I've got some wood pieces that have been sitting for about five years, and they have various checks and openings. It's pretty thick wood, so I'm wondering if it's alright to leave the voids as they are, or if I should consider using bowties or epoxy for stabilization. What do you all think?
3 Answers
Bowties can definitely help to prevent further checking, so if you're worried about cracks getting bigger, it’s worth considering them. If the slab looks stable and isn’t rotting, you might be safe without them. Just assess how much movement you’re willing to accept with humidity changes.
It really depends on what you're planning to do with the wood. If it’s for a coffee table top, I’d recommend stabilizing it. You want to avoid those voids getting filled with old food crumbs later on! Epoxy could help ensure everything stays intact.
Using bowties isn't a must, but they do add a nice touch visually! If you're okay with the natural look and minor movements from moisture, you might not need them. Just keep an eye on the stability of the wood, especially if it's a piece that will be used frequently.