Buzz
If you’re working on a long-term home project, you’ve probably considered storing your lumber outdoors to save space. While this might seem like an easy solution to reduce the clutter of ongoing home improvements, it's not always the best approach. Here’s when it’s fine and when it’s not, and how you can spot damage from improperly stored lumber.
It depends on your intended use for the lumber
If the lumber is meant for a smaller project like a garden trellis or something non-load-bearing, outdoor storage isn’t much of a concern. Any damage will be a minor inconvenience, but it won't pose any risks. However, if you’re constructing something like a deck or framing a new bathtub, ensuring the lumber is in good condition is crucial. It needs to maintain its structural integrity to support the weight, so in these cases, prioritizing safety is essential.
It depends on the type of lumber
Generally, plywood and most composite lumber made by bonding several layers of wood with adhesive don’t handle moisture well. Since the individual layers expand and contract at different rates when exposed to temperature and moisture fluctuations, these types of lumber can warp, separate, or bubble, compromising their strength. Solid wood, such as two-by-four boards, is a bit more resilient because it's sourced from a single tree, so it expands and contracts more uniformly, making it less vulnerable to damage from weather.
Allow it to dry out first
If your lumber has been stored outdoors, it’s probably damp. Before determining if it’s safe to use, let it dry out thoroughly. Place it in the sun for several hours, turning it to ensure every side gets exposure. While doing this, inspect for any signs of rot. If the weather is uncooperative, you can use a fan or space heater in a dry garage or workshop to help speed up the process. If the wood feels slimy, has soft spots, or shows significant discoloration, it may be beyond saving—those are clear indicators of mold or rot.
Give it a good cleaning
Once the lumber has dried, you should wipe it down with a cloth to remove any dirt, insects, or debris and evaluate its surface. If you find splintering deeper than about a sixteenth to an eighth of an inch, the wood is no longer suitable for structural use. However, it may still be useful for less critical projects, such as crafting shop furniture. For minor surface damage, a light sanding will help smooth out any splinters. Be sure to check for small holes and excess sawdust not linked to tools, as these could indicate insect infestation. If these signs are present, it’s time to discard these boards.
Cut a section to inspect
If you’re unsure of the damage extent, you can cut a section of the board to inspect the interior. If you notice insect tunnels or rot, it’s best to dispose of the board. If the inside appears solid, it might be salvageable and can be added to your list of usable lumber.
Compare it to a fresh piece of wood
If you have a new, undamaged piece of the same type of wood, you can compare it to your older, weathered boards to see if they match. The boards should be of similar size and shape, with comparable hardness and weight once dried out.
