Have you checked your lumber moisture content? Wood that's too wet or unevenly dried can warp on you pretty quick...but yeah, reclaimed wood definitely has its charm—imperfections and all. Sometimes straight-ish is good enough, right?
Checking moisture content is definitely a step worth taking—especially if you're using reclaimed lumber. I've found that even wood that's been drying for ages can still have hidden pockets of moisture that cause headaches down the line. Last summer, I built a small shed using some reclaimed barn wood. Thought it was bone dry at first glance, but a few boards twisted noticeably after installation. Lesson learned, I guess.
On the other hand, I do think there's something appealing about walls or structures that aren't perfectly straight. A slight bow or curve can add character, particularly in rustic or farmhouse-style builds. But there's a fine line between charming imperfections and structural headaches...straight-ish can quickly turn into crooked-as-heck if you're not careful.
I'm curious—have you noticed any particular wood species being more prone to warping than others? I've heard mixed things about pine versus hardwoods in terms of stability. Would be interesting to hear your experiences with different lumber types and how they behaved over time.
You're definitely right about reclaimed lumber—it's tricky stuff. I've also noticed pine being particularly temperamental. Built a pergola from pine a few years back, carefully checked moisture levels and everything, yet some beams still twisted noticeably within weeks... Hardwood like oak or maple has generally behaved better for me, but even then, there's no guarantee. Wood just seems to have a mind of its own sometimes. I agree though, slight imperfections can add charm—as long as they're not compromising the structure.
I've found that the trickiest part is often how it's stored before you even get it. Sometimes lumber yards stack wood unevenly or expose it to moisture, and by the time you buy it, it's already set to warp. I usually let mine acclimate on-site for a week or two, stacked flat with spacers between boards—helps a lot with stability. Still, like you said, wood's gonna do what wood's gonna do...
Yeah, lumber yards can be a real wildcard. I once had a batch delivered that looked perfect at first glance, but after a few days onsite, half the stack twisted into pretzels. Your approach of letting it acclimate with spacers is spot-on—it's saved me headaches more times than I can count. Still, sometimes you just gotta embrace the quirks and work around them. Keeps things interesting, right?
