Solid wood furniture, because of its natural materials and unique technology, is more and more favored by consumers. However, some consumers will find that there are some small gaps in the furniture after buying solid wood furniture, which is mistaken for furniture cracking, which is actually a "means of self-preservation" of solid wood furniture - expansion joints.
Definition and function of expansion joints for solid wood furniture
Expansion joints refer to a small gap deliberately reserved in the production process of solid wood furniture. This gap is usually found in the joints, edges, or other stress-prone areas of the wood.
Expansion joints mainly have the following two functions: one is to prevent deformation, solid wood furniture needs to go through multiple processes in the production process, such as drying, cutting, grinding, etc. These processes cause changes in moisture and stress in the wood. Expansion joints are designed to reserve a certain amount of expansion space for the wood to prevent the furniture from deforming due to the shrinkage or expansion of the wood.
The second is to adjust the temperature, solid wood furniture will shrink or expand to a certain extent at different ambient temperatures. Expansion joints can effectively regulate the internal temperature of furniture and avoid deformation of furniture caused by temperature changes.
The difference between expansion joints and cracking
Expansion joints are generally small in width, uniform in gaps, and relatively smooth in surface;The cracking phenomenon is manifested as obvious cracks on the surface of furniture, and the crack width is large and unevenExpansion joints are deliberately retained in the production process of solid wood furniture, which is a normal process phenomenonThe cracking phenomenon is caused by the impact of external forces, wood quality problems or unqualified production processesExpansion joints have no effect on the use and life of furniture, but are conducive to the stability and durability of furnitureThe cracking phenomenon will cause damage to the appearance of the furniture, and in severe cases, it will affect the service life of the furniture.
In short, the expansion joints of solid wood furniture are not cracking, but a "self-protection means" that is conducive to the stability and durability of furniture. When consumers buy solid wood furniture, they should correctly understand the expansion joints, learn to distinguish the difference between expansion joints and cracking, and do a good job in the maintenance of furniture in daily use and maintenance.