Wood is a natural product that can be affected by heat and humidity. It is a hygroscopic product, meaning that it can gain and lose moisture in sympathy with its environment before, during, and after installation. For example, wood expands when the humidity level is high and contracts when the humidity level drops or if it is in close proximity to excessive heat. When this occurs, it is possible for it to cause bowing or warping.  

It is best to work with a timber panels as soon as possible and seal them with an appropriate finish.

Otherwise, see below:

Storage

All timber panels need to be stored flat immediately after delivery and on top of battens or supports and not directly on the floor surface. Each timber panel should be separated by similarly spaced (inline) battens during storage. The storage area needs to be indoors, with a stable humidity, and somewhere that the Timber panel will not be subject to extreme temperatures.  

We recommend that

• The room humidity is stable – no more than 45% (cheap humidity meters are readily available from garden centres or similar shops).  

• All building dust and debris has been cleaned and cleared.  

• All wet trades are finished, and a sufficient period of time has been allowed for natural drying.  

• Fresh plasterwork has been allowed to dry for a minimum of six weeks, or until the plaster is dry throughout.