Plywood comes in useful for a number of construction projects. However, storing the material can be a challenge, particularly if you need to put the work on hold or aren’t planning to start for a few weeks or months. If that’s the case, taking precautions is important to protect the integrity of the material. Here are a few ways to store lumber properly.

How to Store Lumber Properly

1. Against the Wall

If you have enough space, you can easily lean your plywood against the wall. It won’t occupy much room if you don’t have too many lumber planks, but even if there are quite a few, you can avoid taking up valuable shelf or ground space by leaning them against the surface instead. Because it can warp if it’s left that way for extended periods, this method is only advisable if you plan to use the plywood in the near future. 

2. Use a Storage Rack

In some cases, you may find it’s more practical to store your planks vertically. That’s more likely to be the case if you don’t plan to use the plywood for a while, and you want to protect it from warping. A metal wire rack is ideal, since it’s sturdy enough to hold the weight of multiple planks without losing its integrity. 

3. Place Them Overhead

In areas where space is at a premium and you don’t have room to either lean them against the wall or comfortably place a storage rack, consider using the overhead space instead. You can use a commercially available lumber storage rack for this purpose or take advantage of existing metal or wood beams on the ceiling if they’re already present. Take into account the number of planks you have to store, though. If you’re hoisting a considerable amount of plywood, your ceiling could buckle under that weight. If you aren’t sure, keep some of the wood overhead and store some against the wall if it’s feasible. 

If you need a source for high-quality lumber, trust in Butler County Lumber Company in Ohio. Proudly serving clients throughout Cincinnati and Hamilton, they have all of the woodworking and construction materials you need to make your project a reality. Visit them online to learn more about their services, or call (513) 896-6660 to speak with a representative.