The ideal conditions to ensure the stability and moisture content of wood found in the home are the same as those recommended for occupant comfort. This fact alone makes it much easier to enhance consumer awareness.

As illustrated in the tables of the variations in dimensions on the basis of relative humidity, the stability of wood is excellent when moisture content remains between 7% and 8% and good when variations are low, between 6% and 9%. Almost all types of flooring are subject to changes in moisture content with the arrival of the cold season when the heating is turned on*. Under these conditions, ambient humidity often drops and the boards contract. As mentioned by L.H. Ward: "Such behavior is normal. Experts estimate that gaps the thickness of a dime (1/32") are completely normal, the wood will regain its normal stability." However, it is important to note that boards that have been subjected to lowered MC over long periods of time will not regain their normal position and the gaps that exist between the rows will remain.