Timber that has become distorted after delivery (due to incorrect storage for example) can be very expensive to rectify. This Digest provides guidance on selecting, conditioning and handling timber, with the emphasis on how to avoid drying distortion. It lists measures to reduce problems of timber distortion and identifies types of wood where drying distortion can be a problem. Several drawings and photographs are used to help identify potential problems and to give guidance on the suitability of particular types of timber. Format A4, 6 pages. Illustrations 5 line drawings, 6 photos Contents Introduction Timber moisture contents in service Shrinkage and movement Cup Spiral grain and twist Compression wood Tension wood Juvenile wood Conclusions References