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Choose a suitable wood if you are building a project. Tight-grained hardwoods that are seasoned or kiln-dried are less likely to split than green woods or softwoods. -
Work the wood so that the grain runs its longest direction along the length of your project, rather than cutting the wood diagonally or across the grain. [1] X Research sourceAdvertisement -
Seal the wood with boiled linseed oil or sanding sealer as soon as possible after you are finished shaping the work. [2] X Research source -
Use an exterior sealer for lumber used in building handrails, decks, or other outdoor building products to reduce expansion and contraction during rain/sunny weather changes. [3] X Research source -
Reduce exposure to direct sunlight where rapid drying can cause the wood to split if possible. -
During a curing period for green woods, stack the wood so that even drying will occur. You may also paint the ends of larger lumber or even logs so the internal moisture evaporates more slowly. [4] X Research source -
Consider using knotty or burl woods since the uneven, gnarly, or crooked grains are not as prone to cracking as are straight grains.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionWill sugar water prevent raw wood from cracking as it dries?Community AnswerNo, not at all. It will accelerate the drying and rotting process. The best way I know to preserve and strengthen raw wood and prevent cracks in one step is bathing it in teak oil. The downside is teak oil takes two or three weeks to dry and harden enough to put any other stain or finish over it. But it does protect and strengthen the wood fibers deeper inside the wood than anything else, and it can stand alone as its own finish. It gives the wood a permanently wet color. It creates a pretty natural raw look, but it isn't a totally professional looking finish unless you varnish over the top. If you use the boiled linseed oil you can get a nice gloss finish like a gun stock.
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QuestionHow do I fix a split wood post?DonaganTop AnswererTry wood glue and a band clamp. A well-placed wood screw might work, too.
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Tips
- Use well-seasoned or kiln dried lumber if cracks are not desired in your building project. [5] X Research sourceThanks
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Warnings
- Store lumber during curing where minimal moisture is expected and protect it from wood-eating insects.Thanks
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about woodworking, check out our in-depth interview with Garrett Faust .
References
- ↑ https://sawsonskates.com/wood-mistakes-cause-cracking/
- ↑ https://www.wwgoa.com/article/how-to-stop-green-wood-from-cracking-as-it-dries/
- ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/realestate/outdoor-wood-will-rot-and-crack-from-water-damage-if-not-treated-periodically/2012/06/05/gJQAoiWLdV_story.html?noredirect=on
- ↑ https://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/drying-wood-at-home/
- ↑ https://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/drying-wood-at-home/
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"All the sleepers I purchased for my landscaping project badly split. This article explains about not putting green timber in direct sun, which I fear was my error."
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