Lumber shrinkage is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to ruin your wood project.
How to Predict Lumber Shrinkage
read more
Wood Moisture Content: EMC, Acclimation, and Wood Movement Guides
Wood constantly gains and loses moisture based on its environment, and even small changes in moisture content can lead to warping, shrinkage, swelling, cracking, and other performance problems. For woodworkers, builders, flooring professionals, and manufacturers, understanding wood moisture content is essential for improving stability, preventing defects, and achieving reliable long-term results.
These resources explain the fundamentals of wood moisture content, including EMC (equilibrium moisture content), wood acclimation, measuring moisture content in wood, moisture-related wood movement, lumber shrinkage, and how moisture affects wood during woodworking and construction projects. You’ll also learn how to use wood movement charts and apply moisture management best practices to help reduce costly wood movement and moisture-related failures.
How to Make Moisture Testing Part of Your Woodworking Workflow
Moisture testing protects your woodworking projects from moisture damage.
Don’t Let Moisture Ruin Your Wood Project
There’s nothing like the satisfaction of finishing a project, stepping back, and observing your handiwork.
How Do I Calculate Wood Movement for My Project?
Wood movement due to moisture is a risk when you’re working with wood.
How Does Moisture Affect Wood?
Noticing gaps in a hardwood floor you installed? Have a wooden cabinet with a door that won’t quite shut anymore?
The Fastest Way to Measure the Moisture Content of Wood
Concerned about moisture warping your wood project? Wondering how to check the moisture content of your wood and set your mind at ease?
You’ve come to the right place!
What is Wood Acclimation and Do I Really Need to Do It?
Acclimation is when you allow wood to adjust to its new environment.
Many of the things that can go wrong when you work with wood are due to moisture, and usually, acclimating wood to the environment where it’s going to be used or installed is a great way to prevent moisture-related failures.
EMC—what is it and why does it matter?
What is EMC, and how could ignoring it potentially ruin your wood projects?
If you want the answer, keep reading.
What is EMC?
EMC, or equilibrium moisture content, is the point at which a wood board neither gains nor loses moisture.