Lumber stack covers

[D6c]

I've been using used pole barn steel to make covers for my air drying stacks of lumber but I'm out of used steel and new steel has gotten super expensive.
I tried buying used steel at an auction recently and it even went higher than I was willing to pay.

Any good alternatives that are more economical?

[moodnacreek]

You could use your own boards and roll roofing or rubber. Although nothing beats tin weight is a huge advantage. I have made quite a few with tin. Mine are made now  of 2x4 2' o.c., boarded solid both sides, ice and water on top and then used tin roofing and 1x sticks on the bottom 2' o.c.  5' 6" wide and 12' or 16' long. A few 20' for 16' lumber.   If you make them with 'roll roofing' you could always put tin on later.

[D6c]

Sounds like you're making really solid rain covers.  I've just been screwing full dim 2x4s on edge to pole barn steel on 2' centers, using the screws with seal washers...no decking boards.  I kind of like your idea....keeps the air flow on the top layer of lumber the same as down in the stack.  I'll have to look into the ice and water roof covering to see how pricey it is. Of course I'd have to sheet the covers with something, either my own lumber or OSB which is expensive.

[moodnacreek]

Wind storms are a big problem. My piles are 16' + high and if covers blow off I have a lot of work cleaning up. The lumber stacks are 4' wide and the covers 5' 6" about as wide as the forklift will handle. The more overhang the better but it also catches the wind. I have tires on top for weight but that is a pain as you always need flat surfaces when working the yard. As time goes on I increase the weight while building or repairing to try to not need weight on top.