How to properly maintain wood panels in winter

2025-11-04

Winter is cold and dry. People are afraid of the cold, and so are boards. Boards are prone to cracking and deformation. How to properly maintain boards in winter?

In winter, the sudden drop in temperature makes wood panels susceptible to environmental influences. Changes in moisture content due to expansion and contraction can lead to cracking and warping. Proper maintenance of wood panels can effectively prevent cracking and warping.

01. Why do boards crack?


Boards have a certain moisture content, which they maintain in order to adapt to the environment. When the moisture content of the board decreases, it absorbs moisture from the air, causing it to expand and deform; when the moisture content of the board increases, dry air will absorb moisture from the board, causing it to shrink in volume and crack. Changes in moisture content are the main cause of board cracking.

02. How to prevent board material from cracking?

01|Proper Humidification

To increase indoor humidity, common methods include using a humidifier and planting plants that promote indoor moisture, such as pothos and lucky bamboo, which can effectively prevent the boards from cracking. However, excessive humidification should be avoided, as it can cause the boards to swell and warp. The ideal room humidity level is between 40% and 60%.

02 | Keep away from heat sources

In the freezing winter, some customers may worry that the boards will freeze and therefore move them closer to the heater. However, boards are also susceptible to damage from high temperatures. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause them to lose moisture, leading to localized cracking and warping. If there is underfloor heating, a raised platform should be built to hold the boards and to increase the distance between them and the heater.

03|Reduce the time spent opening windows for ventilation

In winter, indoor humidity is higher than outdoor humidity. Opening windows for ventilation makes the indoor air even drier. Therefore, it is recommended to reduce the time and frequency of opening windows for ventilation in rooms where boards are placed in order to maintain a suitable indoor humidity. At the same time, the boards should be kept away from ventilation openings.