How Improper Storage Can Ruin Raw Wood Slabs Before You Even Build

The Hidden Risk Before the Build

When most people think about building a custom table, they focus on the fun part — picking the slab, choosing the base, and planning the finish. But there’s a step that’s just as important, and often overlooked: how your raw wood slab is stored before the build begins.

Improper storage can quietly destroy a slab long before it ever becomes a tabletop. Even the most beautiful piece of Black Walnut, White Oak, or Beech can warp, crack, or twist if not stored correctly.

At TableCo.ca, we treat slab storage with the same care as the build process — because how you store wood determines whether it becomes a masterpiece or a disappointment.

Why Wood Slabs Are So Sensitive

Wood is a living material, even after it’s been cut. It naturally absorbs and releases moisture depending on its environment. If stored in a damp or overly dry space, that constant movement can lead to:

• Cracking or splitting along the grain

• Warping or cupping (the slab bends or twists)

• Mold and mildew growth

• Uneven moisture content, which causes issues once the slab is brought indoors

These changes happen slowly and often go unnoticed — until it’s too late.

The Most Common Storage Mistakes

1. Storing Directly on Concrete or the Ground

Raw slabs should never sit flat on concrete floors. Moisture wicks up from below, saturating the bottom side while the top stays dry. This uneven absorption causes bowing and cupping.

At TableCo.ca, all slabs — from Live Edge Walnut to Reclaimed Elm — are stored on raised supports with airflow on all sides.

2. Stacking Without Spacers (Stickering)

When slabs are stacked directly on top of each other, air can’t circulate evenly. Proper storage uses stickers (thin wood strips) between each slab to maintain spacing and balance humidity.

3. Leaving Slabs in Direct Sunlight or Heat

Sunlight dries out the surface too quickly, leading to surface checks (fine cracks) and uneven moisture levels inside the wood. Controlled indoor temperatures are always best.

4. Skipping Climate Control

A garage or shed might seem fine, but temperature swings can wreak havoc on solid wood. Ideal storage is a climate-stable environment — not too humid, not too dry.

How to Store Slabs the Right Way

If you’ve purchased a raw slab and need to store it before building, follow these tips:

✅ Keep slabs off the ground using level supports.
✅ Use stickers between slabs to allow airflow.
✅ Cover with a breathable sheet (never plastic) to prevent dust without trapping moisture.
✅ Maintain consistent indoor humidity — ideally between 40–50%.
✅ If you live in a humid area, consider using a dehumidifier.

Better Yet: Choose Slabs That Are Ready to Work With

When you buy from TableCo.ca, you skip the guesswork. Our kiln-dried wood— including  Walnut, Live Edge Beech, and Oak Tabletops — are professionally dried and stored in a controlled environment. This ensures your material is stable, straight, and ready for finishing the moment it arrives.

Final Thoughts

Raw wood is beautiful but unforgiving — it remembers every bit of moisture, heat, and neglect it’s exposed to. Proper storage isn’t just about organization; it’s about preserving potential.

At TableCo.ca, we believe every great table begins long before the first cut. By respecting the material from day one, we ensure every slab you receive is a foundation for success — not a restoration project.

Because great tables don’t just start with good wood — they start with how you care for it.