Lumber is one of the world’s most popular construction materials, and it’s commonly used in furniture making, home building, and other projects. Whether you’re an amateur carpenter or an experienced contractor, safe handling during transport and storage prevents injury, ensures wood quality, and gets products to their destinations intact. Here, we highlight some best practices for the safe storage and transportation and handling of lumber, so you can maximize its value and get the best results.
Transporting Lumber Safely
Moving lumber requires planning and attention to detail. Whether you’re moving it to a new part of the job site or bringing home a load of wood from Hughes Lumber, follow these safety practices.
• Use the right equipment. When transporting lumber, using the best equipment ensures efficiency and safety. For heavy loads and large quantities, a truck, trailer, or specialized vehicle will provide the space and payload capacity you need. For small quantities, or when moving lumber by hand, a cart or dolly will make things easier. As you handle individual boards, use gloves and lifting straps to improve grip strength and reduce injury risk.
• Secure the load. Another aspect of safe lumber transport is securing the load. Whether you’re moving a few pieces or a truckload, use ropes, straps, or tie-downs to keep wood from shifting in transit. For long or large pieces, additional support may be needed.
• Protect wood from the elements. Sunlight, snow, and rain can affect lumber quality. If you’re moving a load in poor weather, use plastic sheeting or tarps to cover it. With waterproof but breathable coverings, you’ll protect the lumber from rot, mildew, and mold.
By following these tips, you can protect the lumber you’ve bought and maximize the value of your investment.
Safe Lumber Storage
Once the lumber reaches its destination, proper storage is just as important. Storing wood correctly keeps it in good condition and ready to use in construction projects.
• Keep it off the ground. To prevent moisture damage, rot, and warping, store lumber off the ground. Use shelves, racks, or pallets to elevate the wood, keep it dry, and allow air to circulate.
• Stack it properly. Lumber must be stacked for proper airflow. For safe storage, put small pieces of wood (sometimes called stickers) between layers of usable lumber. This ensures good air movement and reduces the risk of moisture damage. Finally, keep stacks stable, level, and balanced.
• Control the climate. If you’re storing valuable or high-quality wood, keep it in a climate-controlled environment. Humidity and temperature shifts may lead to cracking, warping, and growth of mold, but indoor storage minimizes the effects of exposure.
• Rotate stock. Proper stock rotation is a crucial factor in safe lumber storage. The “first in, first out” principle ensures that old wood is used before fresh pieces, preventing deterioration and ensuring quality results.
To keep your lumber safe during storage and transport, avoid dragging it. By carrying and lifting instead of dragging, you’ll minimize damage and keep products in top condition. Inspect wood before moving or using it, and always handle it with care.
Follow These Tips for Safe Lumber Moving and Storage
Safe handling of wood during storage and transport preserves its quality and ensures workers’ safety. By using equipment and securing loads properly, and by storing wood correctly, you’ll keep lumber in good condition and ready for upcoming projects.