Wood that is properly stored can last for many years, while wood that is improperly stored can start to rot, warp, crack, and become unusable in just a few months. When deciding where to store your lumber, whether it’s dimensional lumber for construction, finished boards for woodworking, or firewood for your stove or fireplace, you need to consider factors like weather, moisture, pests, and security. While an indoor location like a barn, shed, garage or basement is ideal, outdoor storage can work well too if done right. Here’s what you need to know about properly storing lumber outside.
Quick answers
Can I store lumber outside?
Yes, you can store lumber outside as long as you take the proper precautions to protect it from moisture, sun, pests, and other potential damage. Outdoor storage requires more maintenance and monitoring than indoor storage.
How do I prepare lumber for outdoor storage?
Lumber stored outside should be up off the ground on a pallet or lumber rack. It should be covered on top and wrapped on the sides with a waterproof material like plastic or tarps. Allow for airflow under the stack and around the sides.
What kind of location should I choose?
Look for a flat, well-drained area in the shade or partial shade. Avoid direct sun which can cause cracking and sun damage. Stay away from areas that collect water. An open garage, carport, or garden shed can provide shade and shelter.
What are the risks of outdoor lumber storage?
Outdoor stored lumber is at risk of moisture damage from rain, snow, and ground contact. Pests like termites and carpenter ants can attack. Mold, mildew, and rot are also potential problems. Security is another concern for lumber theft.
How often should I inspect and maintain it?
Check your outdoor lumber at least once a week, more often in rainy weather. Make sure covers are secure. Remove any wet or damaged boards. Watch for signs of pest activity. Address any security issues.
Choosing a Location
When selecting an outdoor location to store lumber, there are several factors to consider:
Shade – Direct sunlight and wide temperature fluctuations can cause wood to crack and warp. Look for a shady spot under a tree or on the north side of a building. A canopy, carport, or open garage can provide shade.
Ground Contact – Wood resting directly on soil will absorb moisture, leading to decay. Use pallets, lumber racks, or blocking to elevate lumber at least 6-12 inches off the ground.
Drainage – Wet lumber is ruined lumber. Choose a high spot in the yard that naturally sheds water. Avoid depressions and areas near roof driplines where puddles collect.
Wind Exposure – Stack lumber so the edges are not facing into the prevailing winds. This prevents wind lifting and separating the stack.
Accessibility – Pick a location that allows easy access for inspections and maintenance. You’ll need to get to all sides.
Security – Lumber is an attractive target for theft. Locate it in view of the house or invest in security measures like lights and cameras.
Safe Stacking Techniques
Stacking lumber correctly promotes proper drying and airflow while reducing movement, warping, and other damage:
– Place on raised supports like pallets or lumber racks to prevent ground contact.
– Stack level on solid, flat blocking. Alternate directions between layers.
– Keep stacks aligned vertically without leaning or overhangs.
– Limit stack height to 4-5 feet for stability and even drying.
– Leave 1-2 inch gaps between boards for airflow.
– Stagger end joints so they don’t line up.
– Place spacers (lath) between each layer to promote airflow.
– Align edges neatly to prevent sagging or collapse.
– Cross brace high stacks for added stability and wind resistance.
Stacking Specific Lumber Types
Certain specialty lumber products like plywood, MDF, and finished boards require specific stacking methods:
– Plywood – Rack flat and level. Crisscross layers at right angles. Leave factory edges exposed for identification.
– MDF (medium density fiberboard) – Lay flat, keep dry. Lift sheets, don’t drag across stack.
– Finished boards – Lay flat with spacers between each layer. Limit height. Leave finish face down.
– Rough lumber – Stack on edge with spacers in between. Align edges flush.
Protection from Moisture
The main threat to lumber stored outside is moisture. Wet lumber will quickly become damaged, warped, cracked, and rotten. Several techniques can help keep stacks dry:
– Cover the top of the stack well with plastic, tarpaulins, or rollout waterproof covers. Wrap cover edges for waterfall effect.
– Overhang cover ends 6+ inches around all sides or wrap entire stack in plastic sheeting.
– Place removable plywood or tarps along the sides. Allow for airflow.
– Check after rain or snow to remove any collected moisture.
– Provide drainage under stacks through gravel, pallets or blocking.
– Elevate at least 6 inches above soil level. Higher in wet regions.
– Monitor moisture content with a moisture meter. Ideal range is 10-15%.
– Allow space between boards and rows for airflow to evaporate moisture.
Signs of Excess Moisture
Inspect frequently for any indications of moisture problems:
– Darkened wood surfaces
– Bowing, warping, moldy smell
– Rot, splitting, checking (cracks), cupping
– Peeling paint or finish
– Metallic fasteners rusting
– Mushrooms, fungi, mildew, algae growth
Any excess moisture is a problem. Take immediate action to uncover, dry out, and protect the lumber. Discard any rotten boards.
Pest Protection
Outdoor stored lumber is vulnerable to insect and pest infestations. Take these precautions:
Keep it dry – Most pests seek out moist wood. Don’t give them the opportunity.
Allow air circulation – Good airflow discourages pests and allows boards to dry if damp.
Store off ground – Gets wood up away from soil-borne pests like termites and ants.
Treat if needed – Apply borate solutions or approved insecticides if pest problems develop.
Watch for signs – Look for holes, tunnels, frass (sawdust), exit holes. Act immediately.
Remove damaged wood – Discard and replace any boards showing pest activity. They will spread.
Common outdoor lumber pests:
– Termites
– Carpenter ants
– Powderpost beetles
– Old house borers
– Carpenter bees
– Wood-boring wasps
Outdoor Lumber Storage Maintenance
Closely monitoring your outdoor lumber stacks is crucial to avoiding moisture, pest, and other damage problems.
Weekly inspections – Do a thorough walkaround at least once a week. Check for any changes.
Before & after rain – Check cover integrity beforehand. Inspect for wet boards after.
Cover maintenance – Patch holes or tears immediately. Weigh down if wind-blown.
Re-cover – Replace plastic or tarps that have become brittle, torn, degraded by UV after 6-12 months.
Drainage – Make sure water flows away from stacks. Fill any developing puddles or ruts.
Airflow – Watch for any sagging or collapse that blocks airflow within stacks.
Moisture monitoring – Use a moisture meter to test boards if dampness is suspected.
Signs of pests – Carefully inspect for frass, holes, tunnels, exit holes, fungi.
Remove problems – Immediately discard any damaged, warped, moist, or infested boards to prevent spreading.
How Long Can Lumber Be Stored Outside?
When properly stacked, elevated, protected and maintained, the expected outdoor storage life for lumber is:
– Dimensional lumber – 1 to 2 years
– Plywood – Less than 1 year
– Treated wood – 2 to 3 years
– Cedar and redwood – 2 to 3 years
– Hardwood finished lumber – 6 months to 1 year
Wood deteriorates much faster outside than inside. The conditions in your location, weather, and how well you protect and monitor the lumber will determine its usable life. Inspect often and use common sense. If boards become warped, rotten, or pest-damaged, replace them.
Is Outdoor Storage Worth the Hassle?
Outdoor lumber storage requires constant vigilance to prevent moisture, pests, sun damage, and other threats. Is it worth the extra work compared to storing wood inside?
Advantages of outdoor storage:
– Saves indoor space for other uses
– Keeps woodcutting, construction mess outside
– Natural air drying and acclimation
– Convenience of exterior access
Disadvantages:
– Frequent inspections and maintenance
– Less security against theft
– Shorter lifespan of lumber
– Risk of water damage, pests, rot
For large amounts of rough construction lumber, outdoor storage may make sense. For smaller amounts of fine woodworking lumber, indoor storage is likely the better choice. Evaluate your situation carefully.
Conclusion
Outdoor lumber storage is possible if proper precautions are taken:
– Select shady area with good drainage and airflow
– Stack neatly on supports above ground level
– Cover top and sides with waterproof material
– Allow for air circulation within stacks
– Inspect frequently, maintain covers, remove problems
– Expect shorter lifespan than indoor storage
Stored correctly, lumber may last 1-2 years outside, less in harsh climates. Monitor diligently to avoid moisture damage, pests, rot, and theft. Indoor storage provides much better protection. Consider your specific needs when deciding where to store your valuable lumber.
Sample Lumber Storage Table
| Lumber Type | Indoor Lifespan | Outdoor Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensional Lumber | 5-10 years | 1-2 years |
| Plywood | 10+ years | 6-12 months |
| Treated Lumber | 15+ years | 2-3 years |
| Cedar & Redwood | 10-15 years | 2-3 years |
| Finished Hardwood | Indefinite | 6-12 months |
