• Wood contains moisture—lots of it. Freshly cut (“green”) wood can have up to 100–200% moisture content (i.e., twice its own dry weight).
• We must dry it down to match its future environment. For products like cutting boards / furniture, wood needs to reach about 6–8% moisture content to stay stable once it’s in your home.
• Uneven moisture = warping, cracks, structural stress. As wood dries, it shrinks—most prominently across the grain. Uneven drying leads to internal stresses, which can cause cracks, warping, and joint failure.
• To prevent defects, we acclimate slowly. Whether kiln-dried or air-dried, wood must sit until it reaches equilibrium moisture content (EMC)—the point where it stops absorbing or losing moisture in its intended environment.

How long does this take?

• Acclimation—after milling—may need 1–2 weeks to ensure full stabilization.
• Adding a few extra days ensures consistency across all pieces.

• End result = durable, reliable furniture. These extra 15–17 days guarantee your piece ships fully stable—minimizing the risk of splits, warping, or loose joints during transit or in your home.