At Out Of The Woodwork Inc., each piece we create is handcrafted and built to order using solid wood, unless otherwise specified in the website listing, invoice, project details, or advertisement.
Because solid wood is a natural material, we encourage all clients to understand and appreciate the unique characteristics that come with custom, handcrafted furniture before purchasing.
Natural Variation in Solid Wood
Every piece of solid wood is unique. Variations in grain pattern, colour, texture, knots, mineral streaks, checking (natural surface cracks), and other organic characteristics are normal and should be expected. These natural variations are not defects—they are part of what makes each piece one of a kind.
In addition, the final appearance of a project may be influenced by many factors, including but not limited to:
- Natural variation in the wood itself
- Stain absorption and colour response
- Topcoats and finishing materials
- Lighting conditions
- Other materials used in the project
While we may provide wood, stain, or finish samples for reference, Out Of The Woodwork Inc. cannot guarantee an exact match to any sample, previous project, website photo, or display piece. No two boards or slabs will ever finish exactly the same.
We take great pride in our craftsmanship and strive for the highest standard of quality; however, the natural beauty and individuality of solid wood means every piece will have its own unique character.
Dimensions, Specifications & Custom Build Variations
Due to the custom nature of our work, all dimensions, design details, and final results may vary slightly from those shown on our website, in photographs, in drawings, or on an invoice.
Each project presents its own material characteristics and construction considerations. In some cases, minor adjustments to dimensions, joinery, proportions, or design details may be necessary to ensure the structural integrity, function, aesthetics, and overall quality of the finished piece.
Any such adjustments or deviations are made at the sole discretion of Out Of The Woodwork Inc. and are done in good faith to optimize the final product for long-term performance and customer satisfaction. We are always committed to full transparency and communication with clients when adjustments need to be made.
If any dimension, feature, or specification is critical to your project, it must be clearly communicated and confirmed in writing prior to production. Please note that strict adherence to one or more exact specifications may limit our ability to optimize the final piece.
Solid Wood Movement, Expansion & Environmental Conditions
Understanding Wood Movement
Wood is a natural, living material and will respond to changes in its environment—particularly fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
As humidity increases, wood typically expands across the grain. As humidity decreases, wood contracts. This seasonal movement is normal and unavoidable in all solid wood products.
Although we design and build our furniture to accommodate normal seasonal movement, certain designs—such as:
- Extension tables
- Breadboard ends
- Large slab tops
- Wide panel construction
may be more susceptible to visible movement, checking, cracking, cupping, or slight dimensional change over time.
Sudden or extreme changes in humidity can increase the likelihood of:
- Checking (natural cracks)
- Surface splits
- Warping
- Cupping
- Joint stress
- Movement in doors, drawers, shelves, and panels
Environmental Care Recommendations
To help protect your furniture and minimize wood movement, we strongly recommend maintaining a stable indoor environment year-round.
Best practices include:
- Using a humidifier during dry winter months
- Using a dehumidifier during humid summer months
- Avoiding placement near heat vents, fireplaces, baseboard heaters, direct sunlight, exterior doors, or unconditioned spaces
- Maintaining consistent indoor relative humidity whenever possible
Failure to maintain a stable climate may result in movement or changes to the wood over time.
Our Construction Standards
At Out Of The Woodwork Inc., we take extensive steps to minimize the effects of natural wood movement and to build furniture that performs well over time. These practices include:
- Using properly dried lumber, typically at approximately 6-8% moisture content, which is suitable for Alberta’s indoor climate
- Using proper tabletop attachment methods that allow for seasonal expansion and contraction
- Using sound joinery and construction methods appropriate to solid wood movement
- Fully finishing all exposed surfaces of the furniture whenever possible to help reduce uneven moisture absorption
Proper finishing on all sides of a tabletop or panel is critical. Leaving unfinished surfaces exposed can allow moisture to enter unevenly, which can contribute to movement, warping, or instability.