How to Store Your Lumber Supply for Woodworking Projects – Tips from Your Trusted Peterborough Supplier

Working in a woodshop can be relaxing while providing an excellent opportunity to create crafts, furniture, and gifts. Nothing is more cathartic that cutting dovetails with a Veritas heirloom hand saw. The gentle rhythm of the teeth biting into a piece of cedar for a cedar chest only adds to the joy of using one’s hands to bring dreams to fruition. Just like the right tools are imperative for an excellent woodworking project, choosing and storing the materials can make or break an interesting and exciting DIY venture.

Ensure that your choice wood is ready for the task ahead by adequately stacking and storing the boards. Monaghan Lumber Specialties stocks an extensive selection of hardwoods like maple, cherry, oak, walnut, and hickory. We also carry exotic woods for those special projects. Our experts can help you pick the right lumber for your needs.

Tips for Properly Storing Lumber

The last thing any craftsman wants to encounter is warped or bowed boards. The straighter the board, the less that will need to be planed or trimmed off later. Additionally, if the lumber supply is not correctly handled, damage may occur, rendering the wood unusable, which is a waste of time and money. Utilize these tips to properly stack hardwood and specialty wood:

• Unseasoned (Green) Wood: When using unseasoned wood, put it outside away from rain and direct sunlight, as well as, elevate the stacks off the ground. Remember to keep the unseasoned boards away from other piles of dry, seasoned lumber. A lean-to structure on your workshop could be useful It is also good practice to encourage airflow by adding stickers between rows to help prevent mold growth.
• Kiln-Dried Lumber: Wood that has been dried with a kiln or has reached the desired moisture level should be stored indoors. Ideally, this will be in the workshop, not a basement or garage. Moisture can expand the fibres causing difficulties with projects.
• Support the Boards: When stacking wood horizontally, support the boards using small, dry 1 x 1-inch wood strips called stickers placed at each end and every 16 inches or so. This lets air continue to circulate around the fibres and helps prevent warping and bowing. If using shelves for storage, be sure to have plenty of braces on the walls, and avoid overstacking.
• Save Space with Vertical Storage: The only time this option should be considered is when space is limited and the wood is already dry. Be sure to support the boards on both the top and the bottom, and keep the wood off the ground. This lessens the chances of bowing and water damage.

Work with the Experienced Team at Monaghan Lumber Specialties

Choose the best lumber for your next woodworking venture by visiting us at Monaghan Lumber. Our helpful and knowledgeable staff is happy to help you make the right choice for your project. We have an extensive selection of lumber to choose from. Walk around our showroom and see what we have to offer.

Call us at 705-742-9353 to speak with our team about the variety of building materials available for your next woodworking project. You can also contact us online.