Best Practices for Storing Timber (On-Site or at Home) to Avoid Waste and Warping
Our helpful guide is designed to offer you guidance on how to store your timber when it arrives on site or at your home. The correct storage method of timber can help you avoid wastage due to potential damage.
Why Is Timber Storage Important?
The way timber is stored is very important. This is mainly because timber is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs or loses moisture in response to its environment. Moisture can damage timber, so it is important to protect timber from moisture. Excessive temperature can also cause movement in timber, such as warping, cupping, bowing and twisting.
Where To Store Timber?
- Store In A Dry Environment: Store your timber in a dry area. This is preferably sheltered and away from moisture. You can also store timber outside, but use weatherproof coverings to protect it from the elements.
- Store Away From Direct Sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause uneven heating on one side of the timber, which encourages cupping.
- Avoid Splash Zones Avoid splash zones. This includes areas such as a garden with sprinklers or even leaking roofs. .
- Store On Level & Firm Ground It is best practice to store on firm and level grounds..
If you are moving timber from outside to a heated room, then allow it to acclimatise before cutting and fixing it. This is especially important for joinery, flooring, cladding, doors and trim.
Use Proper Supports (Bearers) and Stickers
When you get your timber order, we suggest you do not directly store your timber on soil or concrete. Instead, you should use bearers (battens) to raise the stack. It is also good practice to put spacers (stickers) between layers. The use of bearers and stickers can help you distribute the load evenly, which can help prevent potential damage that may occur.
Do not lean your timber against a wall. This is because leaning boards may bo under their own weight.
Cover your timber smartly
When it comes to covering timber, you need to keep the water out but allow the air in. To achieve this, you can use a waterproof yet breathable cover over the top whilst leaving the side partially open for ventilation. If you wrap it all in fully sealed plaster, it could potentially trap moisture in the form of condensation. This is not wise as this could lead to staining or even mould.
Please note that if the ends are exposed to rain, then drape the cover over the ends, but avoid sealing the entire stack.
In the winter months, prioritise ventilation under covers as condensation is more damaging than the cold.
Seperate treated and untreated timber
It is best practice to separate treated and untreated timber. This is because the preservative can transfer over and also cause surface marks. It is always best to avoid cross-contamination where possible. It also helps you to keep organised.
FAQs
What to do if timber gets wet?
If the timber gets wet, simply uncover it and let it dry slowly in the shade. Do not attempt to avoid forcing it to dry with heaters, as this could potentially cause heat damage. Once dry, ensure it is stored in a dry location.
What to do if there is damage to the timber?
When you order from us, we ask you to carefully check your order upon delivery. Please inspect for any damage. In the rare occasion that there is damage, refuse the delivery and get in contact with us.
Please note that this is for guidance purposes only. If you are looking for timber, check out the rest of our website. We offer our best prices on timber and speedy delivery. Order in minutes with Trade Timber.
