Warping is when wood bends, twists or cups out of shape, usually because it has taken in or lost moisture unevenly. Wood swells as it absorbs moisture and shrinks as it dries, so a panel that’s damp on one side and dry on the other, or pressed out of shape under weight for months, can set in a curve.
At Wigwam
Our units are clean, dry and secure, with our indoor units purpose-built inside our buildings. They aren’t heated or cooled, so the way you pack is what keeps wood straight:
- make sure furniture is completely dry before it goes in, and never store anything still damp from a wet moving day;
- lift it off the floor on a pallet or boards, and leave a small gap at the walls so air can move;
- use breathable covers, such as blankets or cotton dust sheets, rather than plastic sealed tight around wood;
- don’t stack heavy boxes on table tops or chests, and store tables on their feet or with the top supported evenly.
Our contents protection covers sudden water damage, such as a burst pipe, but not gradual damp from the air, which is why packing dry matters.
Valuable pieces
For antiques or veneered furniture, our guide to wooden and leather furniture has more detail, and a furniture conservator can advise on anything precious.
Related terms
Related questions