Naturally in Demand Home buyers want the warm, inviting atmosphere that such North American hardwoods as oak, cherry, ash, maple, birch and poplar create. Substitutes may counterfeit hardwood looks, but they can't match the vitality, variety and value of the real thing. Consumers know the difference. The hardwoods make any home more appealing. Understanding how to work with them will pay off in consistent quality and customer satisfaction.
All woods absorb moisture when the air is humid, and lose moisture when it's dry.
You can manage the resulting expansion and contraction by understanding how the hardwoods behave, and by following a few simple guidelines for site preparation, handling and installation. Wood cells always contain some water. Wood gains and loses moisture before and after installation, as surrounding conditions fluctuate. Over the centuries, woodworkers have found ways to compensate for this effect, adopting new materials and techniques along the way. Today, these principles can save you time and money, and help ensure customer satisfaction.