How to Stop Wood from Splitting

Here are some steps to help you stop wood from splitting!

Steps

1
Choose a suitable wood if you are building a project. Tight-grained hardwoods that are seasoned or kiln-dried are less likely to split than green woods or softwoods.
2
Work the wood so that the grain runs its longest direction along the length of your project, rather than cutting the wood diagonally or across the grain.^{[1]
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3
Seal the wood with boiled linseed oil or sanding sealer as soon as possible after you are finished shaping the work.^{[2]
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4
Use an exterior sealer for lumber used in building handrails, decks, or other outdoor building products to reduce expansion and contraction during rain/sunny weather changes.^{[3]
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5
Reduce exposure to direct sunlight where rapid drying can cause the wood to split if possible.
6
During a curing period for green woods, stack the wood so that even drying will occur. You may also paint the ends of larger lumber or even logs so the internal moisture evaporates more slowly.^{[4]
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7
Consider using knotty or burl woods since the uneven, gnarly, or crooked grains are not as prone to cracking as are straight grains.