I’ve done it a couple times when I had no choice, and the boards still moved a bit, especially with softer woods like pine. The old-growth stuff in these older homes really does seem to stay stra...
I get what you’re saying about kiln-dried being more predictable, but I’ve actually had some kiln-dried stuff twist on me too, especially if it wasn’t stored right at the yard. With air-drying, at least you know exactly how it’s been handled. Plus, if you stack and sticker it well and keep it out of direct sun, you can get pretty decent results—especially with hardwoods. It’s definitely not for everyone, but I wouldn’t write it off as just “hit or miss.” Sometimes the slow way pays off.
I totally hear you on the air-drying side. I’ve been trying to source some reclaimed oak for a built-in, and I ended up with a batch that was air-dried in someone’s barn for YEARS. Like, the guy literally had it stacked up since the early 2000s. Honestly, I was skeptical, but after planing and jointing, those boards were straighter than some of the kiln-dried “premium” stuff I picked up at the big box store.
I get where you’re coming from:
With air-drying, at least you know exactly how it’s been handled. Plus, if you stack and sticker it well and keep it out of direct sun, you can get pretty decent results—especially with hardwoods.
The only thing I’ll add is that I’ve noticed some woods (like maple) seem to move no matter what you do. Maybe it’s just bad luck or humidity swings in my area? Either way, I’m starting to think patience is underrated when it comes to lumber. The eco-friendly stuff is pricier, but if you can find local sources or salvage old boards, sometimes you get way better quality for less money... if you’re willing to put in the work.
I know what you mean about maple—mine always seems to cup or twist no matter how careful I am with storage. It’s wild how “premium” kiln-dried can be a letdown compared to old air-dried stuff. I’ve had the best luck tracking down local salvage yards or even old barns being torn down. The upfront work’s a pain, but the price and quality are hard to beat if you’re willing to do the cleanup and prep. I do wish eco-friendly wasn’t basically code for “pay twice as much” though.
- Totally get the pain with “eco-friendly” meaning “wallet-unfriendly.”
- Maple’s a heartbreaker. I swear, I baby my boards and they still end up looking like potato chips half the time.
- Salvage yards are a goldmine if you don’t mind a little tetanus risk and a lot of elbow grease. I once spent an entire Saturday pulling nails out of what turned out to be the straightest, prettiest old oak planks I’ve ever found. Worth it? My back says no, but my wallet says yes.
- The “premium” kiln-dried stuff always seems to have a surprise or two—warps, weird stains, or that one board that’s just... off.
- I do wonder if part of the eco markup is just because they know folks like us will pay it to feel less guilty.
- Sometimes I think about just planting a tree and waiting 30 years. Cheaper in the long run, right?
- Anyway, if anyone figures out how to get good, green lumber without selling a kidney, let me know. Until then, guess I’ll keep chasing barn demolitions and hoping for the best.
I hear you on the eco markup—sometimes I think the “green” label is just a license to print money. If you’re willing to do some legwork, local tree services sometimes have logs they’ll basically give away. Milling’s a pain, but you can get amazing stuff for next to nothing. Just depends how much sweat equity you’re willing to trade for savings.