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Struggling to keep walls straight when building with lumber

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Posts: 7
(@rskater30)
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I've actually experimented with indoor storage a bit, mostly out of necessity rather than planning ahead. Had a project delayed once, and ended up stacking a bunch of kiln-dried lumber in my garage for about two weeks. Honestly, I didn't notice a huge difference compared to outdoor covered storage. Maybe slightly fewer warped boards, but nothing dramatic enough to make me commit garage space regularly.

But your point about pressure-treated lumber is spot on—it's always been more unpredictable for me too. I've started being extra picky at the lumber yard, checking each board carefully before loading up. Even then, there's always that one sneaky board that looks fine at first but twists later on...

Makes me wonder if humidity control indoors might be the key factor? Maybe if you had a climate-controlled basement or something it could help stabilize things better? But then again, that feels like a lot of extra hassle just to avoid a couple warped studs.

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(@anime357)
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Humidity control definitely helps, but you'd probably need more than just a basic basement setup to see a noticeable difference. I've used climate-controlled spaces for lumber storage before on larger jobs, and it does reduce warping—especially over longer storage periods. But yeah, for shorter-term storage like a couple weeks, the difference isn't huge. Ever thought about using engineered studs for critical areas instead? They're pricier, but I've found they save headaches in spots where straightness is essential.

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rmusician25
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(@rmusician25)
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Yeah, engineered studs are definitely worth considering—especially for critical spots like kitchens or rooms with built-ins. I've had a few projects where standard lumber twisted just enough to mess up cabinetry alignment later on... total nightmare. Engineered studs saved me there, even though the upfront cost stung a bit. Curious though, has anyone tried kiln-dried framing lumber? Heard it's supposed to be more stable, but haven't used it myself yet.

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ben_allen6823
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(@ben_allen6823)
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I've used kiln-dried lumber a couple of times, and honestly, it did seem to stay straighter overall. Didn't have nearly as many issues with warping or twisting down the line. Cost-wise, it's somewhere between regular lumber and engineered studs, so it could be a good compromise if you're budget-conscious but still want quality. Has anyone noticed if kiln-dried lumber holds up better in humid climates? Curious if it makes much difference there...

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(@phoenixrebel53)
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Kiln-dried lumber definitely helps in humid areas, in my experience. I've built a few homes in pretty damp climates, and the kiln-dried stuff just seems to handle moisture fluctuations better. Regular lumber can soak up humidity and twist or bow over time, but kiln-dried stays more stable overall. Of course, nothing's totally foolproof—still gotta store it properly and let it acclimate a bit before framing—but it's a solid choice if you're dealing with humidity issues regularly. Sounds like you're already on the right track though...

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