by Professor Gene Wengert
Q.
I have a foreign supplier sending me mahogany furniture at about 8 to 12% MC. Is this going to be a problem?
A.
Mahogany is a low-shrinking wood (compared to a species such as oak), But 12% MC is a little too high for mahogany that will be used in North America (or any heated location). In addition, if the wood is 8 to 12% MC, I'll bet that there are a few 13 or 14% pieces from time to time. You would be well advised to specify a moisture content no higher than 8% MC, or else re-dry the material at your location before using it.
Professor Gene Wengert is Extension Specialist in Wood Processing at the Department of Forestry, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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