Air drying wood location in SC

justpiddlin | Posted in Wood and Materials on November 30, 2011 03:34am

I am having a red oak tree sawed into boards and plan on letting it air dry for the next year. I was going to level the ground beside my workshop in the woods and build the stack like I’ve seen in the articles I’ve read. Then I realized I have a cement pad nearby that is already level. Does anyone see a problem with building my stack on a cement pad? I’m planning on the usual cement blocks, stickers and cover. What I’m worried about is the cement radiating too much heat in the summer vs. dirt under it. Will it be too much of a stress on the wood on a 100 degree day. Any thoughts?

Replies

RalphBarker | Dec 01, 2011 12:24pm | #1
no problemo

(As the Terminator was taught to say. ;-) )

The concrete below the stack will be shaded by the wood and the cover, so it won't be radiating the same sort of heat as the area exposed to direct sunlight.

justpiddlin | Dec 01, 2011 01:08pm | #2
Thanks for tho opinion. This is the first time I've stacked wood outside my workshop to dry.

RalphBarker | Dec 02, 2011 12:14pm | #3
opinion value

My opinion is worth what you paid for it. Or, perhaps less. ;-)

100° heat is still 100°. You might need to add weight to the top of the stack, or follow some other procedure to keep the planks stable while drying. I don't have a lot of experience in this area, so I'd suggest you get additional info from those who do. Try posting your question at The Burl forum: http://www.theburlforum.com/