The ability of wood to adapt to climate change is one of its more admirable qualities. Understanding this quality is essential to a sturdy lasting structure. Every species of wood will move differently and every cut of wood will move on its own. These movements are predictable and controllable if not altogether preventable. Wood is going to move no matter how it is treated. Preparation to deal with that movement needs to happen before use in a project. If the correct precautions are not taken, the moving wood may cause health hazards.
The Wood Moves!
Wood moves in three directions (thank goodness only three). A piece of wood is best viewed as a bundle of straws. The fibers absorb and leak water according to the humidity of the air around them. This expansion and shrinkage is what causes the movement in wood. Knowing the exact amount a type of wood will move is important while using it. The lumber industry has data on every species to help.
Tangential Shrinkage: This is the movement of wood along its growth rings. Expansion or shrinkage in this direction is what causes swelling. A sticky door jam or difficult window is the result of tangential shrinkage. This is the most common movement type.
Radial Shrinkage: This is the movement perpendicular to the growth rings. The fibers are moving water from the outside in and reverse for the wood. The water moves along the radial or medullary rays of the wood to get nutrients to the interior of the tree.
Longitudinal Shrinkage: While wood will move in this way, stretching longer and shorter, it is the least amount of movement and not a concern.
Movement Prevention
The organic nature of wood is that it will move regardless of man’s intervention. Air and Kiln drying will stabilize wood, while some stains and seals help decrease movement. Completely stopping this movement will not happen. Thus, taking the right precautions when working with lumber is crucial. Any lumber should acclimate on the job site before being added to the job. This time sitting in the climate allows the wood to stabilize and settle into a normal state. Once that state is reached, the wood will not move as much and the project’s stability is insured.
Finishing a beautiful kitchen remodel with a gorgeous floor brings full richness to the new room. Teak is an especially good choice for flooring applications because it carries a perfect combination of beauty and strength. Decorative shelving, outdoor furniture, boat building, and indoor adornments are all popular uses for this lumber. Likewise, domestic and commercial flooring are wonderful applications for teak.
Strength
Low Maintenance
During the course of a tree’s use, it can become many things. No tree is more versatile then the lovely Maple. The majority of maple’s129 species grow in Canada, where it presides on the flag, and northern USA, and this North American native supplies two types of valued lumber, several delicious treats, and endless beauty. The list continues with beautiful fruit, leaves, and landscaping.
Soft Maple
Cherishing beautiful wood is not a new thing. Sculpture, furniture, and buildings constructed from high quality wood all over the world date back generations. Two such prized woods are Cherry and Mahogany. Many people have problems telling Cherry and Mahogany apart because of their many similarities, and it’s no wonder why: Both are dark reddish brown lumbers used in skillful furniture making, decorative millwork, and flooring. Asking and expert, like those trained at J. Gibson McIlvain, about the differences between these two woods will make differentiating between the two a bit easier, thus assisting you with choosing the correct wood for your next project.
Cherry heartwood has a darker hue than the sapwood. Its fine and uniform texture appears deep red or reddish brown, and cherry also contains brown flecks and gum pockets. Freshly cut Mahogany heartwood is yellow, red, salmon, or pink, and these pale hues darken into deep reddish browns. Some dark gum pockets and white spots can occur in Mahogany.