How long can you store framing lumber
Bwiemels
| Posted in General Questions on
I was looking to use T Studs for my new home and recently found some on sale. The problem is I wasn’t looking to start the project until next year. If I did buy them, they would be stored banded, indoors in either a conditioned or unconditioned space( based on availability). My obvious concern is what they may look like when I go to use them. I was curious what other people thought. Am I better off waiting? Thanks in advance.
Brendan
GBA Detail Library
A collection of one thousand construction details organized by climate and house part
Search and download construction details
Replies
As long as they are protected from the weather, they will look exactly the same as they did the day you placed them in storage.
Sometimes you can have issues with cracking or with the lumber taking a 'set' if it's stored bowed.
My recommendation here would be to store the stuff in a sheltered location inside a garage or other area protected from the weather, and to keep it open to the air (not under a tarp). This will help protect it from excessive moisture. Block the stuff up off the floor with some cribbing, with sufficient support to prevent any noticeable sagging of the material between supports. This way you can have air circulation all the way around the stored material, without the material bowing. As long as you protect against excessive moisture levels and bowing, you should be fine storing the material for a while.
Bill
Thank you for the information. I appreciate the help!
Brendan