After the craving process, wood will be more vulnerable to insects and decay. Wood decay is mostly attributed to fungi. Under humid conditions, wood-destroying fungi reproduce by manufacturing single-celled spores, similar to microscopic seeds. Fungi feed on cellulose and lignin, which are components of wood cell walls. As a result, decay fungi causes the wood to break down into cubes that split against the grain. Advanced stages of brown decay result in dry, powdery wood that is unable to support much weight, and crumbles easily. Insects like termites and beetles usually attack wood if no protection is adopted. Wood offers excellent food source for these insects, which bore holes in wood. Wood will be more fragile as insects dig tunnels in it.
Protection is necessary to prevent wood from decaying and insects. Polishing by using steel wool or rotten stone can eliminate stains on wood. Pesticide and other chemicals can offer wood significant protection from insects. Wax, varnishing, and painting provide wood with a coat, which prevents moisture entering the inside of wood. With no moisture, fungi can hardly survive or even reproduce.
Although scores of protections have remarkable effects on wood preservation, the pollution these protections bring is still a problem. Newly finished furniture emit volatile organic compounds, like formaldehyde, which is toxic and can irritate eyes, nose, throat and skin. These volatile compounds become major air pollutions in indoor areas. Strategies are needed to deal with these pollutants.
(Photo Credit: Jay Heritage Center)