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Can we talk "shrinkage"?

Before you start a project do you let the wood dry out for a few days/weeks or not at all? 

 

I've helped DH build a deck and I know since the boards were pressure treated there was probably alot more shrinkage than if were were using pine boards to build a table or bookcase but isn't this still an issue? 

 

Living in the NE where the winters are cold and dry I'm worried about gaps appearing in joints. How much of an issue is this and how tough is it to overcome?

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Cutting Boards

Tsu Dho Nimh

Sat, 09/25/2010 - 05:48

Several things you can do that minimize shrinkage:

  • Buy kiln-dried lumber (deck wood is dried in big stacks)
  • store it indoors, lying absolutely flat or perfectly vertical
  • when you apply the finish, be sure to finish all sides of the wood. If you leave the underside of a table raw, it is more likely to shrink and warp than if you put a couple coats of paint or varnish on it.

ispeakwhale

Sat, 09/25/2010 - 09:14

  • Buy kiln-dried lumber (deck wood is dried in big stacks)

    •  

    Thanks for the tips.

     

    BTW-great screen name!