Replies

1. 
   _mj_ | May 28, 2022 07:45pm | #1

   All lumberyards store everything flat in stacks even though it is harder to sort through. I am betting there is a good reason.

2. 
   rob_ss | May 28, 2022 08:25pm | #2

   I doubt there is any evidence to support either approach.
   I suspect that the flat storage is because at least in theory it might keep the lower boards flatter.
   This is certainly the case with wet timber which will take on the shape in which it dries.
   From the perspective of storing kiln dried timber though, I store a few projects worth of timber in advance so that it can acclimate (and because I get an idea, buy the timber and get distracted by something else) and I never see the top board moving at all.

3. 
   jharveyb | May 28, 2022 09:17pm | #3

   There is no reason to flat stack kiln dried lumber compared to on edge. Green lumber will change shape and dry into that shape if left unrestrained (or allowed to sag.) However, kiln dried lumber is shape stable (except for changes caused by changes in internal moisture content from an environment more or less humid than what is dried for.) It won't bow from being stored on edge if not bowed when put in the rack. Most lumber stores handle the lumber in bulk with a fork lift, and that requires flat stacking. They also want to stack higher than can be done on edge. Some people store their dry lumber on end, leaned against a wall. (Don't try that with green wood, unless you want a bowed piece.) Store it however is convenient.

4. 
   elmaduro | May 28, 2022 09:25pm | #4

   Either way, Woodsmith / ShopNotes has some decent lumber storage articles and ideas.

5. 
   user-7737453 | May 28, 2022 11:50pm | #5

   Thanks to all - very helpful comments. Appreciate the time you all took to reply.

6. 
   jc_clark | May 29, 2022 09:04am | #6

   Wood moves from season to season, all wood, even kiln dried and old.
   I have had boards actually flatten out after stored a long time under a stack
   of lumber horizontally, and it was wood dried many years before stacking.
   I put the bowed ones on the bottom now.
   I'll always flat stack my wood.