The Impact of Bermuda’s Climate on Custom Millwork: Why Quality Matters
Bermuda is known for its stunning beaches, beautiful ocean views, and warm climate. However, the same elements that make Bermuda so attractive can also create challenges for your home or business, especially when it comes to custom millwork (like cabinets, doors, and furniture). In this post, we’ll explore why Bermuda’s unique climate makes it important to invest in high-quality millwork and how the right materials and craftsmanship can make a big difference.
Understanding Bermuda’s Climate
Bermuda’s climate is warm, humid, and salty. Living on an island means that the air is filled with moistureand salt from the ocean. While this is great for beach days, it can be tough on your home’s interiors, particularly on wood and other materials used in millwork.How Does the Climate Affect Millwork?
Humidity and Moisture: High humidity levels can causewood to absorb moisture from the air. This can lead to expansion (the wood getting bigger) or warping (the wood bending or twisting out of shape). In a place like Bermuda, where humidity is high, these issues are common and can cause cabinets and doors tostop fitting properly or even to crack over time.
Salt in the Air: Living near the ocean means that the air carries salt particles, which can be damaging to certain materials. Salt can cause wood to deteriorate faster and can even lead to rusting on metal hardware, like hinges and handles, if they’re not made from corrosion-resistant materials.
Temperature Fluctuations: Bermuda’s climate can be hot and humid in summer and cooler in winter. These temperature changes can cause wood to expand and contract, putting additional stress on the material and affecting the stability of cabinets, doors, and other millwork.
Why Quality Matters for Millwork in Bermuda
Investing in high-quality millwork is essential if you want your cabinets, doors, and built-ins to withstand Bermuda’s climate and last for years to come. Here are a few reasons why:
Better Materials for Durability: High-quality millwork uses materials that are more resistant to moisture and salt. For example, marine-grade plywood or birchplywood are better suited to handle Bermuda’s humidity than lower-quality materials, which can warp or swell more easily.
Strong Joinery and Construction: Quality millwork is built with strong joints and construction techniques that help the wood stay stable, even in challenging conditions. Skilled millworkers use techniques like dovetail or mortise-and-tenon joints, which are much stronger than cheaper methods like screws or nails alone.
Protective Finishes: High-quality millwork often includes protectivefinishes that help seal the wood against moisture. These finishes can act as a barrier, reducing the amount of moisture the wood absorbs and protecting it from the salt in the air.
Corrosion-Resistant Hardware: Quality millwork uses stainless steel or brass hardware, which won’t rust or corrode as easily as regular steel. This means your hinges, handles, and drawer slides will last longer and look better in Bermuda’s salty air.
The Cost of Cutting Corners
Sometimes, it’s tempting to go with a cheaper option for millwork, especially if it looks good initially. However, low-cost, lower-quality millwork can be more expensive in the long run. Poor-quality wood can warp, swell, or crack in Bermuda’s climate, leading to repairs or replacements sooner than expected. By investing in quality millwork from the start, you’re making a long-term investment that will save you money, time, and hassle.
How We Ensure Quality Millwork for Bermuda
At Galileo Collective, we understand the specific needs of Bermuda’s environment. We ensure materials are carefully selected during specification stagesand utilize our extensive list ofskilled craftersto create millwork that stands up to the challenges of island life. Our approach includes:
Using moisture-resistant and marine-grade woodsthat are suited for humid and salty environments.
Applying protective finishesto help seal the wood and protect it from the elements.
Sourcing corrosion-resistant hardwareto ensure that every piece remains functional and beautiful overtime.
Whether you’re outfitting a kitchen, bathroom, or custom cabinetry, our commitment to quality means your millwork will not only look great but also withstand Bermuda’s unique climate for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Bermuda’s beautiful climate is a huge part of what makes it special, but it’s also something to consider carefully when choosing millwork for your home or business. Investing in quality materials and craftsmanship can make all the difference, helping your millwork stay beautiful and functional, even in tough conditions.If you’re considering new millwork for your space, we’d be happy to discuss the best options for Bermuda’s climate. Contact us at Galileo Collective, and let’s create something that will last for years, rain or shine!
