Wood Shrinkage and Warpage

Abstract

One of the problems that we must face when using wood is that it is constantly changing in shape and volume. How much and at what rate wood will shrink or swell depends on how much moisture the wood contains: freshly sawn wood contains a great deal; lumber that has been seasoned contains little. The moisture content of the air surrounding lumber will also determine the amount of shrinkage or swelling which takes place. Wood gives up moisture and shrinks under low humidity or dry conditions, and takes in moisture and swells under high humidity or moist air conditions.