Central Texas is beautiful and brutal in equal measure. Our humidity swings — bone-dry winters, Gulf-soaked summers — put cabinet finishes through a yearly expansion and contraction cycle that cheaper coatings simply don't survive. If you've invested in a professional cabinet finish, a little seasonal care protects that investment for decades.
Keep indoor humidity in the sweet spot
Wood is happiest between 35% and 55% relative humidity. In Austin that means running your HVAC consistently through summer rather than opening windows on those deceptively pleasant September mornings, and considering a humidifier during our dry winter snaps. Big, fast swings are what crack finishes and open joints — not the humidity itself.
Clean gently, and never wet
A soft cloth slightly dampened with water and a drop of mild dish soap handles nearly everything. What damages finishes is standing moisture around sink cabinets, steam from dishwashers venting upward, and abrasive or ammonia-based cleaners that dull topcoats over time.
Pay special attention to the cabinet doors nearest the sink and range — they live the hardest life in the kitchen.
Know when to call a professional
Small chips and worn spots around pulls are normal wear, and they're exactly the kind of thing a touch-up visit handles inexpensively. Left alone, they become moisture entry points that lift the surrounding finish. An annual once-over — tightening hardware, touching up wear, checking caulk lines — is the simplest insurance a fine kitchen can have.
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