Thread: Is this acceptable quality? Cupping & cracks in timber table top

I will never leave such large area of the top unsupported. It needs 2 braces across the width to support and keep the top flat, and let it expend or shrink freely at the same time.

Originally Posted by GraemeCook

Interesting; possibly a series of issues.

From endgrain photo, table top seems to be made from planks approximately 150 x 35 mm - nice and chunky which should be stable. But the tight radii of those growth rings suggest that the timber was cut near the centre of the log and possibly from small logs. This may increase internal tensions, especially when compared to the gentle curves from larger logs and with quarter sawn timber.

You will notice also that the maker has alternated the growth ring arc in opposite direction to try and alleviate stress from movement so they should counteract/cancel each other out. The split is from slightly under-seasoned wood, and as their caveat to wood movement says, they've had complaints before. As for the join fail, that is completely a manufacture default and should be returned on that basis alone. If they have used he correct glue, sometimes the glue up is stronger than the timber itself.