Ask a Woodworker
What is the best way to store walnut boards for a while until I'm ready to use it for a dining room table?
This is a common point of discussion (often arguments) among woodworkers
and the people whose job it is to handle and store wood. It shouldn't
make a difference "how" you orient the wood in storage. What does
matter is keeping it dry. If it is dry, it won't warp. If you have wet
stock, or if dry stock gets wet, it will warp.
The matter of "dry" is a little more scientific. If you are a real
stickler, you need to get a moisture meter and read up on proper lumber
drying procedures.
Bottom line: If you store in a dry place in whatever manner is best for
that "space" and "insulate" the wood from concrete or another material
that could conduct (or expose it to) moisture to the walnut(e.g. using
scrap 4x4s spaced every 12-16") you should be fine. You are gonna want
to run the stuff through a planer and a jointer when it comes time to
build and that will take care of any minor (natural) distortion.
BTW – You should be aware that walnut is a "sensitizer" of both skin
and eyes from handling the wood and from the dust. Use dust mask when
sawing, routing, sanding, etc.
Suggested reading:
Dining Tables: Outstanding Projects from America's Best Craftsmen
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