I'm setting up a raised planter bed and using #2 Ground Contact pine for the structure. Right now, I've got the wood drying out in my basement with dehumidifiers and good airflow. The moisture meter I'm using hits a max of 59% for softwoods, which I expected. I'm wondering if aiming for around 20% moisture content is reasonable for this application. While I'm not overly concerned about minor warping since it's not a fine woodworking project, any advice on acceptable moisture levels would be great!
1 Answer
When it comes to using treated lumber, it’s really important to realize it often arrives pretty soaked due to all the treatments it undergoes. Since your planter bed will be outside and exposed to the weather (and soil that will be regularly watered), some movement is inevitable no matter the starting moisture level. Just make sure to build your design with that in mind!
That makes sense, I won't worry much about it then.