Regardless of whether you’re a professional tradesperson, or an avid DIY-er — proper timber storage is key to keeping your wood in top quality and form. If you store the wrong way your timber warps, cracks and absorbs so much moisture that it is ruined as a building material. These practical tips will preserve the life of your timber.
Dry It Out, Raised Off the Ground
Moisture is timber’s biggest enemy. Always maintain a dry, well ventilated site to store the stacked wood; In a shed or garage or at least under cover is ideal. When storing wood, always make sure never to place it directly on the ground as this will allow moisture from your soil contact area which can lead to rot and various bugs getting into the timber. In the place of cinder blocks and bricks, mobile timberbearers or pallets can be used to raise wood off ground by 150mm space that should not affect airflow.
Stack It Flat and Level
Timber should be stored uniformly. Warp lay your boards flat and put them horizontal on top of each other, with stickers (aka spacers) in between. These need to be of a consistent thickness, usually 25mm and also spaced evenly throughout the cavity so that weight will distribute. The method leaves space for air to flow in between the boards and prevents them from bowing or warping over time under their own weight.
Support the Ends
Long pieces of wood should be well supported to avoid any bending. Position supports within 600mm of the end, add extra support every metre along the length for longer pieces. Which prevents the wood from rolling in half and keeps it as straight as possible. For Timber Merchants Bournemouth, consider https://www.timbco.co.uk/timber-merchants-bournemouth/
Shield from sunlight and rain
Ventilation is crucial, but you don’t want the sun beating down directly on it and rain soaking up or it will automatically have that timber splitting like a stick. If you are storing wood outside, cover the stack with a tarpaulin or plastic sheet ensuring that open sides for ventilation. Never wrap timber in plastic as this causes mould to grow by trapping moisture.
Allow for Acclimatisation
If you are planning to use wood indoors, leave the wood in the room where it will be installed for at least 48 hours before using. This means that the wood can expand and contract with changing humidity levels in the air where it will be permanently installed, so after installation there is little movement.
Regular Inspection
Make sure you’re checking any timber in storage regularly for signs of damp, mould or critters. While catching issues early will save you from expensive waste and project delays.
Observing these basic storage principles will protect your investment and keep your lumber straight, dry and free of moisture ready for use at any time.