Howdy gang,
I have had two floors which have had a fair amount of seasonal shrinkage this year.
One more than the other where the home owner used only their wood burning fire place through the winter.
The other with moderate gapping through out the entire house.

They are both well acclimated hickory, one 4" and the other the most difficult mill I have ever pounded together, 5" zigraft hickory.

Is there somthing I can say to these homeowners that is more specific than "hickory is highly suceptable to relative humidity" and "it will come back together in the summer"
Can you offer any suggestions to lessen the seasonal shrinkage/ expansion with this god forsaken hickory?

Thanks
Jamal

Once we have explained the importance of maintaining RH levels it is ultimately up to the end user to follow thru with that. . A few years ago I started providing cheap digital hygrometers to my people ... then explaining what the hygrometer is trying to tell them.

Wood is very dry heat so they should consider buying a humidifier to run during the heating season. For people who have HVAC I would suggest having a humidistat installed. Boiling water on the stove would help some too.

I'll wager that if you looked at the door or window casings there will be a slight separation at the miters that would help drive home your point.

Thank you Jerry, I like that! and I am pleased to be your 999th post