Finishing
Shrinkage is the reduction in wood size as moisture falls below the fibre saturation range.
It is much greater across the grain than along it and differs by species and grain orientation. Uneven shrinkage can produce cup, checks or twist.
Species figures are useful for comparison, but the actual board and drying path still control the result.
More terms
Moisture content is the amount of water in wood expressed as a percentage of its oven-dry mass.
Kiln-dried wood has been dried in a controlled chamber using managed heat, humidity and airflow.
Green wood is freshly cut or still holds a high level of moisture from the living tree.
Air-dried wood has lost moisture through natural airflow without relying solely on a heated kiln.