How to Make Stickers for Air Drying Lumber

Lumber that has been freshly cut requires a special method of stacking to keep the wood from checking, cracking and bowing. The use of stickers is the easier way to stack lumber so that it air dries evenly. Stickers should always be made from the same species of wood that is being stacked.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 1” thick boards
• Table saw

1. Determine how many stickers you will need to stack the amount of fresh lumber you have. Stickers should be placed across the boards at 12 – 14 inch intervals.
2. Set aside enough 1” thick boards to make the number of stickers you need.
3. Set the table saw fence to allow for 1” cuts.
4. Run a 1” thick board lengthwise through the table saw, getting as many 1” x 1” sticks as possible.
5. Cut each sticker in half and begin stacking your lumber leaving a one inch gap between boards.

Tips & Warnings

• Stickers can be over and over again.
• Use 2 X 4’s on the bottom of the stack to keep the entire stack off the ground and allow airflow through the bottom of the stack.
• Stickers can be purchased at many sawmills and lumberyards, but are highly prized and may be expensive.
• Even if you plan to kiln dry your lumber, it should still be stickered when stacked.
• Air dried wood can take a year or more to become stable for woodworking or building projects.
• Pick up an expensive moisture meter to help you determine when the lumber is sufficiently dried.
• Always follow shop safety precautions when making stickers on the table saw. Wear safety glasses at all time.