What distance should timber be placed apart to allow air flow and drying?

• A. 9 feet
• B. 3 feet
• C. 6 feet
• D. 12 feet

Answer: (C)

Air flow around timber is what drives drying. Leaving a six-foot gap between stacks lets air move freely through and around the piles, carrying moisture away and promoting more even drying. If timber is placed too close, air is restricted, moisture stays trapped, and rot or mold can develop. Spacing around six feet hits a practical balance between good ventilation and storage efficiency, while going much larger wastes space without adding much drying benefit. In practice, elevate the timber on spacers to create clear air channels beneath and between layers for best drying.