Even the best timber will warp, stain or rot if it is stored badly. A few basic habits make a real difference, especially if the timber will sit for weeks before it is used.
Keep it off the ground. Timber stacked directly on soil or concrete pulls moisture up from below. Use spacer blocks or bearers so air can move underneath the whole stack.
Use stickers between layers. Thin spacer strips placed between each layer of timber let air circulate through the stack, which is what actually prevents warping, not just weight pressing down evenly.
Cover it, but do not seal it. A tarpaulin or roofing sheet over the top protects timber from rain and direct sun, but leave the sides open. Fully wrapping timber traps moisture inside and encourages mould and rot.
Stack on level ground. An uneven stack puts pressure on individual pieces unevenly, which is one of the most common causes of timber bowing before it is even used.
Do not store timber against a damp wall. Leave a gap for airflow on all sides, not just underneath.
If you are buying in bulk for a project that will take time to complete, ask us about delivery timing, sometimes it is better to take timber in stages rather than storing a full order on site for months.
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