preventing mold from forming on drying logs

[Daniel]

Hi,

I managed to pick up some 0.75-1 ft long sections of pine logs a month or two ago. I put them in the garage to dry but the ends are starting to mold quite heavily, esp if I put something on top of the cut end (restricted airflow). Even propped up sections which should have airflow have shown some slight mold growth.

Does mold usually form on lumber as it's drying? Is there some way to prevent it? I used a hose to clean off as much as I could, then I poured some bleach on the mold and hopefully that will kill what's there so far.

Thanks for any suggestions you have.

- Daniel

[Phisherman]

Your logs are too damp. Increase air circulation (slightly). I prefer to dry my logs at least a foot up off the floor.

[George]

Now you know why they cut it into boards, then dry it. Your efforts should be directed at taking away either the moisture >prevent it? I used a hose to clean off as much as I could, then I

[Fred the Red Shirt]

Normally the endgrain of lumber is sealed so that it does not dry too much faster than the middle of the wood--resulting in checking.

Painting it with melted parrafin is probably the best way to seal it, shellac is good too. Latex paint is perhaps the worst.

Clorine bleach is quite deadly to mold, though it may turn the mold black rather than 'bleach' it. Even a realtively weak solution wiped on the moldy parts should kill it dead.