General Woodworking

[Baketech]

Did a little bit of searching, but would like to do some reading about the pros and cons of storing lumber horizontally or vertically. Getting ready to build some storage in a new shop, and need some information and advice...pictures are good too...

Any links to threads or websites would be appreciated... Thanks!

[JL North GA]

I store my lumber horizontally and my sheet goods "vertically".  I use a lumber rack "system" with the standards bolted into a cinderblock wall.  I can store quite a few board feet.  The lumber remains reasonably straight and dry.  A couple of the lumber companies where I buy material store their lumber vertically and their sheet goods horizontally.

The advantages to storing horizontally (IMO) are that if you have multiple levels you can store different species per level - cherry on 1 or 2 levels, maple on another, etc.  You can then store the larger, longer pieces on the bottom of the level and use this as a base on which to put the rest of the species. 

The disadvantages are that it is another horizontal surface in a shop.  It will collect things.  You have to be disciplined - which I am not.  The piece you want will always be on the bottom.

The advantages to storing vertically are that the boards can be segregated as to type and be stored rather compactly.  You can "layer" by size here also.

The disadvantages are that you are limited by the height of your shop ceiling (unless you have a very high ceiling).  Again, the board you want will always be on the bottom or back.  Your lumber isn't as easily "inventoried".  

I can see what sizes of lumber I have (and even the length) at a glance with my horizontal system.  I can't tell the width though.

Good luck in your quest.  I would recommend looking at Lee Valley's storage system.

[-Paladin-]

My main storage is all horizontal, segregated by species. Working storage in the shop is vertical, as generaly I am dealing with shorter stock or random species and cut-offs.

[RussBoyd]

My lumber is horizontal and ply is upright with the 8' edge down. My small pieces of both have "bins" to go in.

[ynoT]

Small shop doesn't offer much ....

Larger, and heavier pieces are stored on shelf. Work at hand is vertical and it doesn't stay there too long.

I really don't stuck too much. I buy when and what i need. Items on shelf don't make money sitting there.

Tony

[LOman]

I store mine vertically seperated by species. For me it's easier to sort through and get out the piece I want. Aren't they always at the bottom. I do keep the bottom ends off the concrete.

[Baketech]

Appreciate the responses. After doing some reading and pondering, we are leaning toward vertical, but would like to know if this poses any problems for longer term storage.

[JL North GA]

So long as you keep the wood off of concrete and store them as at slight angle (say 3-5 degrees from vertical) you should be fine.  As I said, the lumber company I typically deal with stores much of their lumber that way.

That being said, you want the taller, wider pieces in the back.  You probably want some sort of angled bottom with a cleat at the front.

[dpuskar]

I store my lumber horizontally and the disadvantage is they became a shelf for everything in the shop.

Dennis

[RickL]

I store it whichever way is convenient at the time.  This ends up as both ways all the time.  I see no difference in the end.