Red Oak

mainiac · November 28, 2009, 05:31:14 PM

I just had some red oak milled up that was cut down last spring. I was thinking of sticker stacking it inside a shipping container that has not been modified at all and won't be. Small vents in the corners.

Is this a mistake or will it be ok in there. I don't see a need for this lumber for a couple of years.

Happy Trails

scsmith42 · November 28, 2009, 05:33:04 PM

You might need a little more air movement initiially than what is available inside the container. Try stacking/stickering it outside (but covered) for 6 months, and then move it into the container.

12" - 16" sticker spacing is ideal. Make sure that your first row is dead straight.

Scott

mainiac · November 28, 2009, 05:58:17 PM

What will happen? Mold? Rot? Stain?

woodmills1 · November 28, 2009, 06:05:34 PM

yes outside first is the way, maybe just 6 months but it will be better. It wont dry inside at first in this part of the year.

scsmith42 · November 29, 2009, 09:03:12 AM

Quote from: mainiac on November 28, 2009, 05:58:17 PM
What will happen? Mold? Rot? Stain?

All of the above, but primarily mold when the temperatures increase. You won't get much drying over the winter due to the enclosed space and lack of airflow, so when it warms up in the spring and summer the wood will probably still be over 35% MC, and will mold/rot.

campy · December 01, 2009, 10:07:22 PM

You have to move the moisture out.
Maybe use some fans and leave the door open?

Dodgy Loner · December 04, 2009, 10:18:09 AM

I second what scsmith said. You will not be pleased with the results if you sticker green oak in a shipping container. Once it's dry that will be a good place to store it until you need it.

Egon · December 24, 2009, 08:18:55 AM

Could you add some air vents to the container. Some at the bottom for inlet and some at the top for outlet air and utilize natural air flow. Sota like the Cupola system on the old time hay barns.

Den Socling · December 24, 2009, 10:12:03 AM

I don't think that would be enough airflow. You need to do some drying to keep a black mold from growing and that requires a couple hundred CFM minimum.

mainiac · December 25, 2009, 03:24:05 PM

We have moved it outside and stickered. What do we use to cover it to keep it from sun burning? I was thinking old sheets with a top only tarp. Or do people just accept some loss to the burning?

Mainiac