Cabinet Construction Guidelines

CABINETS AND COUNTERTOPS

11.1.    GAP BETWEEN CABINETS AND CEILINGS OR WALLS
11.2.     CABINETS DO NOT LINE UP WITH EACH OTHER
11.3.    CABINET DOORS AND DRAWER FACES ARE WARPED
11.4.    CABINET DOOR OR DRAWER BINDS OR RUBS
11.5.    CABINET DOORS WILL NOT STAY CLOSED
11.6.    LAMINATED COUNTERTOP (INCLUDING SEAMS, JOINTS OR EDGES) HAS SWELLED
11.7.    LAMINATED COUNTERTOP IS DELAMINATED
11.8.    CRACKS IN COUNTERTOP SURFACES
11.9.    SCRATCHES/CHIPS ON COUNTERTOPS
11.10.     SEAMS (JOINTS) IN STONE COUNTERTOPS ARE TOO WIDE OR OPEN
11.11.     SURFACE PITS, FISSURES OR VEINS IN NATURAL STONE COUNTERTOPS
11.12.     CABINET DOOR OR DRAWER HAS THE FINISH FAILING
11.13.     CABINET DOOR OR DRAWER HAS DUST PARTICLES, SMUDGES NOTICEABLE ON THE FINISH
11.14.     CABINET DOORS, DRAWERS AND PANELS HAVE FINISH CHANGING COLOR
11.15.     JOINT QUALITY OF CABINET DOORS
11.16.     CABINET WOOD DOOR PANEL HAS SPLIT
11.17.     A GAP OR HEIGHT VARIATION EXISTS BETWEEN SECTIONS IN A STONE OR GRANITE COUNTERTOP

 

11.1

CONDITION
GAP BETWEEN CABINETS AND CEILINGS OR WALLS

Acceptable Performance/Condition
Cabinets shall be fitted to each other. Where cabinets abut walls and ceilings, visible gaps in excess of 1/8 inch (3 mm) are not acceptable. Exception made when gap is the result of “truss uplift”.

Warranty

First-Year - Work and Materials

• Damage resulting from normal shrinkage of materials due to drying after construction is excluded from the warranty.

Action

Cabinets not meeting the acceptable condition shall be repaired.

Remarks

It is common to have gaps where cabinets meet different materials. Occasionally a gap will appear above the upper kitchen cabinets that are installed at ceiling height. This is often caused by “truss uplift”, where the ceiling rises slightly in the winter months. This type of gap should normally be addressed by repairing the cause of the “truss uplift”.

See also

9.5 CEILING/WALL JOINT SEPARATION COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS “TRUSS UPLIFT
DOWNLOAD a copy of the Construction Performance Guidelines. (PDF 2.1 MB)

11.2

CONDITION
CABINETS DO NOT LINE UP WITH EACH OTHER

Acceptable Performance/Condition

Cabinets shall be aligned with adjacent cabinets and filler panels on the same level to provide a generally uniform appearance when viewed from a normal viewing position.
Warranty

First-Year - Work and Materials

• Damage due to normal wear and tear is excluded from the warranty.

Action

Cabinets not meeting the acceptable condition shall be repaired.

Remarks

Cabinet doors can become misaligned through normal use. Normal home maintenance includes adjusting the cabinet doors from time to time.

See also

n/a

11.3

CONDITION
CABINET DOORS AND DRAWER FACES ARE WARPED

Acceptable Performance/Condition

Cabinet doors and drawer faces shall not permanently warp. Warpage not to exceed ¼ inch (6 mm) as measured from face frame or box edge to point of furthermost warpage with door or drawer front in a closed position.

Warranty

First-Year - Work and Materials

Action

Cabinet doors and drawer faces not meeting the acceptable condition shall be repaired or replaced.
Remarks

Humidity levels in the home affect cabinet doors and drawer faces made from natural wood products. Proper care of the cabinets and attention to appropriate indoor air relative humidity levels will help minimize this impact. However wood movement cannot be completely eliminated and some movement can be expected.

See also

APPENDICES - A5. Moisture in Cabinets and Maintenance
DOWNLOAD a copy of the Construction Performance Guidelines. (PDF 2.1 MB)

11.4

CONDITION
CABINET DOOR OR DRAWER BINDS OR RUBS

Acceptable Performance/Condition

Cabinet doors and drawers shall be installed so they don’t bind or rub under normal use.

Warranty

First-Year - Work and Materials

• Damage resulting from normal wear and tear or improper maintenance is excluded from the warranty.

Action

Doors and drawers not meeting the acceptable condition shall be repaired. If a professional installer has attempted to correct the alignment and if cabinet doors and drawers still do not meet the acceptable condition, then they shall be replaced.

Remarks

Cabinet doors and drawers can become misaligned through normal use and/or drying out of the homes’ wood structure. Normal home maintenance includes adjusting the cabinet doors and drawers from time to time.

See also

11.3 CABINET DOORS AND DRAWER FACES ARE WARPED

11.5

CONDITION
CABINET DOORS WILL NOT STAY CLOSED

Acceptable Performance/Condition

Doors shall stay in position when closed.

Warranty

First-Year - Work and Materials

• Damage resulting from normal wear and tear or improper maintenance is excluded from the warranty.

Action

Doors not meeting the acceptable condition shall be repaired.

Remarks

Cabinet doors can become misaligned through normal use; normal home maintenance includes adjusting the cabinet doors from time to time.

See also

11.3 CABINET DOORS AND DRAWER FACES ARE WARPED
11.4 CABINET DOOR OR DRAWER BINDS OR RUBS

11.6

CONDITION
LAMINATED COUNTERTOP (INCLUDING SEAMS, JOINTS OR EDGES) HAS SWELLED

Acceptable Performance/Condition
None

Warranty
None

Action
None

Remarks

Countertops are susceptible to damage from standing water. Care must be taken to ensure that countertops are kept free of standing water at joints and openings at sinks and faucets.

See also

11.7    LAMINATED COUNTERTOP IS DELAMINATED
11.8    CRACKS IN COUNTERTOP SURFACES

11.7

CONDITION
LAMINATED COUNTERTOP IS DELAMINATED

Acceptable Performance/Condition

The surface of laminated countertops shall not delaminate.

Warranty

First-Year - Work and Materials

• Damage resulting from normal wear and tear and improper maintenance is excluded from the warranty.

Action

Countertops not meeting the acceptable condition shall be repaired.

Remarks

Delamination can be caused by excessive heat from appliances and cooking equipment. Countertops are susceptible to damage from standing water. Care must be taken to ensure that countertops are kept free of standing water at joints and openings at sinks and faucets.

See also

11.6 LAMINATED COUNTERTOP (INCLUDING SEAMS, JOINTS OR EDGES) HAS SWELLED
11.8 CRACKS IN COUNTERTOP SURFACES

11.8

CONDITION
CRACKS IN COUNTERTOP SURFACES

Acceptable Performance/Condition

Countertop surfaces exposed to view shall be free from cracks.
Joints and naturally occurring fissures in natural material are not considered to be cracks.

Warranty

First-Year - Work and Materials

• Damage resulting from normal wear and tear is excluded from the warranty.

Action

Countertops not meeting the acceptable condition shall be repaired.

Remarks

Damaged countertops may be excluded from the warranty, unless the homeowner is able to establish that the damage was caused by the builder. Solid-surface countertops can be brittle and damaged by impact.
Care should be taken when cleaning or servicing to prevent cracking or chipping. Sitting or dropping heavy objects on the countertop can create excessive loads that can cause cracking.

See also

11.6 LAMINATED COUNTERTOP (INCLUDING SEAMS, JOINTS OR EDGES) HAS SWELLED
11.7 LAMINATED COUNTERTOP IS DELAMINATED
11.10 SEAMS (JOINTS) IN STONE COUNTETOPS ARE TOO WIDE OR OPEN
11.11 SURFACE PITS, FISSURES OR VEINS IN NATURAL STONE COUNTERTOPS

11.9

CONDITION
SCRATCHES/CHIPS ON COUNTERTOPS

Acceptable Performance/Condition

Countertop surfaces exposed to view shall be free from visible damage.

Warranty

First-Year - Work and Materials

• Damage resulting from normal wear and tear is excluded from the warranty.

Action

Visible damage shall be repaired.

Remarks

Damaged countertops may be excluded from the warranty, unless the homeowner is able to establish that the damage was caused by the builder. Maintain countertop surfaces in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

11.10

CONDITION
SEAMS (JOINTS) IN STONE COUNTERTOPS ARE TOO WIDE OR OPEN

Acceptable Performance/Condition

Joints in stone countertops shall be filled and sealed to provide a continuous finished surface. Loose or missing filler is unacceptable.

Warranty

First-Year - Work and Materials

• Cracks resulting from normal shrinkage of materials caused by drying after construction are excluded from the warranty.

Action

Countertops not meeting the acceptable condition shall be repaired.

Remarks

Joints in stone countertops can be factory made (pre-assembled) or loose joints (site-assembled). Both types of joints can be found in single installations and may be necessary due to access or transportation restrictions, countertop layout, weight and slab size limitations. Seams are a common occurrence in the manufacturing process.

Manufacturers try to incorporate seams in locations suitable to the cabinetry layout or based on best use of the natural material determined by the installer.

Loose joints can be filled with epoxy or other suitable material in a matching colour to the stone. The visibility of joints will depend on the stone’s granularity, colour and pattern, as well as the lighting conditions in the room.

Stone countertops are sealed at the time of installation and require regular re-applications as part of home maintenance. Sealers are applied to prevent deep stains within the stone, which are difficult and sometimes impossible to remove, but do not necessarily protect the countertop from surface stains. Stones are porous materials; therefore, any spilled substances require immediate attention.

See also

11.8 CRACKS IN COUNTERTOP SURFACES
11.11 SURFACE PITS, FISSURES OR VEINS IN NATURAL STONE COUNTERTOPS

11.11

CONDITION
SURFACE PITS, FISSURES OR VEINS IN NATURAL STONE COUNTERTOPS

Acceptable Performance/Condition

Surface pits, fissures or veins in stone countertops are typical characteristics of quarried materials and are acceptable.

Warranty
None.

Action
None.

Remarks

Quarried stone is a product of nature and is not subject to the rules of consistency that apply to manufactured materials. Pits and fissures as well as variations in tonal qualities, veining and shading are all natural characteristics and generally desirable.
Stone countertops are sealed at the time of installation and require regular re-applications as part of home maintenance. Sealers are applied to prevent deep stains within the stone, which are difficult and sometimes impossible to remove, but do not necessarily protect the countertop from surface stains. Stones are porous materials; therefore, any spilled substances require immediate attention.

See also

11.8 CRACKS IN COUNTERTOP SURFACES
11.10 SEAMS (JOINTS) IN STONE COUNTETOPS ARE TOO WIDE OR OPEN

11.12

CONDITION
CABINET DOOR OR DRAWER HAS THE FINISH FAILING

Acceptable Performance/Condition

Cabinet doors and drawer faces should not have the finish failing under normal use.

Warranty

First-Year - Work and Materials

• Damage resulting from normal wear and tear or improper maintenance is excluded from the warranty. The finish peeling off and/or surface discolouration below the sink and/or above appliances (that produce moisture, steam or intense heat) is an indication of water damage. This condition is not covered by the warranty.

Action

Cabinet doors and drawer faces not meeting the acceptable condition shall be repaired.

Remarks

Water or moisture should not be allowed to sit on the cabinets or counter tops as the finish will eventually absorb water and be damaged. Measures should be taken by the homeowner to ensure that the frequency and amount of water exposure (splash water from sink) to cabinets and counter tops is kept to a minimum. Steam and moisture from electric appliances (coffee maker, etc.) and showers should not come in direct contact with the cabinet surfaces. Cabinet doors (below sinks) are especially susceptible to water damage from dripping water.

See also

APPENDICES - A5. Moisture in Cabinets and Maintenance
DOWNLOAD a copy of the Construction Performance Guidelines. (PDF 2.1 MB)

11.13

CONDITION
CABINET DOOR OR DRAWER HAS DUST PARTICLES, SMUDGES NOTICEABLE ON THE FINISH

Acceptable Performance/Condition

Cabinet doors and drawer faces should have a properly painted or stained surface finish. It shall be assessed by viewing, without magnification, from a minimum perpendicular distance of 3 feet (0.9 m) under normal lighting conditions and from a normal viewing position.

Warranty

First-Year - Work and Materials
Damage resulting from normal wear and tear or improper maintenance is excluded from the warranty.

Action

Cabinet doors, drawer faces and panels not meeting the acceptable condition shall be repaired or replaced.

Remarks

Natural lighting conditions throughout the day may change the appearance of the properly painted or stained surface finish. Repainted cabinet doors, drawer faces and panels shall match the original finished surface for colour, sheen and texture as closely as possible. Warranty cannot guarantee a perfect match.

See also

APPENDICES - A5. Moisture in Cabinets and Maintenance
DOWNLOAD a copy of the Construction Performance Guidelines. (PDF 2.1 MB)

11.14

CONDITION
CABINET DOORS, DRAWERS AND PANELS HAVE FINISH CHANGING COLOR

Acceptable Performance/Condition

Cabinet doors, drawer faces and panels will fade naturally over time and this aging process is normal. The appearance of spots or bleeding discoloration in the wood finish of the cabinets would not be deemed normal.

Warranty

First-Year - Work and Materials
Damage resulting from normal fading caused by natural sunlight or improper maintenance is excluded from the warranty.

Action

Cabinet doors, drawer faces and panels not meeting the acceptable condition shall be repaired or replaced.

Remarks

Wooden products placed in direct sunlight, will tend to change colour at a faster rate. This is caused by the wood being exposed to the Ultra Violet (UV) light of the sun and the natural tendency of the wood to change colour varies by species. Window coverings will protect, to some degree, the cabinets from sunlight. The depth and clarity of the finish, over time, will begin to fade, causing the colour to change from the original one.

See also

APPENDICES - A5. Moisture in Cabinets and Maintenance
DOWNLOAD a copy of the Construction Performance Guidelines. (PDF 2.1 MB)

11.15

CONDITION
JOINT QUALITY OF CABINET DOORS

Acceptable Performance/Condition

Joints in cabinet doors, being exposed to view, shall be tightly fitted and have aligned surfaces or be filled with a compatible material to achieve the same result; cracks in excess of 1/32 inch (0.75 mm) are not acceptable.

Warranty

First-Year - Work and Materials

• Minor gaps caused by normal shrinkage of materials due to drying after Date of Possession are excluded from the warranty.

Action

Joints not meeting the acceptable condition shall be repaired or door replaced.

Remarks

Humidity levels in the home affect cabinet doors made from natural wood products. Proper care of the cabinets and attention to appropriate indoor air relative humidity levels will help minimize the impact of wood shrinkage causing joint cracks. However wood movement cannot be completely eliminated and some movement can be expected. Cracks in the wood and/or the finish can also appear when water has been dripping onto cabinet doors placed below the kitchen sinks or beneath the bathroom vanity.

See also

APPENDICES - A5. Moisture in Cabinets and Maintenance
DOWNLOAD a copy of the Construction Performance Guidelines. (PDF 2.1 MB)

11.16

CONDITION
CABINET WOOD DOOR PANEL HAS SPLIT

Acceptable Performance/Condition

Cracks in cabinet door panel, where normal light is visible through the door, are not acceptable. Minor cracks that do not allow light through the door but are in excess of 1/32 inch (0.75 mm) are not acceptable.

Warranty

First-Year - Work and Materials

Damage resulting from normal shrinkage due to drying after construction is excluded from the warranty.

Action

Door panels not meeting the acceptable performance shall be repaired or replaced. Replacement cabinet doors shall match the original finished surface for colour, sheen and texture as closely as possible. Warranty cannot guarantee a perfect match.

Remarks

Replacement doors are usually not a perfect match with the remaining cabinets because of the natural qualities of wood products and the fading that naturally occurs. All finishes will adjust over time with the use and the sunlight exposure that tends to blend the new part in. The use of various cleaning products makes it extremely difficult to make the new replacement part match perfectly to the original product.

See also

APPENDICES - A5. Moisture in Cabinets and Maintenance
DOWNLOAD a copy of the Construction Performance Guidelines. (PDF 2.1 MB)

11.17

CONDITION
A GAP OR HEIGHT VARIATION EXISTS BETWEEN SECTIONS IN A STONE OR GRANITE COUNTERTOP

Acceptable Performance/Condition

Granite or stone countertops shall be manufactured and installed to produce a uniform surface (vertically and horizontally) between adjoining sections. Adjoining stone surfaces shall not exceed 1.5 mm (1/16”) in horizontal or vertical displacement, over a 150 mm (6”) straight edge.
Granite surfaces are generally reliant upon the stability of the substrate upon which the granite is mounted. Stability during the warranty period is the builder’s responsibility. Visible joints between adjacent sections are acceptable providing that the joint is within the acceptable performance condition and uniform in width.

Warranty

First-Year - Work and Materials

• Damage resulting from maintenance not conducted in keeping with proper maintenance documentation provided to the owner by the manufacturer or builder is not covered under warranty.

Action

Countertops not meeting the Acceptable Performance/Condition are to be rectified. Where repairs are made, an exact match of colour, finish, grain, sheen or texture may not be possible.

See also

N/A