How long should wood panels be allowed to rest in place before sanding?

Allowing wood panels to rest in place for a few days ensures that they experience complete dryness, which is critical for the stability and longevity of the installation. When wood is freshly installed—especially if it has been glued—there is moisture present that can lead to issues like warping, separating, or cracking if the panels are sanded too soon. By letting them acclimate for several days, you ensure that any moisture from the manufacturing process or from the adhesive has evaporated completely.

Additionally, this resting period allows the wood to settle into its final position and adjust to the ambient conditions of the space where it has been installed, which improves the quality of the final finish after sanding. Properly dried wood surfaces allow for a smoother finish, better adhesion of stains and paints, and a more aesthetically pleasing result overall once sanding and finishing are completed.

The other time frames suggested do not allow sufficient time for the wood and any adhesives to fully cure, potentially compromising the integrity of the installation and the finish quality.