ratchet strapping a whack of lumber

[rweiss1110]

I was spending the winter in N. FL, and the neighbor (not living there he went S for the winter.) had a whack of stickered cedar lumber with ratchet straps wrapped around at each sticker. I guess he is letting it air dry, have any of you done this? and what is the result?

[scsmith42]

Ratchet straps around the stickers will help the lumber to dry flatter; however you need to retighten the straps periodically as the lumber dries and shrinks.

[rweiss1110]

Should I do this for all of this if I am going to Kiln dry

 

[btulloh]

The general consensus is weight is the way to go. Lots of it. Straps will need to be tightened every day. Couldn't hurt to use straps, but . . .

[alan gage]

I wouldn't think straps would actually do much. They'll exert a lot of pressure on the corners but probably not much on the flat top surface. Straps would probably me more effective if something arch shaped was set on the stack before installing the straps. That should result in a lot more down pressure.

Alan

[scsmith42]

Should I do this for all of this if I am going to Kiln dry

I would not bother to ratchet strap that load.  Weight would be a better option.

[YellowHammer]

I guess you are hearing a common theme.  
Weights are by far the best, a couple thousands pounds at least for a 4x8 pack, I use 3 thousand.  

[tawilson]

When I do use straps I put 4x4's crossways top and bottom and loop the ratchet straps around them. And tighten them as needed.

[busenitzcww]

If you air dry down to say 25% and then throw it in the kiln are weights still beneficial?