The storage of round logs before and after sawing is critical to maintain the quality of the wood and prevent issues like cracking, warping, or insect infestation.
Here are best practices and recommended durations for keeping the logs:
Before Sawing: Storage of Round Logs
Recommended Duration:
- Logs can typically be stored for 3 to 6 months before sawing, depending on environmental conditions.
- However, for best results, it is ideal to saw the logs within 2 to 3 months to minimize risks like moisture loss, fungal growth, or insect attacks.
Storage Practices:
- Shade and Ventilation: Store logs in a shaded area with good air circulation to reduce direct sun exposure, which can cause cracking or drying too quickly.
- Moisture Retention: Keep logs moist by spraying them with water or covering them with wet burlap or tarpaulins, especially in dry climates. This helps maintain moisture content and prevent surface cracking.
- Stacking: Place logs off the ground using sleepers or pallets to avoid direct contact with soil, which can lead to fungal and insect infestations. Use spacers for proper stacking to improve airflow.
- End-Sealing: Apply end-sealants (wax or specialized wood sealers) to prevent rapid moisture loss from the log ends, which can lead to end splits and cracks.
Inspection:
Conduct regular checks for signs of decay, mold, or insect activity, and take immediate action if any issues are detected.
After Sawing: Storage of Sawn Timber
Recommended Duration:
- Sawn timber should be processed further (dried or treated) as soon as possible after cutting. Ideally, it should not be left untreated for more than 1 to 2 weeks, especially in humid climates.
- If drying or treatment is delayed, proper stacking and temporary protection are essential.
Storage Practices:
- Stacking for Air-Drying: Arrange sawn timber in stacks with spacers (stickers) between each layer to promote airflow. Ensure that the stack is level and stable.
- Protect from Rain and Sun: Cover the stacks with a waterproof tarp or store them in a covered shed to protect against rain and direct sunlight, which can lead to uneven drying and defects like warping.
- Avoid Ground Contact: Keep stacks elevated off the ground using pallets or blocks to prevent moisture absorption and insect infestation.
- Treat Immediately: If impregnation or kiln drying is planned, schedule the process without delay to preserve the wood\u2019s quality and prevent decay.
Moisture Monitoring:
For air-drying, regularly check the moisture content using a moisture meter. The target is to reduce the moisture content to around 8-12%, depending on the intended use of the wood.
Additional Tips for Saw Millers
Weather Considerations:
In humid or rainy seasons, ensure logs and sawn timber are stored in covered, ventilated spaces to prevent fungal and mold growth.
Use of Chemicals:
If logs need to be stored for an extended period, consider treating them with anti-fungal and anti-insect agents to minimize risks.
Processing Schedule:
Plan the sawing schedule based on demand and drying/treatment capacity to avoid unnecessary delays in processing.
Final Statement:
Finally, Proper storage of round logs and sawn timber is essential to maintain wood quality and avoid financial losses. Following these guidelines will help ensure that the material remains in optimal condition for furniture production or other uses.
Engr. Md Rubel Rana is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the furniture manufacturing industry. He specializes in solid wood furniture production for both domestic and export markets. Rubel has worked closely with renowned international buyers like Ashley Homestore, MEVA, and Hillsdale, delivering high-quality, export-ready products.
With expertise in manufacturing, technical processes, and industry best practices, he is passionate about optimizing production systems and ensuring global standards in furniture design and quality. Rubel’s experience includes setting up and managing export-oriented factories and guiding businesses to thrive in competitive markets.
Beyond manufacturing, he enjoys sharing his knowledge through writing and consulting, aiming to inspire innovation and growth in the furniture sector.
