How you store timber on delivery day has a huge impact on how it performs later. Warping, twisting, surface mould, and uneven drying are rarely manufacturing issues — they’re usually storage issues.
This checklist explains how to store outdoor timber correctly before you build, whether it’s fencing, decking, or landscaping materials. A small amount of care at this stage can save time, waste, and frustration later.
If you’re ordering bulky materials, it’s worth checking Delivery Information in advance so you’re ready when timber arrives.
Before the lorry arrives: prepare the storage area
Timber should never be left directly on the ground. Before delivery:
- Clear a flat area close to where you’ll be working
- Lay down bearers, pallets, or treated timbers to raise packs off the ground
- Avoid low spots where water collects
This applies to everything from Fence Panels to Structural Timber.
On delivery: check and stack properly
When your timber arrives:
- Stack timber flat and evenly supported
- Keep boards aligned, not leaning against walls or fences
- Avoid uneven stacks that allow timber to sag
Long items such as decking boards or rails should be supported along their length to prevent bowing.
Keep timber off the ground at all times
Ground contact is the fastest way to introduce excess moisture. Even pressure-treated timber benefits from being kept dry before installation.
This is especially important for:
- Decking Boards
- Fence rails and boards
- Cut lengths from Treated Sawn Timber
Cover — but don’t trap moisture
Timber should be protected from rain, but it still needs airflow.
Best practice:
- Use a breathable cover or loosely draped sheet
- Keep the sides open to allow air circulation
- Avoid wrapping timber tightly in plastic
Fully sealing timber traps moisture and can lead to surface mould or uneven drying.
Separate different timber sizes and products
Mixing heavy structural timber on top of lighter boards can cause distortion.
Where possible:
- Store posts separately from boards
- Keep sleepers stacked on firm bearers
- Avoid crushing thin sections under heavy packs
This is particularly relevant when storing Garden Sleepers alongside lighter materials.
Let timber acclimatise before building
Timber moves as it adjusts to its environment. Allowing time for acclimatisation helps reduce movement after installation.
As a guide:
- Leave timber stacked for a few days before building
- Keep it in the same conditions it will be used in
- Avoid moving from very wet to very dry environments suddenly
Protect cut ends during storage
If timber is cut before installation, the end grain becomes vulnerable.
Good practice includes:
- Stacking cut ends away from standing water
- Keeping them covered but ventilated
- Sealing ends before installation where possible
Common storage mistakes to avoid
- Leaning boards against a wall
- Leaving timber uncovered in prolonged rain
- Storing directly on soil or grass
- Wrapping timber tightly in plastic
Delivery, support, and planning ahead
If you’re unsure how much space you’ll need or how materials will arrive, check Delivery Information before ordering.
If you want advice on storing specific products or planning your build, use Contact Wern-Wood and tell us what you’re working on.
Summary: store it right, build it right
Correct storage is part of the build. Keeping timber flat, dry, ventilated, and off the ground helps ensure fencing, decking, and landscaping projects go together smoothly and last longer.
Browse Fencing, Decking & Landscaping to get started.
