Drying Green Timber

**Krazee** · 25th October 2006, 11:46 PM

Some friends recently had some trees removed. Unfortunately missed the main avent but managed to secure approx 1.2m from remaining base of what I understand to be a mahogany gum - approx 60cm diam. As I only have a small chainsaw I have cut into quarters lengthwise and then cut each piece in half, again lengthwise. Largeset pieces are appox 100x250x1200. I have painted the ends, stacked with timber spacers (approx 5-10cm from ends) in the coolest place I can find - on the south side of the garden shed. As this is outside I have also covered with plastic tarpaulin to protect from the weather.
As I am totally new to drying timber I would appreciate any comments from the experts before I put my feet up and wait for the next 4 years before I can use it!

Geoff

**Gecko** · 26th October 2006, 04:41 AM

Keep it out of the rain and direct sun with good airflow. Allow about 1 year per 25mm of thickness. Use 20-25mm stickers between each board and space them about 44cm apart along the length. Not an expert but this is what I have learned to do.

Edit in: Put as much weight on top of the stack as you can to help keep them from cupping/warping

**Krazee** · 26th October 2006, 09:16 AM

Gecko,

Thanks. I have only put spacers near the ends as I figured with such thick logs should not need support in the middle when only a bit over a metre long. I have them covered to protect from rain and sun but may need to look at improving air flow. Also have to work out how I can stack some bricks on top to provide the weight.

Geoff

**Sigidi** · 26th October 2006, 10:21 PM

Geoff as Gecko said,

place your stickers all the way along the tibmer and be pretty anal about it too, each subsequent layer needs to be as close to on top of the pre-ceeding sticker as possbile. then get something really heavy on top, like old concrete step-treads (I like them as you can really put some wieht on the pile without doing ya back in) also get some ratchet straps and tension the daylights out of ya stack too.

you need to stop the boards messing around of their own accord and restrict them as much as you can, while allowing air flow and shade.

Hope this helps

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