How to Store Lumber Properly
Whether you’re a hobbyist woodworker, or someone who is looking to improve your home by installing a wooden floor, making a piece of furniture, or maybe even building a home or cabin of your own, you will need lumber and that means you will need to know how to store you lumber while you are working, or maybe for the longer term if you have stocked up on wood for the future.
Lumber, of course, is a natural material, and as such, it is very sensitive to the environment, particularly when it comes to temperature and humidity, so proper storage is really important if you want to prevent your wood from cracking, warping, or even growing mold.
With that in mind, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide that should help you to ensure that you are storing lumber as effectively as possible.
Why Storing Lumber Properly Matters
Before we get into the how-to store lumber of it all it’s worth taking a moment to talk about why you need to store lumber properly. Basically, as we mentioned above, wood being a natural material even after it is milled and dried, it is still pretty porous, and of course, it is still as organic as ever, which means that it will still interact with its environment too. So, for example, if it is exposed to fluctuations in the local temperature or humidity, it will expand and contract accordingly, and this could lead to your lumber becoming warped, bowed, split or cracked - something you absolutely do not want to happen.
In places like Jacksonville, Florida, where high humidity is a year-round facto, in particular, these issues are even more likely to be a problem, which means you really do need to ensure you are storing lumber optimally. Luckily for you, it’s not all that difficult to do, and we are here to help you make the right lumber storage decisions right now.
Storing Lumber for Short-Term Projects
If you’re working on a project that’s in progress right now, or which you will be starting soon, and which is short in duration, then it may be the case that you only need to store your lumber for a matter of days or weeks. You might think, then that it doesn’t really matter how you store it, but that is not the case! Damage can occur quickly, so you still need to keep your lumber safe until you’re ready to use it. Here’s how:
- Keep Lumber Indoors if Possible
If you possibly can, try to keep your lumber indoors, bringing each piece outside only when you need to lose it. This is especially important in places like Jacksonville, where the outdoor heat and humidity can be extreme.
Ideally, you should store lumber for the short term in a shed, garage or workshop that is relatively climate-controlled so that you can avoid it being permeated with excessive levels of moisture present in the air. This is really important if you will be using your lumber for precise woodworking because even a piece of wood that is slightly warped can throw off your measurements and cause you to make imperfect cuts.
If you can’t store your lumber indoors, then you should make an effort to find a covered area that will allow your wood to be stored out of the rain and any direct sunlight.
- Elevate the Lumber Off the Ground
A lot of people store their lumber right on the ground. This is really not a good way to go about things because moisture can seep into your wood from the ground, even when it appears to you that the ground is dry. So, if you are storing it outdoors, then it is always a good idea to use wood blocks, sawhorses or scrap wood to elevate it even just a little bit, and increase the amount of airflow around your lumber. If you live in a humid place, this is even more vital.
- Lay Lumber Flat
Don’t just lay your lumber out all willy-nilly - make sure that it is as flat as possible, and keep it horizontal so that it will not bow. It may be tempting to store it vertically leaning against a wall,m but this can lead to warping, especially if you leave your lumber like this for a long time and especially if your lumber boards are long.
- Use Stickers for Air Circulation
If you are going to be stacking boards, then it is a really good idea to get a thin strip of wood, known as a sticker to help you keep your lumber in good shape. What do you do with stickers? Simply place them between each piece of lumber, and they will make it so that air can circulate between them. This will stop too much moisture building up in your lumber pile, and allow the wood to dry easily too. Ideally, you should space stickers evenly about 16-24 inches apart.
- Cover with a Tarp for Outdoor Storage
A tarp is vital when you are storing lumber outdoors, to prevent as much damage as possible from the elements. Just make sure you choose a tarp that is made from a breathable material and that you do not seal it too tight because, if you do, mold may be encouraged to grow.
Storing Lumber for Long-Term Projects
If you are going to be storing lumber for longer periods of time, then you need to pay even more attention to detail, and this goes even more so if you are in an area like Jacksonville with a hot and humid climate that is hardly wood-friendly. Here’s what you need to do:
- Acclimate Lumber to Its Environment
If you’ve bought some lumber and you are not planning on using it any time soon, then it is always a good idea to let it acclimate to the place where you will be storing it, especially if you will be storing it some place that is humid.
Giving your lumber time to adjust to the locality is a great way to reduce the chances of it warping or splitting when you eventually do come to store it away. So, lay it flat and leave it to sit for a few days in your chosen storage space before you pack it up.
- Climate-Controlled Storage Is Ideal
If you want to know how to store lumber long-term without it losing anything in terms of quality, then climate-controlled storage is key. Especially in Jacksonville with the humidity issues you are probably facing. A shed, garage or basement that is well-ventilated is a good starting point, but if you can find an area that has air-con and a dehumidifier, that will help you to control the temperature and moisture content in the air, then so much the better for preventing mold and mildew, amongst other things.
Ideally, you should aim to keep humidity levels in your lumber storage space between 30-50%. You can use a hygrometer to keep an eye on the levels and adjust accordingly.
- Stack Lumber with Stickers
Just as in short-term storage, stacking lumber with stickers between each board is a really good idea because it will help the air flow around your lumber, which will keep your wood dry and help to prevent it from bowing, warping or cracking when it is in storage for a long time. The same rules for using stickers apply as we previously discussed in the section on short-term storage, but just to mention, if you are storing lumber for long periods, you will need to rotate your umber every 3 months or so to prevent moisture too -s tickers will not always do the job alone.
- Use a Tarp or Plastic Sheeting (But Allow Ventilation)
When storing lumber long-term outdoors, you can use a breathable tarp or plastic sheeting to protect it from rain and direct sunlight. However, it’s critical to leave the sides of the covering open to allow for air circulation. Sealing the lumber too tightly can trap moisture, which leads to mould, rot, and significant wood damage.
If your only option is outdoor storage, check the lumber regularly for signs of mould or mildew, especially during the humid summer months.
- Choose Pressure-Treated or Moisture-Resistant Lumber
If you’re planning on storing lumber outdoors for an extended period, consider using pressure-treated or moisture-resistant lumber. Pressure-treated wood is designed to resist moisture, mould, and rot, making it better suited for the challenges of humid climates like Jacksonville.
Pressure-treated lumber isn’t necessary for indoor projects, but for anything stored outside for long periods, it’s a wise investment.
Specific Considerations for Jacksonville’s Climate
The warm, humid climate of Jacksonville, Florida, presents unique challenges for storing lumber. The constant moisture in the air can lead to significant damage if the wood isn’t stored properly. Here are some additional considerations for those living in or around Jacksonville.
- Monitor Humidity Levels Regularly
Jacksonville’s humidity levels fluctuate throughout the year, with particularly high levels during the summer months. If you’re storing lumber indoors, use a hygrometer to keep track of humidity levels. If the humidity rises above 50%, it’s time to use a dehumidifier to prevent moisture from seeping into the wood.
If you don’t have access to a climate-controlled space, store the wood in a well-ventilated area and check it frequently for signs of moisture damage.
- Combat Mould and Mildew Growth
Warm, humid environments like Jacksonville are a breeding ground for mould and mildew. If you’re storing lumber for long periods, especially outdoors, regularly inspect the wood for signs of mould or fungal growth. If you spot any, clean the lumber immediately using a mild detergent and water solution, and allow the wood to dry thoroughly before storing it again.
For extra protection, consider treating your lumber with an anti-fungal solution before long-term storage, especially if you’re storing the wood in a space that isn’t climate-controlled.
- Use Treated Wood for Outdoor Projects
If you’re storing lumber for future outdoor projects in Jacksonville, it’s a good idea to opt for pressure-treated wood. Treated wood is designed to withstand moisture and resist decay, making it a safer bet for long-term outdoor storage. This type of lumber is ideal for decks, fences, and other outdoor structures, as it can endure the humidity and rain typical of Florida’s climate.
Tips for Special Types of Lumber
Not all lumber is created equal, and certain types of wood require special attention when it comes to storage. Here are some tips for specific kinds of lumber:
Hardwoods (e.g., oak, maple, walnut): Hardwoods tend to be more prone to warping and cracking, especially in humid conditions. Always store hardwoods in climate-controlled spaces if possible, and monitor humidity levels closely.
Softwoods (e.g., pine, cedar): Softwoods are generally more forgiving, but they can still be damaged by excessive moisture. Follow the standard practices of stacking, using stickers, and controlling humidity.
Exotic Woods (e.g., mahogany, teak): Exotic woods are often more expensive and sensitive to environmental changes. These woods should always be stored indoors, ideally in a climate-controlled space, to protect your investment.