A review is given of the studies on the dimensional stabilisation of wood which have been carried out in the laboratory 5.14 "Wood Technology" since 1967. All stabilisation methods known have first been compiled from the available literature. Practical studies were then started. Wood was treated with monomers (styrene, methyl metacrylate, isocyanate), formaldehyde, tannin and sugar. Despite a satisfactory reduction of the shrinkage behaviour, the costs of these methods are prohibitive. A recently developed heat treatment adjusting wood moisture content, temperature and pressure is more economical. This method is suitable for all timber species.

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