All solid wood products have a tendency to absorb moisture to equilibrium with the moisture content of their surroundings. For this reason, wood is sometimes called a “living” product.

Although it only creates noticeable changes in certain climates, this is normal.

“Acclimate” is a term flooring installers use when installing wood flooring. Whenever a wood floor is being installed, it normally has to “acclimate” to its new environment. Say it’s at 8% moisture content when made but the moisture content where it is being installed is 16%. Installers will have the flooring sit at the new location for a week or 2 to “acclimate” or try to meet this 16%. The wood will naturally soak up the ambient moisture on its own. Once the wood meets equilibrium, it stabilizes.

Any change in Ambient Moisture (which includes turning on a Heater or Air Conditioner) there can cause mild changes to the humidity in the air and, over time, micro-fissures can form in the wood.

One answer to this is a flexible colored sealant used to fill in any cracks that may form. It’s a quick and simple process that cleans up with water. Once done, any future movement will be less noticeable, if at all, because the filler will flex with the movement.

Be sure to wait at least 2 weeks before making any touch ups to make sure the material has stabilized.

It’s a very quick process as you will see from the video and the results will give you a like-new top.

The process can be repeated 2-3 times with a 24-hour break between each application to ensure gaps are filled completely and no further shrinkage occurs.

It is not necessary to apply another coat of finish on to of this, although once dry, it is possible to do so.

Larry Sinclair from The Farm House says he polishes his tables once a week and then uses Murphy’s Oil Soap once a month… “Still Looking Good”

Another answer is a paste wax. There are several brands that will work but it normally works best to use a dark colored wax rather than neutral. It just looks better. The video below will show you how to do it.

A note of caution… although this is a good way to make a fix, once you use wax, nothing else will stick to the top so you will need to continue using wax in the future.