Replies

1. 
   tsproul | May 24, 2004 07:23pm | #1

   Try the US Forestry Service website. Look in their publications sections and search for drying hardwood lumber or drying lumber.

   for drying lumber....you need to follow 2 principles.

   1. allow air circulation around faces and edges of ALL boards.

   2. protect from direct exposure to the elements.

   Shed is great for #2. Normally terrible for #1.....getting air circulation through an enclosed building normally requires a motorized ventilation system. Hence, most air-drying sheds are simply roofs held up by posts...no walls.

   Tim

   On the neverending quest for wood.

2. 
   user-247493 | May 24, 2004 07:26pm | #2

   I did one years ago and it's held up really well.  I used standard framing and covered it with bevel cedar siding.  The one thing I did that was different was that I used 3/4" spacers behind the bottom of every siding board (you can use nails that are sticking out 3/4").  This gives good air circulation, but keeps the wood dry and looks good.  I also covered the floor with old pallets and installed large gable vents, again to promote air circulation.

1. 
   tsproul | May 24, 2004 07:33pm | #3

   Jim,

   do you dry green lumber in the shed or store lumber that's already below 20% MC? Just asking for future reference....I've never tried drying lumber in an enclosed shed but offered the above thoughts simply based on reasoning.Tim

   On the neverending quest for wood.

1. 
   user-247493 | May 24, 2004 08:34pm | #6

   I only use the shed for storing firewood, which goes in as soon as it's cut in the spring.  By the following winter, it's ready to burn.  btw, I located it to get a lot of sun.  It's never occured to me to store lumber, but now that you mention it...

2. 
   Buzzsaw | May 24, 2004 07:53pm | #4

   Jim,

    Is there any way that you can post a picture of what you built?

   Regards,

   Buzzsaw

1. 
   EdHarrow | May 24, 2004 08:22pm | #5

   Buzz, perhaps a tad extreme for your needs, but the concept may work for you.  These structures have shown themselves to be quite robust, and are quite easy to build.

   View Image

   This one has the arches set upon a 4' knee wall to ensure sufficient height - a requirement not likely required in your case.  Tighten the arch spacing will improve snow-load capabilities.  Many are built with ply front&back, and I've heard of some using ply in lieu of plastic for the roof.

2. 
   user-247493 | May 24, 2004 08:55pm | #7

   here you go.  it's a pretty poor picture, but hey, it's a woodshed.  i also tried to do a crude sketch of how i did the siding.  my drafting skills are not good

   
1. 
   15Broad | May 24, 2004 11:55pm | #8

   I grew up in Northern Ontario, Canada.  The shed we used was made standard frame and sided with sawmill slabs.  My brother-in-law's woodshed is just poles sunk below the frost line (spaced as far apart as beam supports would be) strapped again with slabs.  Both sheds have been standing for >10 years.  I guess a lot depends on if you'll see the shed and thus need it asthetically pleasing or simply need a place to dry and store wood...also how much money you got.

   Good luck.  Chris.