The Living Nature of Reclaimed Wood: Understanding Humidity & Your Furniture

Hauer Market
Aug 25
2 min read

Wood has a memory.Every grain, knot, and mark tells the story of where it’s been — perhaps a farmhouse beam weathered by decades of winters, or an old barn door kissed by summer sun. When that timber is transformed into furniture, especially reclaimed wood, it carries not only history but also its living, breathing nature. Unlike stone or steel, wood never stops responding to the world around it.

And one of the biggest forces shaping that response? Humidity.

Wood as a Living Material

Solid wood — and especially reclaimed wood — is not static. Even after decades, it expands and contracts as it absorbs or releases moisture from the air. Imagine it as a quiet inhale and exhale, adjusting itself to its environment.

In high humidity: wood draws in moisture, swells slightly, and may feel heavier or tighter in its joinery.
In low humidity: it releases that stored moisture, shrinking back, which can create hairline cracks, subtle gaps, or slight warping.

This is completely natural — part of the beauty of working with authentic, solid, old timber.

Hauer Market Eden Dining Table in Natural

Why Reclaimed Wood Reacts Differently

Reclaimed wood has lived many lives before it enters your home. Because of its age, much of the natural moisture movement has already played out over decades. Old timber is typically more stable than new, but it’s still wood — it still shifts with the seasons.

That’s part of the charm: the changes, the way it softens into your space, adapting as it always has.

What Humidity Means for Your Home & Furniture

When you bring reclaimed wood furniture into your home, it’s worth being mindful of the environment you’re placing it in.

Consistent humidity is key. Wood prefers stability, just like people do. Ideally, indoor humidity should hover between 40–55%.
Dry winter air (especially with heating systems running) can lead to shrinkage, small cracks, or loosened joints.
Damp summer air can cause expansion, sticking drawers, or tabletops that feel subtly different.

None of this means your furniture is “damaged” — it’s simply living with you, responding as it always has.

Caring for Reclaimed Wood in Your Home

Use a humidifier or dehumidifier if your climate swings dramatically between seasons.
Allow natural settling. Small cracks or shifts are not flaws — they’re the signature of authenticity.
Keep it away from extremes like direct heat vents, radiators, or prolonged dampness.

With this care, reclaimed wood will only become richer, more storied, and more beautiful over time.

A Final Thought

Reclaimed wood furniture isn’t meant to be perfect — it’s meant to feel real. The way it responds to humidity is not a flaw but a reminder that your table, cabinet, or sideboard is alive with history. It has weathered more seasons than we can count, and it will weather many more alongside you.

When you choose reclaimed wood, you’re not just buying furniture. You’re welcoming a piece of the natural world into your home — imperfections, changes, and all.