[quote]J.R. wrote:

Would hardwood really expand and contract that much in such a small space?

[quote]

That's what I read in one of the very few discussions I found when googling the subject. You sound skeptical and I am too. The temperature indoors won't fluctuate much during the year, but the relative humidity might. That could have an effect, but really I don't know. My TM came with a fiberboard deck. I'm not sure if it's because it's the best material, or if it's the cheapest. I'll let you know what I find out.