Best Way to Dry Treated Lumber

It is important to use different wood for different things. Wood should be completely dry before using it for building purposes. Some wood is treated with chemicals. The treated wood will last longer when used for outdoor building. Treated lumber is not as light as untreated wood is and that is why it is best not to use the wood until it is dry.

Drying wood is very important before using it. Wood will either shrink or enlarge because of moisture. Leaving wood to sit with moisture in it will lead it to rot and decay. There is also the danger of the wood becoming infested with fungi. Drying the wood helps to keep the wood from warping when being used as well as making the wood less prone to cracks and splinters.

1. Decide when you wish to start your project build. Figure out how much wood you need, the size and everything else that pertains to the project.


2. Order your wood as soon as possible. It is very important to do this so that the wood can be laid out to dry and have plenty of time to start the project.


3. Find an ideal drying area. It is best to find an area that will receive a lot of sunlight to dry the wood completely and thoroughly. Never try to dry in shaded areas because the wood will still end up being slightly damp and therefore, not good for use.


4. Get scrap lumber first. Find short pieces that you have laying around. These are called stickers. Lay them down on the ground running along side each other. Then lay down two pieces or more of the treated wood. If some of the treated wood is long, it is best to put another piece of the sticker wood down between the end stickers to help with the warping. There needs to be space between the rows to allow the sun and heat to penetrate the wood better. This will help move along the drying of the wood. Do the same process with all the rest of the rows of wood placed on top.


5. Check to see that all of the stickers are placed correctly when you set up the final row. The weight of the pile needs to be even. This is very important to assure of the best drying results.


6. Stack the final row and check to see that the stickers are aligned properly. This will ensure that the weight is distributed evenly to allow for optimal drying. Place cement blocks at each end on the top row of lumber to prevent the top boards from warping. Have a tarp ready in case of rain. Allow the lumber to dry for at least two weeks to reach the proper 20-percent moisture level.