*(Ranked by dimensional change coefficient)

The numbers in this chart reflect the dimensional change coefficient for the various species, measured as tangential shrinkage or swelling within normal moisture content limits of 6-14 percent. Tangential change values will normally reflect changes in plainsawn wood. Quartersawn wood will usually be more dimensionally stable than plainsawn.

The dimensional change coefficient can be used to calculate expected shrinkage or swelling. Simply multiply the change in moisture content by the change coefficient, then multiply by the width of the board.

(Keep in mind that engineered wood is much more dimensionally stable than solid wood and changes will be less than those given by the above formula.)

*Source: "National Wood Flooring Association Technical Publication No. A200", p.7: orig. from "Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material", Agriculture Handbook 72, Forest Products Laboratory, Forest Service, US Dept of Agriculture, revised 1987.