Dimensional Change Coefficient
The dimensional change coefficient can be used to determine what swelling or shrinkage can be expected from a species with the loss or addition of moisture to the wood. To determine the movement of the wood, multiply the dimensional change coefficient by the change in moisture content of the wood and then multiply this number by the width of the board. Notice that a baseline moisture reading is necessary to determine change in moisture content. It is very important that moisture readings are taken upon installation of the wood floor so that a baseline moisture reading is available.
Moisture Stability Scale
Jarrah
American Beech
True Hickory
Red Oak
White Oak
Hard Maple
Yellow Birch
Pecan
Brazilian Cherry
Black Walnut
Douglas Fir
Heart Pine
Black Cherry
Santos Mahogany
Wenge
White Ash
Southern Yellow Pine
Purpleheart
Teak
Padauk
Austrailian Cypress
Merbau
Bamboo
Mesquite
.00396
.00431
.00365
.00338
.00300
.00274
.00248
.00212
.00186
.00162
.00144
.00265
Results compiled in this chart were taken from the Forest Products Laboratories Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material.
