Wood Movement 101: Why Seasonal Shifts Matter in Alberta

Aug 21, 2025

If you’ve ever noticed a table cracking, a drawer sticking, or a wobbly leg after a season change you’ve experienced wood movement.

And if you live in Alberta?
You’ve probably seen it more than once.

Because here, our weather doesn't mess around.
Dry winters. Humid summers. Constant shifts in moisture and temperature. That can wreak havoc on solid wood furniture if it’s not designed for it.

Let’s break it down.

What Is Wood Movement?

Wood is a natural material. It was once alive, and it still behaves like it is.

Even after it's cut and dried, it expands and contracts with the humidity in the air. This is called seasonal movement, and it’s completely normal.

The problem?
Mass-produced furniture isn’t built to handle it.
It’s glued tight. Built fast. Not designed to breathe.

That’s why you’ll see:

Cracks forming along grain lines
Seams pulling apart
Drawers getting stuck or misaligned
Legs becoming unstable

Why Alberta Makes It Worse

In Edmonton and across Alberta, our seasons are extreme.

Winter humidity can drop to 20% or less
Summer humidity can jump to 60% or higher
Temperatures can swing 30°C in a single week

That constant shift pulls and pushes on the fibers of your furniture especially if it wasn’t made with quality hardwood and proper joinery.

How YEG Woodcraft Designs for It

We’ve seen what happens when wood movement is ignored.
That’s why we never build as if the seasons don’t exist.

Here’s how we prevent problems before they start:

✅ Kiln-Dried Lumber

We only use properly kiln-dried hardwoods like maple, walnut, and oak sourced and prepped to handle Alberta’s shifts.

✅ Movement-Friendly Joinery

We use floating panels, expansion gaps, and traditional joinery techniques that let wood move without cracking. No glue-only shortcuts here.

✅ Real Craftsmanship

Our pieces are assembled with an understanding of how they’ll live through winter, spring, summer, and fall. We don't just build it to look good we build it to last.

What You Can Do as a Homeowner

We do our part in the shop. You can do your part at home.

Use a humidifier in winter to keep your home around 35–45% RH
Avoid placing furniture too close to heating vents or direct sunlight
Allow wood to acclimate when moving it into new spaces

Need help? We send care tips with every piece because longevity is part of the design.

Real Wood Moves. The Trick Is Building for It.

Wood movement isn’t a flaw it’s a fact.
The question is: Was your furniture designed to handle it?

At YEG Woodcraft, we build furniture with your climate in mind so you don’t have to worry about cracks, warps, or regrets.