Our library posts are made from real lumber, usually cedar and pine. Cedar, in particular, is prone to “checking,” or developing cracks. This is a very common occurrence. It happens because lumber naturally has a lot of water in it. As the wood takes in or loses moisture from its environment, it will shrink or swell, sometimes causing the wood to split. This is a natural process and it won’t compromise the structural integrity of the post. You can apply a new coat of paint or stain to minimize the appearance of the cracks, if you’d like. Learn more about why real wood “checks.”