I have a sixty-something cabinetmaker friend across town who has taught me quite a bit about wood. A few years ago he said “I'm not making any more white cabinets!”

In spite of his very best efforts, the wood joints would begin to show after as little as six months: just a hairline crack at the joint. But apparently, for some customers, that was a cause for wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Well, he hasn't stopped making white cabinets, because people love white. But, (more…)

Typical scenario: You walk through the new house admiring all of the trim work, especially that beautiful curved trim. You just love it. You buy the house. A year passes. The builder of the house quietly moves to a different continent.

One day you notice a small crack in one of those lovely pieces of curved trim. The next month you notice another crack in another piece. “Ye gods!” you exclaim, “Have those always been there? Is my house falling apart?”

Yes, it's true. You are another victim of Bent n' Broken Trim Syndrome. Here's how it happens.

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