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Tolerances
Warpage Tolerances
Five piece doors and drawer fronts
- 30” or less wide by 12” or less in height - .250
- Products greater than the dimensions listed above are not warranted against warpage.
One piece or “Slab” doors and drawer fronts
Size Tolerances
OCC Woodworking, LLC manufactures its products to the nearest 1/16” and a tolerance of +/- 1/16” is considered acceptable.
Note: We strive for perfection in everything we do and we normally strive to provide each of our products with a tolerance of +/- 1/32”, of the original size ordered, but this close of a tolerance is not always possible due to sanding of the products.
Effects of Moisture on Wood
Wood acts like a sponge. It expands with moisture and shrinks when it’s dry. However, unlike a sponge, it doesn’t change uniformly. Instead, it moves differently according to the grain. Wood moves the least across the grain (tangentially) and the most with the grain (radially).
Hardwoods are considered hygroscopic materials and will absorb or release moisture until it is in equilibrium with the moisture in the air. When wood is exposed to a constant humidity, it will achieve a specific equilibrium moisture content (or EMC). Changes in humidity will cause changes in EMC, which will ultimately cause the wood to expand or contract depending on atmospheric conditions.
While a pre-applied finish will slow this activity, it will not prevent it from occurring. OCC Woodworking, LLC currently manufactures the majority of their products at an EMC range of 10-15% (6-8% is a typical level in most homes), so your cabinet doors and drawer fronts will tend to shrink over time after they are installed in your home. This will vary from home to home depending on weather conditions and seasonal temperatures in your area. This will also be affected by what temperature you operate your air conditioner and/or heater in your home. We have found that is different in almost every home.
Expansion of Wood Caused by an Increase in Moisture Content
This is an example indicating the potential change in width of 12” panel in variety of species when subjected in a change EMC from 7% to 14%. As an example, Red Oak will move by more than 3/8”. Change in width can be affected by such factors as the radial cut of the wood and may be larger or smaller than the amounts shown.
Contraction of Wood Caused by a Decrease in Moisture Content
This is an example indicating the potential change in width of a 12” panel in a variety of species when subjected in a reduction of EMC from 7% to 14%. A drop of 3% will cause shrinkage of 0.08” to 0.18” on a 12” wide panel depending on the species. As an example, Hickory will shrink by nearly 3/16”. Change in width can be affected by such factors as the radial cut of the wood and may be larger or smaller than the amounts shown above.
Miter joints are especially susceptible to movement when subjected to moisture changes. Special care should be taken as a result.