- As wood ages, the appearance of the finish may change or darken over time due to environmental factors such as interior lighting, sunlight and humidity.
- Finishes react to prolonged exposure to tobacco smoke, resulting in discoloration, which is especially noticeable on white and lighter finishes.
- Ovens and ranges emit heat and steam during operation. To protect the finish of adjacent cabinets, we strongly recommend the use of heat shields. On thermofoil cabinetry, heat shields are required.
- Showroom cabinetry samples, depending on age, room lighting and environmental factors, may look different from the new cabinetry installed in your home. To ensure satisfaction with a finish color, it is best to view a new sample in your home environment.
Natural Wood Expectations
A wood product is typically affected by environmental conditions that may alter its appearance from what it looked like when it was new. Here are a few conditions to keep in mind:
Joint Lines
Wood is in a constant state of expansion and contraction. This normal movement may cause some hairline cracks at the joints in the finish surface on cabinet doors and face frames. This is a natural occurrence and does not weaken or diminish the strength of the joints.

End Grain
End grain surfaces are softer in composition than other areas of the wood. As such, they absorb more stain and often appear darker. This is a natural reaction and potential variances cannot be prevented.

Mineral Streaks
In nature, mineral deposits may form in the wood as the tree extracts nutrients from the soil. Common in many wood types, these mineral deposits cause blackish-blue streaks in the grain. When a finish is applied to mineral streaks, it may appear lighter or darker than other areas of your cabinetry.

Telegraphing
The grain is the identifying feature of each wood type. This grain will “telegraph” or show through the stain. Open or coarse-grained wood (oak, hickory) will telegraph more than closed or fine-grained wood (maple, cherry).

Aging
Certain wood, such as cherry, will continue to mellow and darken over time. This brings warmth to lightly-stained cherry and increases depth below darker stains.


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Testimonials
Hi Gary, Well everything is in and finished with the expert help from Jamie. You certainly have a great team. Everyone that you have sent to us or given as contacts for other work has made thi…
Rosie & Gary, Thank you so much for everything, the cabinets look great and we have already received so many compliments on the kitchen. I only wish the rest of our remodel was as painless as the cab…
My wife & I enjoyed working with Gary & Michael throughout the design & installation process. We are extremely satisfied with their quality of workmanship & professionalism. We would highly recommend …
From design to installation , PGT American Kitchens made my old and tired kitchen a work of art..
Gary, We are very pleased with our new kitchen I will recommend you to anyone who needs a kitchen. Thanks
Being a landlord & business owner for over 27 years in the Tampa Bay Area, I have never been provided better service & quality work by anyone in such a timely manner. PGT American Kitchens definitely …
Rosie, I cant thank you enough for the beautiful bathroom cabinets, the bathroom is gorgeous!! I will gladly provide visual, written, and verbal referrals. Thanks for a great experience!
Hello Gary, once again you have helped us create another beautiful kitchen. We are still in the process of getting all new appliances installed and in working order before we can actually start eating…