How to save with proper storage

t, ERO LOSS from poor storage and G handling of lumber products should be the goal ofevery retailer and wholesaler.

Lumber not stored properly and handled carefully loses its appearance and dimensional stability, important benefits for customers. Moulding, millwork, cabinetwork and flooring deteriorate rapidly with improper storage and carelesshandling. Inbothcases, the retailer pays with materials that do not sell readily plus callbacks because ofpoor performance.

Lumber may change in moisture content and dimension while stored in a wholesale or retail yard. When l-inch softwood lumber kiln dried to 8% or less is piled solid under a good pile roof in a yard in humid weather, average moisture content of a pile can initially increase at the rate of about 2% per month, according to the Forest Products Laboratory. After the first 45 days, the lumber will continue to absorbmoisture at about I% per month as long as the weather remains humid.

The same lumber stored under an open roofed shed would have an initial and continuing absorption rate of about 1 % per month. Storage in a closed shed cuts this to 0.3%. A western location changes the absorption rate for an open shed to 2.7% on the inside of the pile

Story at a Glance

Recommendations for storing softwoods, hardwoods, moulding & millwork, panels and treated lumber open or closed sheds best for most lumber products stickering, plotective covering required outside.

and3.5% on the outside in a year.

Lumber should never be stored in direct contact with the ground. It should be elevated on stringers to allow air circulation. Green orpartially dried lumber and timbers should be open piled on stickers and protected from surshine and precipitation by a tight roof or protective material that is porous enough to

Llow To Rave

(Continued from page I I ) allow moisturc to escape. Rain or water from othersources tends tobe absorbed by the wood instead of evaporating.

Framing lumbet and plywood with 2O% or less moisture content can be solid piled in a shed that provides good protection against sunshine and direct or wind-driven precipitation. Howevet, it is better if stock with MC above l2% is sticker-piled to bring the moisture content more in line with thatof a completed structure (12- l5%).

Dry lumber can be piled solid in the open for relatively short periods with a waterproof covering. Long storage in the open of solid piled lumber is not recommended, especially in the rainy season. If framing lumber must be stored in the open for a long time, it should be sticker-piled over good supports and roofed. Solid piled material that becomes wet should be repiled on stickers.

Kiln dried items such as exterior finish, siding and exterior millwork should be stored in a closed, unheated shed. Supports that raise the pile at least 6 inches above a paved floor and 12 inches above a dirt floor are recommended. Interiortrim,flooringandcabinetwork are best stored in a room or closed shed that is heated or dehumidified. Moulding stores best upright in segregated stalls. Wrappings applied by manufacturers can be left on for additional protection.

Kiln dried and machined hardwood dimension or softwood cut stock should be stored under controlled humidity conditions. If humidity is not controlled, the ends of the stock will absorb more moisture than the rest causing problems in working.

The simplest way to reduce relative humidity in storage areas of all sizes is toheatthe area to a temperature slightly above that of the outside air. Dehumidifiers canbe used insmall, well enclosed areas. The Forest Products Laboratory has developed tables to determine the temperature necessary to maintain equilibrium moisture content.

Structural wood panels are best stored in bunks under roof with sanded and appearance grades kept away from open doorways. The top panel in a stack should be weighted down to avoid walpage from humidity. Steel banding on bundles should be cut to avoid damage from moisture absorption.

Panels stored outside should be stacked on a level platform supported by 4x4 stringersorotherblocking. There should be no ground contact. At least three full width supportsshould be used along the 8 foot length of the panel with one centered and one about 12 to 16 inches from each end, the American Plywood Association advises. Plastic sheets or tarps should be anchored over the stacks. Good ventilation with air circulation isneededtodiscouragemold formation.

YARDIilEN must lake care to keep lumber in prisline condition. Dnpping, knocking corners against hard objects, or gouging wilh forklift tines can damage lumber so lhat customors won't want it. Training for forklifl drivers and those who pick orders and load lrucks for delivery must include lumber handling basics.

Treated lumber should be stored in an open, well ventilated shed with protection from directsunlight. Paper wraps are best left on to protect from moisture and sunlight.

All lumber and related materials need careful handling. Pikes, cant hooks, picks, tongs and otherpointed tools that can dig into the wood should be avoided. Care must be taken to avoid crushing corners or edges of outside pieces. Throwing or dropping lumber can cause breaks and deep abrasions. Lift truck drivers mustmove material carefully to avoid these types of damage. Protection should be provided for the edges and ends of panels, especially tongue and groove floor and shiplapped siding panels. These should be placed on pallets to avoid damage from forklift tines.

Moulding, millwork and similar items should be moved manually after being unloaded. Care must be taken to avoid dinging comers or denting surfaces. Any protective coverings are best left in place.

Careful handling and Protection should be provided for materials as they are picked, staged and loaded for delivery. End protectors and packaging should be left on bundles when possible. Padding should be placed under tiedowns on trucks to avoid damage. Dollars saved by damage prevention will exceed the expense of proper storage and handling.

Additional information on storage and handling ts available from Forest Products Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Forest Service, American Plywood Association, Southern Forest Products Association and lAestern Wood P roducts Assoc iat io n- e ditor.