Acclimating lumber

[John Crough]

I just got some nice quarter sawn white oak that is a at 6-8% and I am wondering how long I should let it acclimate before using it. I live in Ohio and this time of year we have relatively low humidity, but will start to increase as spring continues and the temps rise. My basement where the wood is being stored is relatively dry with low moisture. The reason I have to ask is that most of the time my wood has been down in the basement at least a year before I use it, so I kind of forgot how long wood should acclimate and I don’t own a moisture meter yet. I’m going to put it good use and build a Stickley Prairie Chair. :D Thanks for any info.

[Lance Norris]

I would say several weeks should be good. I build lots of bandsawn boxes and if I bring a box up out of my shop overnight, the fit of the lid will change, but a day back in the shop and it fits good again. I would think it depends on how thick your wood is also.