Plywood is a popularly used building material in the construction industry.
Its strength, durability, and affordability make it an ideal choice among builders and craftsmen alike.
However, proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and integrity of plywood sheets, ensuring they remain usable for your projects.
In this blog, we’ll explore some essential tips for storing plywood to prevent warping, damage, and deterioration.
Choose the Right Location
Always opt for a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Exposure to moisture can lead to warping and delamination of plywood sheets, causing them to be unfit for use.
A temperature-controlled environment, such as a garage or a shed, is ideal for storing plywood.
Keep it Flat and Supported
Stacking plywood sheets horizontally on a flat, level surface ensures even weight distribution and minimizes the risk of warping.
Also, provide adequate support underneath the entire stack to prevent sagging or bending of the bottom sheets.
Use Spacer Strips
To further protect plywood sheets from damage, consider placing spacer strips between each layer when stacking multiple sheets.
These spacer strips, typically made of lumber or plywood scraps, help distribute weight evenly and reduce the risk of compression damage along the edges and corners of the sheets.
Here are the steps to make plywood spacers:
- Use sturdy plywood sheets of uniform thickness. Measure and mark the desired width and length for the spacers. Cut the plywood along the marked lines using a saw.
- Sand the edges of the plywood spacers to remove any roughness or splinters, ensuring they won’t damage the plywood sheets during storage.
- Apply paint or sealant to the plywood spacers for added protection against moisture and to match your storage area’s aesthetics. Allow the paint or sealant to dry completely before use.
- Stack the plywood spacers between plywood sheets during storage to allow for proper airflow and ventilation. Regularly inspect and replace damaged spacers to support your plywood stack consistently.
Avoid Ground Contact
Direct contact with the ground can expose plywood to moisture, pests, and other potential hazards.
Always keep plywood sheets off the ground using pallets, blocks, or other sturdy supports. This elevation helps improve airflow around the sheets and minimizes the risk of moisture absorption from the ground.
Cover and Protect
While plywood is relatively resilient, it’s still susceptible to damage from dust, debris, and other environmental factors.
Covering plywood stacks with a breathable material, such as a tarp or heavy-duty plastic sheeting, helps shield them from dust and prevents moisture buildup while still allowing air circulation.
Rotate Stock Regularly
If you have a stock of plywood sheets that aren’t being used immediately, make it a habit to rotate them regularly.
By periodically rearranging the stack and using older sheets before newer ones, you ensure that all your plywood inventory gets used, reducing the risk of prolonged storage-related issues.
Inspect for Damage
Before using stored plywood for a project, take the time to inspect each sheet for any signs of damage, warping, or moisture absorption.
Discard any sheets that show visible signs of deterioration to prevent compromising the structural integrity of your projects.
Consider Climate Control
In regions with extreme temperature or humidity fluctuations, investing in climate-controlled storage options, such as a dehumidifier or air conditioner, can help maintain stable conditions and reduce the risk of moisture-related damage to plywood.
The Final Words
Proper storage practices are essential for maintaining the quality and usability of plywood sheets.
To maintain a long-lasting life span for your plywood, it is important to follow these measures.
What’s the big deal about this? A little care and attention during storage can go a long way in preserving the integrity of your plywood and maximising its lifespan.
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