Rough Lumber Shrinkage: What Builders Should Expect

Rough cut lumber behaves differently than planed lumber.

If you’re building in the Ottawa Valley climate, understanding shrinkage matters.

Alice Forestry Company supplies rough lumber across Alice, Round Lake, Rankin, Eganville, Pembroke, Petawawa, Cobden, Beachburg, Westmeath, Micksburg, Killaloe and Osceola.

Why Wood Shrinks

Wood loses moisture as it dries, especially during seasonal changes.

What That Means for Builders

• Expect slight dimensional changes

• Leave spacing for exterior siding

• Plan fastening accordingly

Understanding natural movement prevents long-term structural issues.