How to Store Lumber Properly

Whether you have a full-on woodworking shop or a few pieces of wood left over from your backyard renovation, you may find yourself in need of lumber storage ideas. After all, lumber prices continue to rise—it may be best to hold on to your remaining supply for your next DIY project. 

 

But if you don’t have any experience storing this kind of material, you’re probably wondering how to properly store lumber. Have no fear—that’s why we’re here! In the following guide on how to store lumber, we’ll show you everything you need to know to store lumber successfully. 

 

But before we jump into nine handy tips, we’ve answered some of your frequently asked questions regarding lumber storage. 

 

What is lumber? Lumber, also known as timber, is wood that has been chopped into slates or planks. This style of wood is often used in construction jobs and home renovations. 

 

Why would I need to store lumber? You don’t need to be an aspiring carpenter to find yourself with extra lumber on your hands. Maybe you have some leftover lumber for that DIY project you were working on, or perhaps the previous owners of your home left some behind in the garage. Whatever the reason, you’ll want to find a lumber storage solution to keep the wood in tip-top shape so it’s in good condition when you use it. 

 

Why is proper lumber storage important? If you’ve ever tried working with warped or bowed lumber, then you understand how crucial it is to keep your lumber in prime condition. After all, warped wood can become a nightmare to work with—or even unusable. Proper storage is important, as water or poor air circulation can negatively impact your supply of wood. 

 

How long can I store my lumber? It depends. If you’re storing your lumber in ideal conditions, it will last much longer than if you expose it to harsh elements. That said, if you properly store it, your lumber supply can last for months or even years. 

 

How To Store Lumber Properly

Ready to start storing your lumber supply? Check out these tips and tricks below:

 

Tip #1: Pick a Cool, Dry Storage Location 

Moisture causes wood to expand, but it shrinks once it dries out. This can cause twisting or bowing in the wood. Extended exposure to water can also lead to rot. Heat and humidity can also negatively impact wood in a similar manner, even causing the lumber to change dimensions. That’s why it’s pertinent to find a cool, dry place to keep your lumber.

 

Consider storing your lumber in your garage, basement, or shed, but wherever you keep it, check the space for any leaks and be sure to monitor the temperature and humidity levels. 

 

Tip #2: Keep It Off the Ground

Lumber left directly on the ground can absorb moisture. As you now know, water is no match for your wood, so we recommend storing your lumber on a shelf or platform 12 to 18 inches above the ground to encourage airflow under your supply. 

 

Tip #3: Find a Place With Good Air Circulation

When storing lumber, good airflow is your friend! After all, air circulation can help prevent and dry out any moisture that may come into contact with your collection of wood. In addition, storing your lumber in an area with air circulation can help ward off mold and mildew. 

 

Tip #4: Cover Your Lumber Storage if It’s Outside

Are you asking yourself, How do I store lumber outside? 

 

If so, your best bet is to find a covered area with a roof, like a shed. If that’s not an option for you, look for a dry space, put your lumber on a shelf or rack, and then place a tarp, plastic cover, canvas, or paper wrapping around it. This will help keep snow, rain, dirt, and dust from coming into contact with your supply. 

 

Tip #5: Consider Vertical Lumber Storage

Storing your lumber vertically is one way to save space. However, if you decide to go this route, be sure to support the top and bottom of the pieces to help balance the weight distribution. Avoid leaning your lumber against a wall because the top of the wood will push down on the weight-bearing base of the wood, causing the piece to bow. 

 

Instead, place your wood on a vertical rack (on an elevated base!) with supports between the lumber to help absorb some of the weight. 

 

Tip #6: Look in Horizontal Lumber Storage

Although vertical storage solutions will save you space, many prefer to go with horizontal storage if they have the room for it. To do so, find a horizontal rack designed for lumber (again, one that is elevated off the ground) and lay your pieces flat on it. From here, evenly place stickers, which are tiny pieces of wood, between your layers of lumber to increase airflow. These stickers add support and help prevent your lumber from bending. 

 

Tip #7: Build Wall-Mounted Storage Racks

Prefer to try out a lumber storage DIY project? If that’s the case, you may want to research wall-mounted storage rack designs. There are all kinds of blueprints out there, but some of the best ones are horizontal versions that make it easy to evenly space out your lumber. 

 

Storing them along the wall will take up less space than some of the other lumber storage solutions on this list. When building your own rack, just be sure to use materials that are strong enough to support the weight of your lumber. 

 

Tip #8: Check Weight Limits on Storing Racks

Whether you’re going with a vertical or horizontal rack, you must check the weight limit of the structure. Obviously, lumber is heavy, and it wouldn’t take much to snap your rack. Look for the weight capacity and abide by it before placing your wood on your rack. 

 

Tip #9: Look Into Self-Storage Options

Storing your lumber in or around your home isn’t the only storage option. You can always turn to a storage unit if you’d like to keep your wood supply off-site. Storage units are ideal because they come in all kinds of sizes, so you’re sure to find one that can accommodate your needs. 

 

Some storage facilities even offer climate-controlled units, which monitor the temperature and humidity levels inside your unit. If you decide to keep your lumber in a storage unit, we suggest going with a climate-controlled unit for more peace of mind. 

 

The Stor-It Way

If you’re new to the storage scene, we’re here to make sense of it all for you. As Idaho’s oldest and largest storage facility, Stor-It knows everything there is to know about storage—and then some. Whether you’re looking for advice on storing furniture in a storage unit or tips on garden tool storage, we offer it all. What’s more, we feature more than 15 convenient storage locations all around the Treasure Valley, so you’re sure to find a storage facility right in your backyard. Contact us today to learn more, and get ready to find the ideal storage unit for all your needs.