Humidity & Temperature Tips

Our solid wood items moves and breathes with the seasons that can affect the condition of your item if the appropriate steps are not taken. 

Temperature changes can be hard on any type of wood. This is not due to temperature but is an effect of humidity.  Wood acclimates to its environment and will expand and contract depending on the conditions and humidity it is exposed to.  As the level of humidity in your home drops, the wood your item is made out of loses moisture. If wood gets too dry it will shrink and crack. Wood is very sensitive to changes in humidity and in your home the level of humidity is constantly changing, meaning your wood item is always expanding and contracting.

Our items aare built out of high quality wood and built to adjust to the fluctuations in temperature and humidity. For example, a typical table top will expand and contract up to 1/4 an inch throughout the season without any effects. In cases of super dry conditions, the wood can shrink and crack as a result, but we rarely see this happen.

To prevent your wood item from cracking, warping, or drying out, follow these tips:

  • Wood does best in moderate temperatures of around 70 – 72 degrees fahrenheit and about 50 – 55% humidity, so this is what we recommend keeping your home set to in order to keep your wood item in top condition.
  • Watch your humidity in your home and make sure your humidifier is working properly to prevent any and all issues, especially during the winter months.
  • Avoid frequent and sudden changes in humidity, as they can be damaging to wood.
  • Don’t store wood items in the basement, attic, garage, or a warehouse, if at all possible, as this will cause it to age more quickly.
  • Avoid excess heat or dryness, as this can cause wood to split and crack.
  • Be sure to keep your wood item away from heat sources such as fireplaces or radiators. 
  • In damp rooms or during wet, rainy seasons, use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air.
  • Keep item out of direct sunlight.

It is normal for wood to shift as it adjusts to temperatures and humidity levels. If you follow these tips and keep an eye on your wood items, you should have no problem with your handcrafted wood items.