Cause of Cupping and Bowing in Wood Floors | Wood Flooring Advice

Advice Centre

Due to the natural movement characteristics of wood, slight cupping is sometimes unavoidable with wood flooring, especially in wider boards.

A. Original flat sawn board which is flat at 12% moisture content.

B. The same board is dried out to 6% moisture content. This causes the board to shrink and cup upwards.

C. The same board absorbing moisture to around 18%. This causes the board to expand and cup in the opposite direction.