When you are storing a natural material, such as timber, it is really important to make sure it is stored properly; otherwise you will find it quickly ruins and is no longer suitable for purpose.
Timber Storage Facility
Timber should always be stored inside a well-ventilated area, for instance, outdoor space such as garages or sheds are ideal, or, if you have access to one, a large warehouse. You will need to make sure anywhere you store your timber is dry and clean and also has a good circulation of air. This is to ensure your timber is not subjected to moisture, which can ruin it.
Never Store Your Timber in a Brand New Building
Unfortunately many people make the mistake of storing their timber inside a new build, which they are constructing at the time, often because it is easier to do so. This is an incredibly bad idea, simply because new buildings have too much moisture building up in them from all the appliances, technical equipment and general building materials, such as plaster and concrete.
Even though it takes more effort, timber should always be transported to and from building sites from a conveniently located proper timber storage area with good ventilation and a dry and clean climate. New buildings will only subject your timber to moisture, which will ruin it, so put simply; it is not worth the risk.
Positioning of Your Timber
When storing timber, it is important to remember it should always be stored on as flat a surface as possible. This surface should also be solid, so as to ensure the timber does not sink into it. If the surface is neither flat nor solid, you risk your timber warping.
One of the best ways to avoid this is to store your timber on pallets instead of directly on the floor or your storage facility. This will help you avoid warping, plus give your timber extra protection against any moisture building up on the floor space. Do make sure the length of the timber you are storing is no longer than the pallets you are storing it on; otherwise, once again warping might occur.
Protecting Your Timber in Storage
Even if you feel your timber storage facility is absolutely ideal, i.e. clean, dry and well-ventilated, you will still need to store your timber underneath protective material. Doing this will make sure that your timber is adequately protected from outside elements, as well as help the timber to uphold its natural moisture content.
When choosing your timber covers, you need to make sure they will adequately protect your timber from sunlight, direct and indirect. This means it will need to be able to reflect the heat and the sun’s rays. Covers should also be waterproof, even if being stored inside, since moisture droplets will still build up indoors. No matter how insignificant you might think this point is, even the smallest amount of moisture can affect the quality of timber, so your covers most definitely need to protect the timber from internal condensation.
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• How Wood Rots and How to Prevent It
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