Over time, moisture can take a toll on your wood furniture. Wood is hygroscopic, which means that it’ll absorb moisture based on the humidity of its surroundings. Living near the ocean or in a humid area can impact the health of your wood and diminish its appearance. Here are a few simple steps you can take to control moisture in your house.

How to Manage Moisture in Your Home

1. Install Vent Fans

Have vent fans in the parts of your house that are exposed to moisture, like the bathrooms and kitchen. These fans help dispel humidity and keep fresh air circulating throughout each room. The continuous circulation makes humidity less likely to seep into wood furniture. If you don’t want to install permanent vents, placing a standing fan in the room is also an effective solution.

2. Use a Dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air. You can purchase a small unit that fits on a countertop or a larger model that can manage the air in a spacious room. If humidity is an issue throughout your home, install a dehumidifying system to remove the moisture from each room. You’ll know that your dehumidifier is working because most units have a catchment bin that collects water from the air as the appliance runs.

3. Monitor Humidity Levels

Although excess humidity can negatively impact wood furniture, a lack of moisture may cause the material to crack or splinter. Wood needs moderate humidity exposure to remain supple and healthy. Ideally, the humidity level in your house should be between 30 and 50%. Place special devices called hygrometers in your home to track humidity levels.

If your wood furniture has been damaged by moisture, get them replaced by contacting the team at Roy Lambrecht Woodworking, Inc., in Kailua Kona, HI. This experienced team can create beautiful cabinets, doors, entertainment centers, and other custom pieces with locally sourced or exotic wood. View a gallery of their past work online, or call (808) 326-9585 to discuss your design ideas with a craftsman.