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Green Lumber

4/24/2018

7 Comments

 
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Perhaps you have heard the term “green lumber” before but are not sure what it is. Green lumber is also referred to as wet lumber. As the latter name would suggest it is wood with a high moisture content that is used in construction. 

As we would expect from a living thing, a freshly cut tree naturally contains a lot of water. The term ‘free water’ is used for water that has collected in the cells of the wood. After the tree has been cut down, this water will gradually evaporate until it reaches the same water content level of its surroundings. This is known as equilibrium moisture content, or EMC.

Obviously then, the longer this wood is left before it is used for construction etc. the dryer it will become, and better for use. This is not the case with green lumber however. After it has been processed, the wood is often stored in plastic wrapping until it is ready for use. This hampers the evaporation process, so the wood still has a higher moisture content when it is used.

Areas such as Arizona and parts of California often use this type of wood for construction as it dries out quicker in hotter places.

The reason green lumber is used comes down to the price. It normally costs less and is a softer wood, making it easier to cut and put nails into without it splitting.

We might ask then, is green lumber a better option than kiln dried wood? We will discuss this in a future article.

7 Comments
Michael link
11/4/2021 01:13:16 am

Great Article! Thank you for sharing this very informative post, and looking forward to the latest one.

Reply
Orlando Tree Service link
5/11/2023 10:20:12 am

This article provides an informative explanation of green lumber and its characteristics. It is interesting to learn that green lumber is cheaper and easier to cut compared to kiln dried wood. However, the article leaves readers wondering if using green lumber is a good option for construction. I look forward to reading the next article on this topic.

Reply
Tree Surgeon Eye link
1/10/2024 01:11:54 am

Interesting information about "green lumber"! The explanation of its high moisture content and the impact of the evaporation process on its usability provides valuable insights into the construction industry's use of this type of wood.

Reply
Tree Surgeon Felixstowe link
1/20/2024 04:48:34 am

This explanation of green lumber is helpful, especially for those new to construction materials. The insight into moisture content, the drying process, and its use in specific regions provides a clear overview.

Reply
Tree Surgeon Wickham Market link
1/22/2024 05:08:10 am

This is helpful and interesting, thanks for sharing! Understanding the concept of green lumber and its high moisture content sheds light on its usage in construction. The explanation of equilibrium moisture content (EMC) adds clarity to the wood's drying process.

Reply
TREE SURGERY WROXHAM, NORFOLK link
4/9/2024 02:39:02 am

This overview of green lumber is particularly beneficial, especially for individuals who are new to construction materials. The explanation regarding moisture content, the drying process, and its regional applications offers a comprehensive understanding.

Reply
TREE SURGERY LODDON, NORFOLK link
7/14/2024 09:27:00 pm

Thanks for sharing this information! It's fascinating to learn how moisture content affects wood and why green lumber is often used in certain regions.

Reply



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    Mike McFadden, Company Owner & Certified Master Home Inspector

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