Wood is a living material: natural characteristics such as knots, cracks or differences in color can occur and are not grounds for complaint. In the wood lexicon, we explain which characteristics are typical and why they can occur.
Cracks, planing marks and knots
Our wood products are made of grade II natural wood. This is fully functional wood with a natural, rustic character. Each product is unique. Certain characteristics are normal due to the material and are not grounds for complaint.
Possible natural wood characteristics
Knots
Knots are part of the natural wood structure and vary in shape, size and color.
Cracks
Wood can work as a result of drying and climatic influences. Cracks can occur without affecting the stability or function.
Planing marks & unevenness
Surface irregularities or planing marks are common in natural wood and are not a quality defect.
Differences in color and grain
Variations in color and grain are characteristic of natural wood and make each piece unique.
Untreated cut edges for natural wood
Our wood products are cut to size. The cut edges are untreated as we rely on machine processing. This can result in cracks, chipping or dents at the cut edges - as can be seen in the example image.
What does this mean in concrete terms?
- Cracks, fraying or pressure marks on cut edges are possible
- These characteristics are typical for natural wood ( quality class II )
- They do not constitute a defect or a reason for complaint
Simple reworking
Any imperfections on the cut edges can be easily smoothed with fine sandpaper if necessary. This allows the surface to be quickly and easily reworked.
Black pressure marks caused by woodworking
When cutting and planing, the wood must be firmly fixed in the planing mill. This high contact pressure from the machines can result in so-called black pressure or friction marks on the wood surface - as can be seen in the picture.
What is behind this?
- The dark stripes occur during machining
- These are not cracks, mold or discoloration
- Typical for grade II natural wood
- No quality defect and no reason for complaint
Simple reworking
These pressure marks are purely superficial and can be easily removed or significantly reduced with sandpaper.
Other possible wood features
Pith
The pith is the inner core of the tree trunk and can be visible in natural wood. It often appears as a darker, round or elongated structure in the wood. This is a natural component of the wood that has no influence on stability, durability or function.
Resin exits
In the case of softwood, resin may be released - even long after processing. This is due to the material and is typical of natural wood. Resin is not a defect and does not impair use.
- Fresh resin: sticky and transparent, can be easily removed with turpentine
- Dried resin: firm and brittle, can be carefully scraped off
Mold & mildew stains
Inadequate ventilation or high humidity can lead to the formation of superficial mold or mildew stains on wooden surfaces. These are purely visual in nature and do not affect stability or durability.
Treatment:
Remove light stains with vinegar or alcohol, heavier discoloration with a chlorine-based cleaner if necessary. Then allow to dry thoroughly.
Green stains due to impregnation
Small green spots or stains on the surface of the wood are caused by salt crystals that form during the pressure impregnation process. They are harmless and a sign that the wood has been treated properly.
- No mold
- Do not impair function and durability
- Disappear by themselves over time
Strapping imprints
During transportation or storage, slight pressure marks, edge marks or small tears may occur due to strapping or tension belts. These are superficial, not a production defect and not a reason for complaint.
What can be seen:
- small dents or marks on edges
- slight tears due to pressure
These marks do not impair function or stability.
Swelling, shrinkage & dimensional differences
Wood is a natural material and works. Depending on humidity and weather conditions, it can swell or shrink. Dimensional deviations are therefore normal and do not constitute a defect.
When humidity is high, the wood absorbs moisture and swells; when dry, it releases it again and shrinks. Even, well-ventilated storage counteracts this.
Care instructions:
Pressure-impregnated wood is robust, weather-resistant and generally easy to care for. Weather influences such as sun, rain and temperature fluctuations change the appearance of the surface over time - this is a natural ageing process and does not affect stability or durability.
Regular, gentle cleaning helps to remove dirt, deposits and organic residues and keep the wood in good condition in the long term. Aggressive cleaning methods or excessive water pressure should be avoided so as not to damage the wood surface unnecessarily. This preserves the natural look and you can enjoy your wooden product for a long time.
If you have any questions about wood features or if you would like to use our installation service, please contact us - we will provide you with competent and uncomplicated advice.