Storing Plywood Questions

[Squid Billy]

A couple of questions regarding the handling of plywood;

I'm going to be using plywood to redo my deck, stringers and transom and was wondering a few questions.

1). How long should it dry that "I" know of?
2). How should they be stored to prevent warping?

I am leaning a little getting 3/4" CDX for the stringers and 2 layers for the transom and 1/2" CDX for the deck, ... maybe 5/8" depending on the added strength I would get out of having that extra 1/8".

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Storing Plywood Questions

With CDX, it should not take that long to "DRY OUT" it is not treated so I would say only about a week or two. Others may know more...

As for storing, laying flat on the floor would be my best thoughts. If it leans against a wall, it will warp for sure.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Storing Plywood Questions

Ayuh,.... I agree,... CDX is usually pretty dry when I get it,... Even rained on, it dries quite Quickly...
And, even though it's probably the Worst way to promote Drying,...
Flat on a level wooden floor is the Best way to store it..

I like your choices, With glass,+ resin, the better finishes are a waste of money...
You will find the 5/8" to be firmer underfoot, but not really worth it over 1/2"....
Especially because your glass,+ resin coating it anyways,+ it adds Plenty of stiffness,+ strength....

 

[Squid Billy]

Re: Storing Plywood Questions

Thanks guys,

In my situation, I have absolutely nowhere to store it laying flat on the ground unless I slide them under my bed (Cal King) which I am sure is also completely out of the question "if" you know what I mean!

Does anything else come to mind?

How about suspension with 2x4's stapled to them one horizontal on one side and the other side with a vertical 2x4 to help keep them straight?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Storing Plywood Questions

Does anything else come to mind?

Ayuh,... Have to got a wall you could cleat 'em too,..??
Cleat 'em up Tight, so they're perfectly vertical, rather than leaning...

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Storing Plywood Questions

A few people here were fortunate enough to have clear wall space with exposed studs and used screws and hung the plywood until it was time. It stayed dry and flat.

 

[moonfish]

Re: Storing Plywood Questions

You can lean it but it needs some supports so it can't sag in the middle. Don't store wood on concrete. It absorbs moisture from below.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Storing Plywood Questions

block between floor and wood. cut some 2x4 4 ft long, lean them against the wall, each end and then 2 ft apart, lean wood against it.

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Storing Plywood Questions

block between floor and wood. cut some 2x4 4 ft long, lean them against the wall, each end and then 2 ft apart, lean wood against it.

Yep, that will work too. Not AS GOOD as flat on the floor, but next best thing. Biggest issue is providing the support so that they can't sag...

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: Storing Plywood Questions

The local boat repair shop uses vertical storage racks. Each slot is about 12" wide so that 12" is the max slope with just one sheet in a slot. But the ply is allready dried since it's a high quality marine ply and they have to guarantee their work.