WARPING

Warping is a phenomenon that occurs when wood dries unevenly, causing it to distort. As moisture leaves the wood, the fibers contract, resulting in a shift in the overall layout of the fibers. Warping can be prevented by ensuring that the wood used in a cabinetry project is completely dried beforehand. There are five types of wood warping that are commonly observed.

Bowing is a common type of warping that affects long boards. As the top fibers of the board dry faster due to exposure to air, the bottom fibers dry slower, causing the board to curve into a bow shape. Crook is another gradual type of warping that affects the entire board, but it occurs when one edge dries faster than the others, causing the board to warp to one side. Kink, cup, and twist are other types of warping that result from various combinations of the two effects previously described. All of these types of warping can negatively affect the alignment of cabinet doors and drawers.