When it comes to building a house and furniture, wood is at the top of the list.
This type of material has the potential to be long-lasting, solid, and tough. However, you will encounter a flaw such as wood cracking.
Without proper care, your furniture will deteriorate, potentially destroying the entire structure. There are several solutions to this problem.
You follow the procedures and make sure no single steps are missing.
What causes wood to crack?
While dried wood has many beneficial properties, it risks getting cracked and splitting. This is especially common in the summer seasons and is attributed to significant changes in the air, humidity, and temperature fluctuations.
The wood will be attempting to adapt to the surroundings. It tries to match the environment where located. This change adjusts in terms of temperature and moisture.
If the moisture content falls, the wood continues to dry out as it attempts to find equilibrium, which can cause it to crack and then split.
Other seasons also have the same role. Some period is the highest humidity, and the rest will adjust the temperature level. You measure the temperature and check the wood surface to see if a crack appears.
Related: Filling Wood Cracks with Colored Epoxy
Sealing prevents wood cracking
You will find some sealants that are capable of preventing cracking on wood. They are applied directly to the open spot of logs. This process can stop the shrinking and drying of wood due to exposure to the outside air.
Commercial sealants like Anchorseal are the best solution to the problem of wood crack. This product is easy to find, and the price is affordable.
Most woodworkers often have this one in their stash. It is also reliable to seal greenwood. If a sealant is always in good shape, you don’t have to worry about cracks.
Linseed oil and do-it-yourself methods that need wax, paint, or oils for sealing are also effective in slowing down the rate of drying, which is the primary cause of wood cracking.
The proper storing method to prevent wood cracking
Greenwood is freshly cut wood. Because of its high moisture, it is prone to splitting and cracking.
Cracking occurs as a result of moisture drying on the wood. When storing greenwood, you must follow strict guidelines to ensure no risk, such as cracking, happens.
Greenwood can be stored as boards rather than logs. They are less likely to develop cracks. In that case, you start cutting immediately after the trunk is down.
Maintain the wood so that it does not touch the ground. This will prevent mold and fungus from infecting the open ends directly.
The fungus can grow due to the moisture level is still high on the wood. Apply fungus care on the surface of the wood to prevent splitting.
Drying wood to avoid wood cracking
Drying wood using controlled methods is critical because it reduces the likelihood of cracks, warping, and splits. There are options to dry the wood, but the best is to use a kiln on lumber or air dry.
You still wait more months until the wood is completely dried. This process depends on the amount of lumber and the type.
Air-drying is the most practical ad effective method to make dried wood while causing less damage. If applied correctly, you can obtain perfect wood ready for woodworking projects.
Related: How to Dry Pressure Treated Wood
How to prevent wood cracking on furniture
When putting too much weight on furniture, the cracks can form quickly.
Wood becomes shrinks and drys as the growth ring expands. The top-quality wood increases the durability and resistance of your furniture.
Keep your furniture away from moisture, sunlight, pests, and heat to avoid cracking. When purchasing furniture, consider the quality rather than the style.
Apply sealant to cover the surface and lock airflow. Any gap between one crack and the other will increase spreading if no seal is added.
How to Repair a Wood Crack
When the wood’s particles are separated, it begins to crack.
Because of the dryness, it splits, causing a crack to show. Polyester resins can be embedded into wood cracking and form a solid bond.
When it shrinks, it becomes sticky, easily bendable, and flexible. Mix the resins in the bowl with an old brush or a stick. Cover the corners with plastic bags to avoid leaking out from the furniture. You may use tape if necessary.
Pour the mixture slowly along the crack line, filling empty spaces. Wrap and press with a plastic bag, seal it and set it aside for one or two days.
This method is also relevant when you try on furniture outside.
Related: Easy Ways Filling Wood Cracks
How to Prevent Wood Furniture Cracking
The humidity condition where furniture is placed is a key factor.
It will affect the cracking and the solving method. When performing regular maintenance, your approach starts from moisture exposure. Shorten it, and you can jump to the next step. The damage is not just cracking but also warping and decaying.
As the winter season approaches, cooler temperatures and lower humidity are coming. As humidity decreases, the wood used to make furniture will lose its basic moisture, which causes cracking, splitting, and shrinking.
While the humidity in your home fluctuates in the seasons, the wood will expand or contract to compensate.
The majority of wooden furniture is best kept at temperature moderately.
More wood cracking prevention tips
Sunlight becomes the most common cause of wood damage and discoloration.
Put furniture away from sunlight, including a shady spot. Through the window, sunlight comes into the room and affects them.
Do not dry your clothes or laundry on furniture due to absorbing moisture easily. The table must be clear from a flower vase. Moisture and water drop might touch the tabletop.
You need a mat with the waterproof capability to protect the table. A rubber one is also suitable as an alternative. A wet jug or cup should not be placed on the tabletop because it will damage the surface.
The first thing to avoid with wooden furniture is heat and fire.
Cracking, splitting, and shrinking are the signs that the wood does not have enough water content.
It can catch fire easily, even if there is a sealant. Preventing this situation occurs is the top priority to conduct.
Therefore, no heater and any fire source are nearby your furniture.
