If I'm reading the pic correctly, it looks like just a few cracks from the wood drying in the top layer of plywood. If it's just the top layer, while not pretty, it's no big deal structurally. The backs of framed cabinets aren't as critical as they are in unframed lines. You could fill in with a putty stick matched to the interior color.

Thanks, live_wire! The cracks seem pretty deep to me, but I can't really tell how deep they go - whether it's just the top layer of plywood or deeper. I measured them - they're about 1-1/4" long. I'm planning to check periodically to see if they seem to be getting longer.

If it's just an aesthetic issue, I don't really care... they're inside the cabinet, so only I will see it. I'm only concerned if it affects the cabinets structurally (or if it's an indication of something else being wrong).

If the cracks are indeed deeper - is this something I should be concerned about? Is this something common?

Thanks for your help!

Where are the screws that attach the cabinet to the wall - that is what I'd worry about? If they are attached and near those crack points, then worry, if not, I agree with live-wire. Get the minwax fill-in stick at Lowes or HD vs. using what you got with the cabinets for the deep-pits - works much better than their crayons and for us, a better color match. Then, if necessary, use the touch up pen.

Hi pcjs - the screws are nowhere near the the cracks. There are some up at the top in the area of the hanging rails, and a couple at the bottom do go through the back panel, but not near the cracks.

Touch-up, it is! Have to figure out how to use those crayons - I tried touching up a scratch on the side of my fridge panel and I started making it worse, so I stopped. I assume there's some technique? My countertop guys were able to touch up a couple of scratches very successfully on this same panel with the same crayon.

I'd have to buy another crayon for the cabinet insides since the color is different.

You know, I'm looking forward to when I'm not having to make 2-3 trips a week to HD. ;-)

Panic, and you'll figure it out real quick - I dropped a knife and got lucky it didn't go into my foot but knicked my door and figured it out real quick and can't see it but that crayon is really hard to use. Get a couple of different brands and see which one works best for you - most HD and Lowes will have your door color so just grab them from the stain isle and do a close enough color check - and with the crayons you can always dig out the stuff and scrape the excess with your finger nail. I just did a few with the minwax vs. Kraftmaid and found the minwax 100% better and a better color match.

Give yourself a few months - the first few are the worst as you notice everything. Then it isn't so bad and you forget some of the little things.

My favorite new thing for kitchens:
http://www.minwax.com/products/wood_maintenance_and_repair/blend_fil_pencil.html

Here is a link that might be useful: Fill Pencil

My friends who have recently redone kitchens were left with a few crayons from the cabinet manufacturer. I would contact KM and ask if it is possible for them to send you one. I don't know if KM does this, but it certainly would not hurt to ask. Just go tot the place you purchased your cabinets and ask them to request a touchup stick. If you don't want to go there, go to lowes. I have had good luck asking them to help me with things that I haven't even purchased there. One of the reasons I go there as opposed to HD.......

Charlikin, Looks purely aesthetic to me.

I don't recall seeing much of that in my displays....although, I only have had one with the APC and I just sold that display due to a discontinued finish. So, I can't even go in to work tomorrow and tell you if I see any of that.

Structurally, the 4 corners of the cabinet are the most critical. This is why you're able to 'scoop' sink base sides. Also, consider that outlets are often cut in to the backs of cabinets....and that doesn't do anything to the integrity of the box. I bet those cracks will stay the same size. Feeling better about it now Charli??

Kompy, you're a sweetheart! You (and LWO) have come to my rescue over and over again, and I am deeply appreciative! Yes, an outlet for the OTR microwave is cut into the back of a cabinet... makes perfect sense.

And my sink base is indeed "scooped" - you're talking about those panels on the left and right, what Kraftmaid shows as the "I-beam" construction? The countertop guys removed those when they put in my sink - they said they were only important for cabinet delivery and installation, but once the cabinet's in place, they're not necessary...

Pcjs, I'd much rather gouge the cabinet than gouge my foot. I'm so glad you're okay! (OTOH, feet heal...uh, first time I typed that I typed "heel". So hard to type a joke correctly!)

I have a crayon and marker touch-up kit that came with my cabinets, but they match the outside color, not the inside. For that matter, they match the doors better than the side panels (like the fridge panel). The panels don't have the same finish as the doors or the cabinet fronts - I'm kind of wishing I had ordered them more finished, though I seem to remember my KD saying that would be a lot more expensive. Anyway, I'll check out the minmax crayons - thanks for the link!

You know, it's so scary having this new kitchen. I keep thinking I'm going to do something wrong... or that my contractor did something wrong that I don't know about (as opposed to all the things he did wrong that I do know about). So here I am loading up my cabinets with heavy dishes (I can't believe how much stoneware weighs!), and I worry they'll pull the cabinets off the walls. Crazy stuff like that.

I guess I'll calm down eventually... A few years oughta do it. ;-)

You can order more of the KM ones through HD/Lowes and I ordered and extra kit being anal and never used them - try the Minwax ones first - a lot cheaper and easier to work with. I forget but our inside is a different color too. The Minwax is narrower and a pencil vs. a pen so it is easier to hold vs. the crayon. And, I used it as for some reason I chipped the molding - must have hit it with a plate or mug or something (a year later you stop worrying unlike when I freaked with the knife) and used the minwax and didn't even need the touchup paint it was so close.