What to Know About Wood, Humidity & Edmonton’s Changing Weather

Sep 08, 2025

Alberta Weather Isn’t Just Tough on Skin It’s Tough on Wood Too

Anyone who’s lived in Edmonton knows: the weather here can be extreme.
We’re talking dry winters, humid summers, and massive shifts in temperature sometimes in a single day.

And if you think your solid wood furniture isn’t affected by that, think again.

At YEG Woodcraft, we build for real life. That means understanding how wood reacts to its environment and preparing it for Edmonton’s reality.

Wood Moves. That’s Normal.

Solid wood isn’t static. It expands, contracts, and breathes with the seasons especially in a climate like ours.

In summer (with higher humidity): wood absorbs moisture and swells slightly.
In winter (with indoor heat and dry air): wood loses moisture and contracts.

If your table wasn’t built with this in mind, you’ll start to see:

✖ Cracks
✖ Warping
✖ Gaps in joints
✖ Wiggling bases or wobbly legs

Why Fast Furniture Fails in Edmonton

Big-box furniture brands often use:

Softwoods that are more porous and unstable
Engineered cores that warp with moisture
Thin veneers that peel or crack with humidity changes
Improperly dried wood not suited for Alberta’s dryness

These pieces might look good on Day 1 but they’re not built for Edmonton.

What We Do Differently at YEG Woodcraft

✅ Kiln-Dried Hardwoods
We only use hardwoods like Walnut, Maple, and Oak that have been kiln-dried to precise moisture levels which means they’re already acclimated to Alberta’s climate before we build.

✅ Joinery That Moves With the Wood
We don’t fight wood movement we design with it in mind. Floating panels, breadboard ends, and proper spacing ensure your furniture holds strong for years.

✅ Thicker Tops, Stronger Cores
We use full solid wood construction not cheap cores or MDF fill so your table holds up to real-life use and seasonal change.

How to Protect Your Wood Furniture Year-Round

Here’s how to care for solid wood furniture in Alberta:

✔ Keep humidity between 35%-45%
✔ Use a humidifier in dry winter months
✔ Avoid placing your table near heat vents or radiators
✔ Use coasters and pads to prevent surface damage
✔ Clean with mild soap and water only no harsh chemicals

Want a full care guide? Book a free consult here and we’ll send you a personalized one for your home and wood type.

The Bottom Line: Build for Where You Live

Wood is alive.
It needs to be treated that way especially in a place like Edmonton.

So before you fall in love with a table on Pinterest, ask yourself:

❓ Was it built for this climate?
❓ Was the wood dried correctly?
❓ Can it handle -30° one month and +30° the next?

If the answer is no, your table could turn into a regret.