Relative Wood Stability

As wood ages, it dries and changes shape. This chart shows the change in width of each species, as it dries from green (fresh, untreated) to overdry. Normally, wood is treated and sealed to improve stability, and cared for while in use, so the actual change in a real installation is much less than suggested here.

Although installation and care techniques greatly effect wood stability, use this chart to roughly predict the amount of care (lower is better) a floor may require over time.