wood, especially the kind that tend to arrive in the mail ready for you to assemble. Luckily, the process for laminate or veneer cabinets is 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.

If you want your repair to last for as long as possible, there are some critical mistakes to avoid during this process. As is so often the case when it comes to DIY projects, taking the proper preparation steps is key, and rushing can be a problem. According to Bob Beacham, there are a few common mistakes that people make, such as: "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 the wrong adhesive products can also lead to other 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 House Digest exclusively. Furthermore, it's important to give your repair the time to set under proper conditions. For example, you'll likely need to use clamps or add a bit of weight to your cabinets while the repair sets. 

When working with pre-painted or laminate (some of the most common kitchen cabinet finishes), there are other issues like color matching the paint to consider. After you're done with the repair, use a damp cloth to wipe away the excess and 320 to 400 grit sandpaper to lightly sand the area to get ready for paint. Some companies may be able to provide touch-up paint to help disguise the cracked cabinet. Otherwise, you may need to consider repainting. 

Not all cracks can be repaired effectively with 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 this case, the most economical option might be to just replace the cabinet, he advises. If you have invested in sturdier, all-wood cabinets and they have sustained a worst-case scenario break all the way through, 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 is worth a shot. With a few simple tools, you can try to save that cabinet from the trash pile. Beacham's exclusive advice for House Digest Readers continues with: "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 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 many shapes and sizes, making it easy to find the right size for your needs.

"The problem would be if the repair fouled doors or drawers," says Beacham. At that point it may be wise to call in a pro, but only if the cabinet is worth saving. Of course, not all cabinets in need of repair are brand new. They take a lot of wear and tear. Be prepared, and learn how to fix steam damage on kitchen cabinets or the easy way to fix your cabinet hinges.