Howdy Elliott, I'm Coach Dave and I work for The Home Depot. Your question on preventing cupping lumber is very common, just ask most contractors. If you are buying construction grade lumber like 2X4 just take a few easy steps.
1) Pick the lumber up and see if it's real heavy, sticky, or wet. If it is that means it isn't dry yet so keep looking for better pieces.
2) Look down the side of the lumber from one side to see if it is straight. Remember, for the most part once lumber is warped it stays that way.
Lumber should be properly stored with support to prevent cupping in the first place just like the picture below.
In my experience, if you buy more lumber than you need establishments like The Home Depot will gladly take back any unused warped lumber.
I hope this information helps you with your "cupping lumber" concerns.
Yours Respectfully,
Coach Dave
1) Pick the lumber up and see if it's real heavy, sticky, or wet. If it is that means it isn't dry yet so keep looking for better pieces.
2) Look down the side of the lumber from one side to see if it is straight. Remember, for the most part once lumber is warped it stays that way.
Lumber should be properly stored with support to prevent cupping in the first place just like the picture below.
In my experience, if you buy more lumber than you need establishments like The Home Depot will gladly take back any unused warped lumber.
I hope this information helps you with your "cupping lumber" concerns.
Yours Respectfully,
Coach Dave
