Office amenities take on wear and tear throughout the day, and over time, they can experience significant aesthetic breakdowns. This is true of workspaces, but it’s equally true of kitchens and breakrooms—areas that tend to see a lot of foot traffic from employees as they brew coffee, prepare their lunches, or simply seek a quick change of scenery.
Daily use can cause kitchen and breakroom assets to lose their luster, especially cabinets used for storing plates, coffee mugs, and snack items. In fact, office cabinetry can suffer the same wear as the kitchen cabinets we have in our homes. As that happens, it can cause the entire kitchen or break area to look like it’s seen better days.
The challenge for many facilities managers is that while employees are generally not equipped to handle cabinet repairs, the cost of a full replacement can be significant—often exceeding $8,000. Rarely is this expense accounted for in a company’s operational budget, which means it’s crucial to invest in routine cabinet upkeep.
Extending the Life of Workplace Cabinetry
There are a number of simple steps employees and facilities teams can take to invest in the upkeep of their cabinets, ultimately adding to the longevity of these most basic workplace amenities.
A good starting point is to develop a regular rhythm of cabinet cleaning, perhaps scheduling it alongside weekly vacuum cleaning, dusting, or other janitorial tasks. Regular cleanings can help prevent the buildup of dirt and debris and ultimately preserve the integrity of cabinet finishes. However, choosing the right cleaning implements is key: Soft cloths can wipe away dust and debris, while a vinegar-water mix can be effective for scrubbing stubborn stains. Meanwhile, harsher cleaning products featuring abrasive chemicals can scratch the finish on office cabinetry and should be avoided.
In addition to cleaning, facilities teams should encourage employees to take care with the cabinets:
- Be gentle! Even the most robust and resilient cabinets can become damaged when doors are regularly slammed or handled roughly.
- Place heavier items on lower shelves, reducing strain on hinges.
- Try to distribute weight evenly across cabinet shelves.
- Refrain from hanging or storing wet rags or other items that could contribute to moisture damage.
- Use soft liners to protect the finish of cabinet shelves from nicks, scrapes, or moisture droplets.
Know the Signs of Cabinet Degradation
Even with the right upkeep, there is no guarantee that cabinets will last forever—and sooner or later, it may come time to hire a cabinet repair or restoration professional.
To determine when workplace cabinets need some extra TLC, facilities teams should be alert for a few telltale signs:
- Cracks and splits in the cabinet materials, which suggest compromised structural integrity.
- Doors that sag or are difficult to open, suggesting an issue with hinges and hardware.
- Water damage—particularly for cabinets near sink areas. Common signs of water damage include warping, swelling, and discoloration.
In addition to these indicators of disrepair, there are other issues that may suggest workplace cabinets have lost their aesthetic luster—and that restoring them may be vital for ensuring a fresh, vibrant environment for employees. For example, deep scratches, dents, and other blemishes may cause cabinets to look worn and ill-maintained.
Likewise, when the staining of a cabinet starts to appear faded, it underscores the age of the cabinetry—and if left unaddressed, may foster an impression that kitchen or breakroom upkeep is simply not a priority. Even having cabinets in an outdated style can compromise the aesthetics of employee break areas. Refinishing can be a good way to address nicks, scratches, fading, and other aesthetic concerns, restoring cabinets to their full luster without requiring an investment in full replacement.
Investing in Aesthetics Throughout the Workplace
Maintaining fresh, clean aesthetics is essential for ensuring a pleasant work environment—and for signaling to employees that their daily experience matters. This philosophy extends to all areas of the workplace, especially reliable cabinets in break areas.
Bob DeGraff is president of N-Hance, a nationwide provider of wood cabinet repair, refinishing, and restoration.