If I want to use maple wood to build, do I need to use dry wood?
by
Sue Fadness
Do I wait for wood to dry first or should I seal and stain? The wood is from our maple trees that we lost in a big storm!
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Hi Sue, the does need to be dry first or it will warp with time from the moisture in the boards. Here is a video on how to cure you maple so you can use it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2NE92rNyTY
Wood moisture will cause cracks, checks, and warping. You will waste time not letting it dry with air-flow around the wood. Go to a woodworking magazine site and do a search on drying wood. Many wood turners will turn green wood to a rough shape and then put it in a sealed bag with wood chips and let it sit for a long time - maybe a year before completing the turning.
Yes wood has to be dried. Takes a very long time.