Impatient for simple project

Submitted by Wifey on Thu, 03/20/2014 - 14:32

I have a friend who would really like me to build her a simple ladder. The link is here:

http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2013/12/10-wooden-blanket-ladder.html

I purchased lumber today and it feels fairly cool to the touch. We live in the Southern California desert area with average humidity of 15-20%.

I really want to start the project but I wanted to know if I should wait for the lumber to dry a while before I start to cut or can I start cutting it now and then let the cut pieces dry for a day or so and then build and stain.

I don't want it to shrink and split after she gets it home, but I'm eager to start working on it.

Thanks so much!!

JeremyFox

Fri, 03/21/2014 - 14:35

Hi,
If you bought your lumber from a DIY store or lumber yard it should be "kiln dried", which means it should have about 20% moisture content. It's a good idea to cut the lumber to the right length, then bring it inside for a few days before you start assembling the ladder anyway.
If you think it's very wet, then cut it to length and bring it inside for at least a week before you start assembling. Wood shrinks mostly across the width and thickness so cutting to the right length won't do any harm.

Good luck!

Jeremy
www.abcofwoodwork.com

jhavinga

Fri, 03/21/2014 - 15:38

what always works for me is to bring any wood inside my home and lay them on a flat surface in the room they will reside in. allowing the moisture left in the wood to flee the scene. Then I cut to size. no shrinking issues so far.

jhavinga

Fri, 03/21/2014 - 15:38

what always works for me is to bring any wood inside my home and lay them on a flat surface in the room they will reside in. allowing the moisture left in the wood to flee the scene. Then I cut to size. no shrinking issues so far.