Expert: Eileen Cronk - 4/20/2006

Question
Hello Eileen

My mother has an old wooden trunk that was brought over by her family when they immigrated here (circa 1870's).  My question is the wood is so dry and brittle that we were wondering how to help restore it, and ensure that it will be around for another 100 years.

My mother has threated to take it out side and fill it with water (it is already warped so that is not an issue).  

Please help before she turns the trunk into a bathtub.

Lisa

Answer
Hi Lisa
Nice to hear from you.
Under normal conditions wood should not dry to this extent in the home.
Yes things swell and shrink during different times of the year but certainly not to this extent.
Does this trunk sit near a heat source or in direct sun?
There is nothing I know of that will bring this brittle wood back to normal.
You could certainly try some paste wax, but I fear this will not help this trunk much.
You could also try putting it in a dry basement for a few months to see if it does better.
Sorry I could not offer more.
Kindest Regards
Eileen