Expert: Eileen Cronk - 8/21/2009

Question
How can I condition a very dry 100 year old dresser?  Am afraid to even drill pilot holes for screws. 25 + years in Nevada heat and low humidity.
Is there a way to add humidity slow enough to not crack it or is a chemical way the best way to soften it.

Answer
Hi David
Nice to hear from you.
As you understand, our wood furniture absorbs moisture and dries according to the humidity in the air around it.
But wood does reach its limits at times.
Stored for a long time in high humidity can ruin a piece beyond repair. And stored too long in very dry conditions can too.
So the only hope for your dresser is it now must slowly absorb some moisture.
The only way it can do this is from the air around it. There is no chemical fix or polish or oil that will do this. Its just not possible.
David I know this is not what you want to hear but thats how it is.
I would be interested to know the type of wood and what kind of finish is on this piece.
Also how your other furniture is doing in the Neveda dryness.
Regards
Eileen