Oak mantles

[concept L]

2 Red oak mantle blanks for sale ( 1 sold) 6" x 10" x 7 feet, milled in Durham 10/24/23.

$190 each

 

[kelLOGg]

Still stickered. When were they milled? What is moisture content?

 

[concept L]

They were milled yesterday. So moisture is high. They are exposed to Southern sunlight and are starting to dry immediately. I think they probably need a couple months of daily sunlight before they've gotten to a moisture level low enough to install

 

[blackhawk]

They were milled yesterday. So moisture is high. They are exposed to Southern sunlight and are starting to dry immediately. I think they probably need a couple months of daily sunlight before they've gotten to a moisture level low enough to install

You need to get them out of the sun ASAP. Oak needs to dry slowly to prevent major cracking. They need to be in a shady area with a cover to keep the rain and direct sunlight off of them.

 

[kelLOGg]

And it will probably take 3 years to air dry and it still may crack when indoors. Beams are slow dryers.

 

[Rwe2156]

No it will take a lot longer than that!! You're looking at 3-4 years for acclimation, and yes, you need to get them out of the sun immediately. When they go inside a house "stuff" is going to happen for another year or two at least. White oak is notorious for moving and checking.

As they dry, odds are very high they are going to check and crack, sealing the ends will help with that.

I'd consider building a small solar kiln.

 

[concept L]

You need to get them out of the sun ASAP. Oak needs to dry slowly to prevent major cracking. They need to be in a shady area with a cover to keep the rain and direct sunlight off of them.

OK thanks for the heads up. Will do