‣ Important: Understanding Surface Shakes: Small surface shakes in the timber are not indicative of poor quality but are a natural occurrence in the wood. Shakes are small cracks that often appear on the surface of timber as it dries. They are caused by the natural drying process when the exterior of the timber dries more quickly than the interior. This phenomenon does not weaken the wood or signify a defect; rather, it is an inherent characteristic of timber, particularly in pressure-treated products, and often adds to the unique aesthetic of each piece.