The slabs I use have all been carefully air dried for at least one year, then slow kiln dried to 6% moisture level, briefly kilned at higher temperature to kill any possible insects, then allowed to accommodate to workshop environment for several months. The slabs have then been tested with a deep reading moisture meter by me personally before being used.

Forty plus years of experience working with these slabs has taught me that any less care will frequently result in cracking or warping after several months.

We are hearing a number of horror stories from customers who have purchased slab furniture from sources that don't monitor this. Raw slabs are widely available for much lower prices that have been "air dried" or improperly kilned. Inexperienced or unscrupulous makers are offering pieces made from improperly dried wood for low prices. Be careful!