The process of reaching {EMC} equilibrium moisture content to be in balance with the surrounding air {not gaining or losing moisture} is a slow process that eventually brings the piece in balance with its surrounding environment. There are a lot of variables that affect this process such as: whether your house is air conditioned with refrigerated air or evaporative {swamp cooler} or a combination of both. If it is heated with gas, electric heat or a fireplace, how well insulated it is and how {tight} losing air to the outside by way of cracks around windows, doors and other openings. If you use a humidifier or dehumidifier system and how much direct sunlight a room receives will also impact the movement of the wood. Even keeping the door closed to a room that has a seperate humidifier or dehumidifier will make a difference in the EMC of that room from the rest of house. All houses are different. In North America a lot of houses have an EMC of 6%-11%.

Wood that is kiln dried to between 6%-12% moisture content is extremely stable, 99.9 % of wood defects such as bows, warps, shakes, twists, honeycomb checks and end splits are caused by improper kiln drying. Make sure that your wood is between 6% and 12% and does not contain one of the above-mentioned defects when you obtain it. This will decrease the problems that are caused by using improperly dried wood. If the wood is above 12 % do not use the wood for your project until it has reached acceptable moisture content You can dry small pieces of wood in your gas or electric oven (WATCHING IT CAREFULLY.) DO NOT USE A MICROWAVE! In this day and age owning a good moisture meter is essential to assure that the wood does not have an extreme change after your project has been assembled possibly ruining a future heirloom and costing you a lot of wasted time and money. Another tip to remember is quartersawn lumber is more stable than plainsawn or riftsawn.