Maybe you got a great deal for buying in bulk. Maybe you thought you’d need more wood than you actually ended up using for a DIY project. The bottom line is, you’re stuck with extra wood that you don’t want to go to waste. We asked the pros for their best storage tips. Read on to learn about their advice for you.
Tony Ericson
Storage yard
Like most construction guys, we buy our wood in bulk when we have a big job to save on costs, so storing is a must. Fortunately, we have access to a storage yard and a big workshop so we don’t have to worry about storing different types of lumber. Our storage tips for non-professionals, or those without a specific storage area? It really depends on the type of wood that they are storing.
If it is kiln-dried timber then it is essential to keep this inside in a non-humid environment. Otherwise, it will twist and distort, becoming useless. For unseasoned lumber, it is best to store outside in the elements, allowing the air to move around it freely. Stack it off the wet ground, but don’t cover it with plastic as this will cause it to build up humidity. The trick is to let it dry slowly. The basic rule is if it’s dried timber, keep it dry, and if it’s wet, keep it outside.
Buy or build a wooden shed
The best way non-pros can store excess wood for later use is to buy or build a wooden shed that has built-in wooden racks. The wooden racks help to hold and organize the wood for easy accessibility for later use, and it’s all protected by the shed to prevent the wood from rooting.
James Brandon
Debbie Gartner
In a basement or extra storage room
First, never store in the garage. I know that’s people’s first instinct for storing hardwood, but it’s the most common way to damage it. You really want to store in a more temperature-controlled area and one that is safe from water/flooding. Once the wood gets warped, it’s toast.
A safer spot would be in a basement or extra storage room that’s inside the home and up on a shelf (not at ground level), in case there is a flood. If the area does get humid, it’s best to use a dehumidifier.
Regardless of where it’s stored, if you are going to use it again, be sure to let it acclimate for at least 48 hours (3-4 days is better) in the room or level of the home where it will be installed so that it properly expands/contracts to the right amount.
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