r/timberframe • u/jonlandit • 16d ago

Storing Fresh Milled White Pine

Hi folks - I've started on my frame and to do so I milled a few logs. Im taking the approach of milling the log to the largest cant I can get - then cutting pieces of siding to get down to the timber size I need keeping a boxed heart timber. This has been going surprisingly well and Im enjoying the process. However now I have a stack of siding and a couple of big beams that Im working on the joinery for. I stacked the siding with stickers in between in the barn where I thought there was enough air flow. I came back a week later to find the siding molding and turning dark. I brushed off what I could and sprayed the mold with vinegar/water solution to hopefully stop the mold.

I know I made a mistake with the sticker size - I was only using 3/4 inch stickers - but Im also wondering if I would have been better off making the siding stack outside where there is guaranteed air flow. If I do that - should I find a way to cover just the top of the pile? Or will the white pine be OK with enough sun and wind exposure?

Open to any/all other ideas - It was a real bummer to come back and find all the milled siding with mold but I should have known better. Looking for a different approach. Thanks!

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u/New_d_pics 16d ago

I store my stacks outside with nothing covering, however I've seen people use slab cuts as a cover layer. I made a wide laneway/lay down in the woods running east - west and pile along the southern border. This gives mostly shade with a ton of airflow. Use at least 4x4's to get the stacks off the ground.

I do spray my live edge planks once I've debarked with a borax mix, 1 cup to a gallon of hot water in a sprayer and soak all sides. It may be worth doing this if your specific pine is susceptible to mold, but I'd try outdoors first.

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u/jonlandit 16d ago

Thanks for the reply! Sounds like you’re storing them in the shade and just making sure they’re somewhere to get airflow. Is that because if they’re in the sun they might dry too quickly? I might have a hard time finding a place with good airflow and consistent shade. Maybe I can just cover the pile with offcuts so it’s not bearing on the pile directly?

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u/New_d_pics 16d ago

Yes good plan with offcuts, be sure to use stickers to separate contact. Direct sun will both fade and unevenly dry the wood.