Storing 1X12 kiln dry siding outside for a year.

[foose89]

I was recently given a stack of pine siding, surfaced and kiln dry, that is too good to toss; I need to store in outside because of its length. Is possible w/out massive degradation?

[wassaw]

 keep good air flow keep well  off the ground keep out as much sunlight without trapping in moisture

[Ironwood]

Foose89,

  Build or find a pallet to stick and stack it on (pallet can rest on old railroad ties) Put another on top to create good air flow. Doesnt hurt to let the stickers extend beyond the edges by 3-6"s. Find some used rubber roofing and cover it. If you plan to move it intact, band it to the pallet. Works great! ;)

Reid

[foose89]

stickers even with its current MC. Is it just for air flow?

[Ironwood]

I would sticker regardless. Your protected from major problems that way. If the stack gets some moisture inadvertantly (leaky tarp, what ever) your protected. I have never dead stacked any of my wood here dry or otherwise. It seems prudent to me. If it were in a building that's another matter.

                  Reid

[Raphael]

  I have 1000bf of 1x6 T&G Cypress that sat dead stacked and banded under a tarp for ~6 months before I was able to retrieve it.
Most of it looks straight off the planer but a lot is going to need some time and attention.  I've got stains from green aglea, black mold, white mold (powdery mildew) and variety of other fungi...  Water always finds a way in.

[foose89]

My good fortune continues. I just received a batch of old oak wood flooring from the same friend, which again, because of it length I need to store outdoors. Do the same operating procedures apply? How are reclamation yards dealing in salvaged wood storing their stock? The few I've Googled show outside storage.

[Max sawdust]

I will agree with previous posts:  If it is outside sticker it ;)
Max

[foose89]

Does it matter that the wood flooring is, obvioulsy, varnished?

[Max sawdust]

Can't say for sure, never tried to store varnished wood outside.
I would assume the varnish is only on one surface, and you intend on removing and refinishing when you use the wood.  If you intend on using the wood and try and keep the varnish intact then outside storage does not sound like a good idea.  But if you plan on refinishing outside storage as talked about above may work, lets see what others have to say.

Max

[Raphael]

  I've got a half dozen trim boards from a rescued window that sat out in the open lower (damper) barn for a year.
They are all varnished one side and don't show any obvious side effects.  Given it's use in boats I suspect varnish holds up better to shinking and swelling than most finishes.

[foose89]

I tend to agree, but we will see!

[urbanlumberinc]

A little trick I learned when I was framing/siding houses:

Tyvek housewrap is great for covering lumber up and keeping it out of the elements for awhile.

I've used it in the past to protect bunks of studs or plywood from the elements for sometimes months on end.  I use it still to cover stacks of slabs.  I like it better than plastic because it breathes better, and better than tarps because it's less likely to tear and is tougher overall.  I havent priced any in awhile but If I remember right a 10'x250' roll cost just under fifty bucks.  Get a hammer tacker and some button cap nails and you're set 8)

[foose89]

Sorry guys, I forgot to say thank you.