Timber is expensive, so why let it warp, rot, or get infested before you even use it? Proper wood storage protects your investment and ensures your projects turn out right. The proper storage of wood is critical for maintaining its quality and to ensure its usability when required.
If you are a seasoned woodworker, or a DIY timber worker, understanding proper storage is important to help prevent costly damage from moisture, warping, pests and mold.
Why timber storage matters
Storing timber for projects is unlike firewood, which can tolerate much more exposure to the elements.
Timber for woodworking projects must be stored in conditions that allow for the preservation of its shape and integrity. Incorrect wood storage can result in a range of wood defects including warping, splitting, and decay, especially if the timber is left outside without protection.
Choosing the right location
When you are storing your timber, aim for a dry and well ventilated area. Good locations for storing timber include garages and outbuildings. If outside storage cannot be avoided, elevate the timber from the ground and cover in a breathable tarp like covering, which ensures that air can still circulate around the timber. Trapped moisture is not good for your timber, creating a space for mold and rot to occur.
Storage timber racks are generally the best option for timber storage. Timber racks will separate timber lengths, keep them elevated, and flat so that there are no external forces damaging the material.
Preventing warping and moisture damage
Warping occurs from the uneven absorption of moisture. Timber should be stacked flat, with consideration for adding a spacer piece between each layer to allow air flow. You should avoid leaning timber against walls, which can create bowing over time. It is key to try and keep consistent humidity as extreme temperature fluctuations and heavy moisture can create degrading in wood.
Pests and protection
Wood can be vulnerable to insects such as termites and woodworm, more common in warm and damp environments. The inspection of stored timber should be conducted regularly for any signs of infestation, and storage areas should be kept clean. All storage areas should be kept away from exposed soils, and use treated or sealed timbers whenever possible for added pest protection.
Tips for the long-term storage of wood
- Rotate your timber stock when storing in batches; use your older timber first and place new timber toward the bottom of your storage piles
- Regularly check for mold and signs of warping and insect infestation
- Label your timber, and their lengths, for easier access to what you need
- Always balance a timber stack, and strap where appropriate, for safety and to prevent sagging
Rotating timber stocks with software management
The best way to maintain timber in optimal condition is to minimize its time in storage and use it as promptly as possible. Efficient stock management software can help by optimizing cutting patterns and digitally tracking inventory – including off-cuts – throughout the production process.
OptiCut is a powerful cutting optimization tool designed to reduce material waste while managing both stock levels and off-cut inventory. With OptiCut, woodworkers can maintain leaner, more organized stock that’s easier to store and control.
This image shows an OptiCut cutting pattern for a panel material. Usable off-cuts are shown in grey and unusable in purple.
And here is the panel stock showing the off-cuts re-introduced for use in a future optimization.
To learn more about how OptiCut can improve your stock management, arrange a demo with our technical team.
Summary: how to store wood
Storing timber correctly isn’t optional; it’s essential for quality, safety, and efficiency. Take the time to store your wood right, and your projects will thank you later.
Timber needs to stay well ventilated, dry, elevated, and flat in its stacks. No matter what timber you are working with, the way in which it is stored will determine its lifespan and usability.
For more information about stock storage and management, and how we can assist you, contact us today.
