Let's talk about kitchen cabinets. You are investing good money into your home, and you want those cabinets to look good and last for many years. Living here in Fullerton, we have a good climate, but it also has its own challenges. These challenges can make a difference when you are planning a kitchen remodel, especially when it comes to installing your new kitchen cabinets.
When is the Best Time to Schedule Your Kitchen Cabinet Install?
You might think any time is a good time for kitchen cabinet installation, but we have seen how our local weather in Fullerton can play a role. Generally, we tell homeowners that the best time for kitchen cabinet installation in Fullerton is during the spring or the fall. This is because the weather conditions are more stable for kitchen cabinets.
- Spring (March to May): This is often a good time for kitchen cabinet installation. Temperatures are mild, not too hot, and not too cold. Humidity levels are usually comfortable for wood products. Lower humidity means less chance of the wood expanding or contracting too much during the kitchen cabinet installation.
- Fall (September to November): Similar to spring, fall brings good temperatures and generally stable humidity. You avoid the peak summer heat and the occasional winter chill in Fullerton. This helps with the kitchen cabinet installation process.
You can install kitchen cabinets in summer or winter. Absolute Kitchen Remodelers does kitchen cabinet installation year-round in Fullerton. But you need to be aware of the conditions. Our summers, especially July and August, can get very hot, with average highs in the mid-80s. While our humidity generally stays comfortable, very hot temperatures can still affect materials if they are not handled properly. Winters are mild, with average lows in December around 46-47°F. We also see most of our rain in winter, particularly February and December, which can affect kitchen cabinet delivery schedules in Fullerton.
Weather Conditions That Affect Kitchen Cabinet Work
It is not just about comfort for the crew; it is about the kitchen cabinet materials themselves. Wood, whether it is solid wood or engineered products, is hygroscopic. This means it absorbs and releases moisture from the air. This is where Fullerton's climate comes into play for kitchen cabinets.
Humidity: The Silent Kitchen Cabinet Factor
Our humidity levels are generally good here in Fullerton, often described as comfortable throughout the summer. But even so, big swings in humidity can cause issues for kitchen cabinets. If kitchen cabinets are installed during a period of high humidity and then the air dries out, the wood can shrink. This can lead to gaps, cracks, or doors that do not close right on your kitchen cabinets. If kitchen cabinets are installed during very dry conditions and then exposed to higher humidity, they can swell. We aim for a stable environment during kitchen cabinet installation to let the kitchen cabinets acclimate properly.
Temperature Extremes for Kitchen Cabinets
While we do not get very cold temperatures in Fullerton, those hot summer days can be hard on kitchen cabinets. High temperatures can affect the glues and finishes on kitchen cabinets. It is not usually a deal-breaker for kitchen cabinet installation, but it means Absolute Kitchen Remodelers needs to be extra careful with how we store and handle the kitchen cabinet materials before they are installed. Good ventilation is always important when working with kitchen cabinets.
Santa Ana Winds: More Than Just a Weather Event
You know those Santa Ana winds in Fullerton? They are known for drying everything out and making the air feel crisp. While they can bring clear skies, they also bring very low humidity. If you are getting kitchen cabinets delivered during a strong Santa Ana event, the sudden drop in moisture can be a shock to the wood. Absolute Kitchen Remodelers always recommends letting kitchen cabinets sit in your home for a few days before installation. This helps the kitchen cabinets acclimate to your home's specific conditions. This is especially important if those dry winds have been blowing through neighborhoods like Sunny Hills in Fullerton.
Protecting Your Kitchen Cabinet Investment Year-Round
Once those new kitchen cabinets from Absolute Kitchen Remodelers are installed, you want to keep them looking their best. Here is how you can protect your kitchen cabinets, no matter the season in Fullerton:
- Maintain Consistent Indoor Climate: This is a very important step. Try to keep your home's temperature and humidity as stable as possible. Avoid big temperature swings. If you are going away for a while, do not turn your AC or heat completely off; set it to a moderate level for your kitchen cabinets.
- Ventilation is Important: Always use your exhaust fan when cooking, especially if you are boiling water or doing a lot of steaming. This helps pull moisture and grease out of the air. This protects your kitchen cabinet finishes from moisture damage and grime buildup.
- Wipe Up Spills Immediately: Do not let water or other liquids sit on your kitchen cabinet surfaces. Even small amounts can seep into the wood over time and cause damage or discoloration to your kitchen cabinets.
- Gentle Cleaning: Use mild soap and water, or a specialized cabinet cleaner for your kitchen cabinets. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive scrubbers, or silicone-based polishes. These can break down the finish on your kitchen cabinets.
- Protect from Direct Sunlight: If you have windows that let in a lot of direct, intense sunlight, consider blinds or UV-filtering film. Long exposure to strong UV rays can fade wood finishes on kitchen cabinets over time.
Taking these steps will help make sure your kitchen cabinets stand up to Fullerton's climate. They will continue to be a beautiful, functional part of your home for many years to come. A little seasonal awareness and ongoing care go a long way for kitchen cabinets in Fullerton. For homes and businesses in Fullerton, Absolute Kitchen Remodelers provides Kitchen Cabinet services.