How to Reduce Wood Table Swelling

Avoid placing hot items on the table, which can cause the wood to swell and crack the finish. Place wood tables out of direct sunlight or over heating vents.

Use a humidifier or dehumidifier to maintain a relatively consistent level of humidity in your home. High levels of humidity cause the wood table to swell, while low levels cause the wood to shrink. Alternating cycles of high and low humidity can cause the wood table to crack. An air humidity level between 25 and 35 percent is ideal for wood furniture.

Place coasters under drinks, and a tablecloth or trivet under a vase filled with water. Even if water doesn't spill, it can condense, causing the table to absorb moisture and potentially swell.

Wipe up any spills immediately with a clean cloth and avoid wetting the table to clean it. Even small amounts of water can cause the table to swell.

Expose wet areas of wood that are swollen to heat in order to dry and restore them. Place the furniture in sunlight, or over a heating vent for two to three hours, to thoroughly dry the wood. Move the wood, though, as soon as it is dry because excessive heat or sunlight can warp it.