How Wood Movement Works
Change = Width x Coefficient x MC Change / 100
Movement occurs below fiber saturation point (~30% MC)
Design Tips
- Allow for movement: Use expansion gaps in tabletops, panels, and flooring
- Quarter-sawn is more stable: About half the movement of flat-sawn
- Grain direction matters: Wood barely moves along the grain (longitudinal)
- Seasonal range: Indoor MC typically varies 4-5% between winter and summer