Drivng by a garage remodel for the last couple of days. I noticed that the stack of about 70 2x4s had been placed by the garage and in full sun and wind. The first day (Fri) I knew it was a bad idea, but i assumed someone would have pulled them inside. Sat went by and you could see them starting to twist. Sunday went by, then memorial day. Today they were stil in the 100 degree sun and one 2×4 had twisted so much that it took 2 others with it off the stack. .
So, it got me wondering. In a perfect world, what is the best way to store your framing lumber if you cannot use it right away.
Then I wondered..in a Not-So-Perfect world how do you store them.
I was taught to rarely if not never take treated to the jobsite unless you plan on using it it that day (over the years it seems you need to use it that hour). We used to tke black plastic sheeting and stack the lumber on top of scrap lumber, in the shade with the plastic over it. That method was ALWAYS 2nd to placing it indoors.
what is your method?
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Framing lumber? Where would you store it if not out in the weather? I'm in south Florida where it's hot and humid most of the time. Don't think I've ever seen framing lumber stored anywhere but outside. Twisted stuff goes back to the lumber company.
Here,
I was taught to stack it on something to keep it off the ground, then cover with lumber wrap.
We don't work with green framing lumber and what comes to the site is (was) usually pretty dry.
Whether you cover the ground first so you don't trap moisture under you cover, is an entirely different point.
Ordering out what you can use rather than the whole house package is the way to go if possible.
..in a Not-So-Perfect world how do you store them
no joke, have some piles outside that have turned to good compost......
Yeah, framing lumber should be able to stand being outside for a few weeks.
It needs to be stacked on level ground (though a little slope helps to drain off rainwater). Should be on blocks every 4 feet or so to keep it off the ground.
If lumber is kept outside longer than a few weeks it should be separated out of the strapped bundle, leveled a bit more carefully, and stickered to let air into the stack. Then cover loosely with plastic.