Hey everyone! I'm new to woodworking and gearing up for my first major project: building a double cat tower for my two kitties. I have access to a lot of affordable wood from local sources, but it's mostly rough sawn and either air dried or green lumber. I've read that kiln-dried lumber is the go-to for projects, but I'm wondering if I really need that for what I'm building.
I have a couple of specific concerns: (1) what's the deal with using rough sawn lumber? Is it just about the unevenness, or are there other reasons to avoid it for indoor projects? And (2) for air dried lumber, I'm worried about its moisture content. I've heard it can be higher than ideal for indoor use, leading to warping and cracking. I know I can use a moisture meter, but should I just avoid anything less than perfect? I really want the cat tower to be safe and sturdy, so any insights would be super helpful!
2 Answers
Rough sawn lumber can be tricky but isn’t inherently bad for your project. As you mentioned, it’s uneven and won't be as smooth or square as finished lumber, which can make for a tough time assembling your tower. You might want to consider finishing it yourself if you go this route. Just be aware that splinters can be an issue, so sanding is key.
Regarding air dried wood, ensuring it's dried properly is crucial—too much moisture can lead to mold or deformities over time. As long as you're mindful of that and choose wood that's been dried well, it should work fine for your cat tower.
You’ve got some good points! Rough sawn lumber is indeed common among woodworkers, who typically use tools to make it more uniform. Just keep in mind that green wood is still high in moisture and will change shape as it dries, leading to issues down the road. It’s like trying to bake bread with wheat stalks instead of flour!
Air dried lumber can be okay, but it might have a higher moisture percentage than what’s ideal for a stable indoor project. If you're looking for longevity and less hassle, kiln-dried lumber is definitely the way to go, as it dries faster and tends to be more stable. But if you're set on what you found, just keep an eye on the moisture levels!