How to Properly Store and Acclimate Your Hardwood Before Starting a Project

When working with premium hardwood from Forest 2 Home, preparation is key to achieving a high-quality, long-lasting result. One of the most critical—yet often overlooked—steps in woodworking is properly storing and acclimating your lumber before getting to work.

Whether you're building a table, crafting cutting boards, or creating custom trim, acclimating your hardwood to its new environment ensures stability, prevents warping, and reduces the risk of cracks and movement after installation. Here's everything you need to know.

Why Acclimation Matters

Wood is hygroscopic, meaning it naturally absorbs and releases moisture based on its environment. Even kiln-dried hardwood—like what you get from Forest 2 Home—can shift if exposed to significantly different humidity or temperature levels.

Failing to acclimate your lumber can lead to:

• Cupping or bowing

• Gaps in joints

• Twisting or cracking

• Loose or tight-fitting parts in finished projects

Proper acclimation allows your hardwood to adjust gradually, reducing the risk of these issues.

Step 1: Inspect Your Delivery

Once your Forest 2 Home order arrives, open the box and inspect the boards for any damage during transit. Our lumber is kiln-dried and precision-milled, so it arrives project-ready—but that doesn't mean it should go straight to the workbench.

Step 2: Choose a Controlled Environment

Store your boards in the same environment where they’ll be used—or as close to it as possible. For most interior projects, that means inside your home or workshop with consistent temperature and humidity.

Avoid:

• Garages, basements, or sheds that are unheated or unventilated

• Storing boards directly on concrete or up against walls

These spaces can introduce unwanted moisture or temperature swings that affect the wood.

Step 3: Allow Time for Acclimation

A general rule of thumb is to allow 5–7 days for boards to acclimate, but this can vary depending on:

• The moisture difference between where the wood came from and where it will be used

• Seasonal changes in temperature and humidity

• The thickness of the boards (thicker boards may take longer)

Forest 2 Home kiln dries wood to a moisture content of 6–8%, ideal for interior projects. If your workspace is very humid or dry, give it extra time.

Step 4: Stack and Sticker the Wood

Proper air circulation is crucial during acclimation. Stack boards flat, with spacers (called stickers) between each layer to allow airflow.

How to do it:

• Use ¾" thick stickers spaced every 12–18 inches along the length

• Keep the stack off the ground using scrap wood or sawhorses

• Align stickers vertically between layers to maintain even pressure and prevent warping

Cover the top of the stack with a board or sheet to keep dust off, but don't wrap the stack in plastic or tarps—this traps moisture.

Step 5: Monitor Moisture Content (Optional but Helpful)

If you're working on a precision project or live in an area with large seasonal swings, consider using a moisture meter to verify the wood is in equilibrium with your space. You’re aiming for a moisture content of 6–9% for indoor projects.

Final Thoughts: Set Yourself Up for Success

Taking the time to store and acclimate your Forest 2 Home lumber properly is a small step that can make a big difference in your final result. By giving the wood a chance to adjust before cutting, gluing, or finishing, you’ll save yourself headaches and ensure your craftsmanship stands the test of time.

Got questions about acclimating a specific species or project type? The Forest 2 Home team is always here to help.

Ready to get started? Shop kiln-dried hardwood lumber today and bring your next woodworking project to life with confidence.