Drying Damp floorboards

[jonnypron]

I have purchased new scaffold boards which I intended to lay as floorboards in a garden studio, but when they arrived I noticed they seemed quite damp and some heavy. Obviously rained on for a while. I’ve stored them stacked with ventilated gaps, but now it’s not summer they don’t seem to be drying out.

Moisture sensor says 35% average. I don’t really want to lay them and screw them down only for them to warp when they dry out and shrink.

What’s an acceptable moisture content in wood for this use? I need to sand them too so the dryer the better.

How well will a dehumidifier work and will I need to heat the room to get the moisture out as well?

Any advice much appreciated

Thanks

 

[big-all]

you need around 12-16 moisture in a non heated room and about 10-12% in a cool but occasion 15-18degree temperature
this can take several weeks off fully protected from rain with air dried timber

 

[jonnypron]

you need around 12-16 moisture in a non heated room and about 10-12% in a cool but occasion 15-18degree temperature
this can take several weeks off fully protected from rain with air dried timber

Thanks - I was concerned it would take a few weeks. Maybe a dehumidifier will cut the time somewhat?

 

[big-all]

better to do it slowly
you may be fine with a dehumidifier but good ventilation airflow and no more than low background heat tends to reduce cupping twisting and warping
what is your reason for choosing scaffold boards ??

 

[jonnypron]

better to do it slowly
you may be fine with a dehumidifier but good ventilation airflow and no more than low background heat tends to reduce cupping twisting and warping
what is your reason for choosing scaffold boards ??

Cost mostly (and thickness) as they were around £10 each. I’d seen them used somewhere else and they look pretty good after some osmo oil too. Obv if I knew they were damp I’d have sourced some elsewhere!

 

[big-all]

because they are so chunky you will need longer for them to dry properly
also because they are 9" wide the shrinkage will be greater
if a gap free floor is essential then waiting till they are dry enough is essential

 

[jonnypron]

because they are so chunky you will need longer for them to dry properly
also because they are 9" wide the shrinkage will be greater
if a gap free floor is essential then waiting till they are dry enough is essential

OK, thanks for all the advice. Actually do want some gaps, but if I do 2/3mm now I don't want that to turn to 8mm gaps, so will give them some decent drying out time.