Q:

My basement workshop has an uninsulated concrete-slab floor. If I store wood on end, will it draw in moisture from the floor?

Correy Smith, Bar Harbor, Maine

A:

Even though storing wood vertically is convenient, the end on the floor often will have a higher moisture content than the end near the ceiling. That’s especially true in a basement shop with a concrete floor. You can minimize moisture pickup by covering the floor with plastic or by resting the wood on scrap stock or a pallet. But I have found that it’s best to reacclimate wood stored vertically. A couple of weeks before you want to use it, restack the wood horizontally off the floor.

John White is Fine Woodworking‘s shop manager.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

WoodRiver Router Bit Storage Case

Molded from high impact clear ABS, this WoodRiver case provides a strong storage solution to keep your router bits safe and dry.

Buy at Amazon

Woodriver Rechargeable Desiccant Bag

Placed in a drawer, cabinet or closet, the bag immediately begins to absorb moisture from the air, which reduces corrosion.

Buy at Woodcraft