As he was moving through a recent job installing custom kitchen cabinets, master cabinet installer Jon Hilgenberg discovered a crack just to the right of the farmhouse-style sink. The crack happened on a glue line in a vulnerable area of the panel because of the way it was assembled. In this instance, the panel was comprised of glued-up boards and attached to the cabinet. Once installed, the panel was then cut to accept the sink. This approach yielded thin strips with horizontal grain on the sink’s sides.
Ideally, Hilgenberg prefers that panels for farmhouse-style sinks be built to have sides wherein the grain runs vertically. So, as Hilgenberg puts it, “Instead of making a solid panel, you make a U-shaped piece with horizontal grain on the bottom rail and two vertical stiles”.
Photo courtesy of Jon HilgenbergBecause the cabinets were installed and the kitchen nearly complete, replacing the panel meant removing the sink. In lieu of this option, he improvised and repaired the broken “stile”. He glued the joint and then clamped it by using shims above and below the panel. Once the glue dried, Hilgenberg filled the imperfections with Bondo. He then sanded and primed the area with two coats of a shellac-based primer, sanding between coats with fine-grit sandpaper. Once the primer dried, he applied two coats of custom-matched paint, which was provided by the cabinet shop.
Photo courtesy of Jon Hilgenberg
Photo courtesy of Jon HilgenbergYou can’t beat the outcome. Perhaps the best part of this repair, to me anyway, is that Hilgenberg doesn’t have a spray gun. Instead, he used the Preval Sprayer. At $10 a can, you can achieve professional-grade spray gun results for small repairs like this that need to match in texture.
Jon Hilgenberg is a cabinet installer living in Charleston, South Carolina. Follow him on Instagram @jchcabinets
FAQ:
1. What tools and materials are needed to repair a broken cabinet frame?
– Screwdriver (flathead and Phillips)
– Hammer
– Wood glue
– Wood filler
– Sandpaper (various grits)
– Clamps (optional)
– Wood screws (matching the existing ones)
– Wood dowels or braces (if needed for reinforcement)
2. How do I identify the cause of a broken cabinet frame?
– Inspect the cabinet for loose or missing screws, cracks, or warped wood.
– Check for uneven weight distribution or improper installation.
– Look for signs of water damage or insect infestation.
3. What is the best approach to repair a broken cabinet frame?
– Remove the cabinet doors and drawers.
– Disassemble the frame as much as possible to access the broken area.
– Clean the area and remove any debris or old glue.
– Repair any cracks or gaps with wood glue and clamps (if needed).
– Replace or reinforce any broken or missing parts with wood dowels or braces.
– Reattach the frame with screws, ensuring they are securely fastened.
4. Should I use wood glue or screws to fix a broken cabinet frame?
– Use wood glue to fill gaps and reinforce weak areas.
– Use screws to securely attach the frame back together.
– Both methods are essential for a strong repair.
5. How do I prepare the wood surface for repair?
– Sand the wood surface to remove any rough spots or splinters.
– Clean the surface with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris.
– Apply wood filler to fill gaps or holes, then smooth the area once dry.
– Apply wood glue to the broken area and clamp the frame together (if needed).
– Allow the glue to dry completely before reattaching the frame with screws.
MORE:
- WATCH PRO2PRO LIVE on Friday, March 29th at 3 PM EST
- A Closer Look at 5 NEW Circular Saws
- Outlet Installation with a Master Electrician
