Wood Acclimatisation Guide
Solid wood is a living material that responds to the moisture and temperature of its surroundings. Every Farwinger piece is turned or crafted in our Birmingham workshop — when it travels to a new home, it needs time to adjust. Follow this guide to protect your investment and keep your piece looking its best for generations.
Why Wood Moves
Wood fibres absorb and release moisture in response to the relative humidity and temperature of the surrounding air. When humidity drops — as it does in centrally-heated UK homes in winter, or in very dry climates — wood releases moisture and contracts. When humidity rises, it expands. If this change happens too quickly, the outer layers of the wood move faster than the core, creating internal stress that results in surface checking or cracking.
Turned objects (balls, hemispheres, furniture legs) are particularly sensitive because the grain runs in multiple directions. Large diameter pieces carry more risk than small ones. Oak and walnut are more dimensionally stable than pine; however all species benefit from a careful introduction to their new environment.
Step-by-Step: When Your Order Arrives
Do not open immediately
Leave the sealed box in a cool, dry indoor room — away from radiators, underfloor heating, open fires, and direct sunlight. Do not open it yet.
International orders — cling film
Your item was wrapped in cling film before boxing. Do not remove the cling film yet. Leave the boxed, wrapped item for at least 48 hours. The cling film slows moisture loss; you are removing it gradually, not all at once.
Open the box — leave inside
After 48 hours, open the outer box but leave the item inside the cardboard, still in a cool location. Allow air to circulate slowly. If cling film is present, loosen it but do not remove fully.
Remove cling film (Day 3–4)
Remove the cling film entirely and allow the item to sit in the open air inside the box, still away from heat sources. The cardboard provides a slight buffer against rapid humidity change.
Move to final position (Day 5–7)
Move the piece to its intended room and position. Avoid placing it directly on or adjacent to a radiator, heat register, or in a south-facing window with strong direct sunlight.
Check & settle (Week 2–4)
Over the following weeks the wood will continue to equilibrate. Minor surface variation is normal. Wipe with a lightly oiled cloth if the surface feels dry. Do not apply a heavy finish until the wood has fully settled.
Acclimatisation Timeline at a Glance
What to Avoid — Always
- Never place on or directly adjacent to a radiator. The intense, localised dry heat is the single most common cause of cracking in turned wood.
- Avoid underfloor heating hotspots. If displaying on a floor with underfloor heating, place a felt pad beneath the item.
- Avoid direct sunlight. UV and heat from a window can create severe surface temperature gradients.
- Do not immerse in water or leave in wet conditions.
- Do not use a hairdryer or heat gun to dry a wet wooden item — allow it to dry naturally at room temperature.
- Do not remove cling film immediately on international orders. The cling film is there for a reason.
Species Sensitivity Guide
| Species | Movement Sensitivity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oak | Medium | Ring-porous; tangential movement is moderate. Allow full 7-day acclimatisation. |
| Walnut (European & American) | Low–Medium | One of the more stable hardwoods. Still benefits from a gradual introduction. |
| Redwood / Pine | High | Softwoods are more prone to rapid moisture movement. Take extra care in very dry environments. |
| Beech | High | High movement species — among the most sensitive to humidity changes. Especially important in centrally-heated rooms. |
| Ash | Medium | Good stability; ring-porous. Handle similarly to oak. |
| Cherry | Low | Relatively stable. Still apply standard acclimatisation procedure. |
Humidity & Heating — Practical Tips
Most UK homes in winter maintain relative humidity of 30–45% when the heating is on. Ideal conditions for solid wood furniture and decorative objects are 45–55% RH at 18–21°C. If your home is very dry:
- Consider a room humidifier, particularly in winter months.
- Place a small bowl of water near — but not touching — large wooden pieces.
- Avoid positioning wooden items in front of air vents or fan heaters.
- A simple inexpensive hygrometer (humidity meter) will tell you the RH in your room.
For more guidance, visit our Wood Humidity & Temperature Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you're concerned about your piece, get in touch — we're always happy to help.