Timber storage

[transatlantic]

I have been thinking about ways to store timber vertically (as I have too little space to store long boards horizontally) that are less likely to bow and came up with the following ideas.

1) Clamp the boards vertically against the wall. i.e bunch up all the boards and use say 2 to 3 clamps, top, middle and bottom to hold in place against wall.
2) Hang boards from ceiling. Essentially, it would be like a cloths hanger and a pole. Several boards would be clamped together, top and bottom, and then some kind of hook clamped onto the top to attach onto a vertical pole. The idea being that as they are not touching the floor, gravity would keep them straight.

Excuse the crude diagrams, but you get the idea

Thoughts? .... feel free to tell me I'm an idiot.

 

[AndyT]

I don't have a lot of timber in storage, just offcuts and salvage waiting to come in useful.
For the few boards that are too long to go on the rack, I have just stood them on end, in the corner. I've not had problems with bowing and think it would only arise if a board was at quite a shallow angle of lean or with other bits pressing against it.

I think your idea would also introduce its own frustration as the clamps get in the way or are needed on a job.

It's probably not much help if you are stuck with only one place to keep wood, but I reckon that keeping it well ventilated and at an even temperature is half the battle.

 

[John15]

I store all my boards, none over 2m, leaning fairly upright against a wall and haven't had any of them bow so far.

John

 

[morturn]

I keep some of my boards under the bed. My wife is very understanding....

 

[Glynne]

Under the bed is very good, acclimatisation etc. and my good lady is understanding as well. But be sure to check your "under the bed" timber remains completely under the bed and doesn't stick out - American Black Walnut is now known as "F"ing Black Walnut in our house after the love of my life found a corner in her bare feet.

 

[Moonsafari69]

This is interesting. I pretty much always store my 1" thick boards vertical tight up against a wall. Haven't seen any bowing with it as yet. I try to jam it all together to keep it from moving. Thinner stuff I'd find a space to leave it horizontal until I use it. Have also been guilty of stashing some under the bed