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The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Between Kiln-Dried vs Pressure-Treated Wood
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Key Takeaways:
Kiln Dried Wood:
Woodworkers of all skill levels recognize the value of using high-quality outdoor wood in their creations. Kiln dried wood stands out for its lower moisture content, greater stability, and natural resistance against termites and wood-boring beetles – qualities that make it a worthwhile investment when crafting quality projects with wood.
Storage Techniques:
Proper wood storage techniques are crucial to maintaining its quality and maintaining stable temperatures. Selecting an ideal location, keeping conditions dry, stacking the wood properly with ample air circulation, maintaining stable temperatures, and performing regular maintenance are all vital steps for extending its life. Shielding it from dust by placing it on pallets and sealing cut ends as well as inspecting for pests or decay are additional measures taken to guarantee its long-term viability.
Considerations for Outdoor Storage:
Kiln dried wood should ideally be stored indoors in a controlled environment; however, outdoor storage can present its own set of challenges if space is limited. Regular maintenance, protection from direct sunlight, and ground contact as well as high-quality coverings are key to protecting it against weather-related damage; nevertheless, it is advised to store kiln dried wood indoors to preserve both quality and endurance.
Woodworkers, whether amateur or professional, appreciate the value of utilizing high-quality outdoor wood in their creations. Kiln dried wood is an excellent choice due to its lower moisture content and greater stability. However, appropriate storage is essential for maintaining its quality. In this detailed guide, we’ll look at the best ways to store kiln dried wood, including if it may be stored outdoors.
First of All, Why Kiln Dried Wood?
Kiln dried wood is a top choice for woodworking projects due to its numerous advantages, including reduced moisture content, enhanced stability, as well as a natural deterrent against pests like termites and wood-boring beetles. This method ensures accurate measurements and longevity, making it an investment in quality and longevity.
Kiln dried wood is a great investment for woodworking and construction projects because it provides unparalleled quality and increased endurance due to its resistance to warping, shrinking, and cracking, making it an excellent choice for precision-based projects.
How to Store Kiln Dried Wood?
To guarantee that kiln dried wood remains high-quality, storage must be done properly. As a result, keep the following tips in mind to guarantee that you know how to properly preserve kiln dried wood:
TIP 1) SELECT THE PROPER LOCATION
Begin by selecting the most suitable storage place for kiln dried wood. Ideally if possible, choose a dry, well-ventilated indoor space, such as a workshop, a garage, or a covered shed. When opposed to outdoor locations, where wood is exposed to rain, humidity, and general changing weather conditions, indoor environments often provide superior moisture management. Also, always place them on a smooth and even surface.
TIP 2) FOCUS ON KEEPING THE CONDITIONS DRY
Moisture is the main enemy of kiln dried wood, so keep your storage location dry. Check for leaks and make any required repairs to keep water from entering the area. Consider using a dehumidifier to regulate moisture levels in places with excessive humidity.
TIP 3) STACK KILN DRIED WOOD PROPERLY
First and foremost, stack your kiln dried wood neatly and with enough space between each piece to allow air circulation. For example, spacers should be placed between the boards to avoid warping and to guarantee equal ventilation. Make sure that kiln dried wood does not touch a wall or a fence to avoid moisture. Keep in mind that the stability of the wood pile is improved by horizontal stacking. Careful stacking will pay off in the long term!
TIP 4) MAINTAIN A STABLE TEMPERATURE IN YOUR STORAGE SPACE
Maintaining a consistent temperature in your storage area is quite vital for kiln dried wood. Extreme temperature changes can cause wood to expand and shrink, resulting in warping and cracking. Maintaining consistent temperature settings is critical to protecting the quality of your kiln dried wood.
While these tips are crucial for proper storage, for those seeking expert assistance, consider our Kiln Drying Services in Middle Tennessee. Store your kiln dried wood with confidence and take advantage of our professional preservation expertise. Get started today and experience the benefits of expert wood preservation – contact us today for a free consultation.
TIP 5) SHIELD YOUR KILN DRIED WOOD FROM DUST
Cover your wood with a breathable covering such as a tarp or plywood to protect it from dust and debris while allowing optimum air circulation. Plastic sheets should be avoided because they can retain moisture, which is harmful to kiln dried wood.
TIP 6) PLACE KILN DRIED WOOD ON PALLETS
Place your wood pile in your storage space on pallets or a high platform. This prevents ground moisture from penetrating the wood and this also improves air circulation. It provides further protection against moisture-related problems in the long run.
TIP 7) REGULAR MAINTENANCE IS ESSENTIAL
Attentiveness is essential while storing kiln dried wood outside. Maintain the wood regularly by inspecting it for signs of damage or wear. Coverings should be replaced or repaired as needed to keep the wood protected from the weather.
TIP 8) SEAL THE CUT ENDS
Consider using a wax-based sealer to seal the cut edges of your kiln dried wood to prevent moisture infiltration. By preventing moisture from entering via the exposed ends, this additional safeguard can considerably increase the life of your wood.
TIP 9) REGULARLY INSPECT FOR PESTS OR DECAY
Even if you properly follow all of the preceding stages, if kiln dried wood is not checked up on regularly, all of the preceding measures may be in vain due to bugs, mold, or rot showing up, but it’s important to know that early identification can avoid further damage.
Can Kiln Dried Wood Be Stored Outside?
To retain its quality and endurance, kiln dried wood should be kept inside in a controlled environment. However, if you must store it outside due to lack of storage, keep in mind the next tips to keep it safe from the weather:
REGULAR MAINTENANCE IS ESSENTIAL
Attentiveness is essential while storing kiln dried wood outside. Maintain the wood regularly by inspecting it for signs of damage or wear. Coverings should be replaced or repaired as needed to keep the wood protected from the weather.
IF KILN DRIED WOOD IS PLACED OUTDOORS, SUN PROTECTION IS NECESSARY
Direct sunlight can dry out and deform kiln dried wood. Install drapes or shutters in the storage space to keep sunshine out and your wood intact.
AVOID GROUND CONTACT
Avoid dumping logs haphazardly, especially on grass, since this might result in moisture absorption from the ground. Prudent and meticulous stacking techniques will provide long-term advantages.
MAKE SURE TO USE HIGH-QUALITY COVERINGS
Investing in high-quality, permeable covering materials made expressly for wood storage will provide significant long-term benefits. Outdoor coverings should be weatherproof, but indoor covers should allow for enough ventilation. Using the proper covers protects the outdoors while not retaining moisture.
By following these tips, you can successfully store your kiln dried wood, ensuring it remains in good condition for your woodworking or building projects – indoors or outdoors. Proper storage in any situation will help you make the most of the quality and stability that kiln dried wood provides. However, if you want to improve the quality of your wood even further, look into our Kiln Drying Services in Middle Tennessee. Store your kiln dried wood with confidence and benefit from our professional preservation skills. Begin by contacting us today and get the benefits of skilled wood preservation.
