If you’re planning to build a home, there are plenty of things to think about. One of those things is what type of building materials you’ll use. Some contractors will recommend the use of green lumber to help drive the material costs lower. Green lumber is wood that’s used in construction that has a moisture content greater than 19%. In certain circumstances, this could be fine, and maybe the cost savings is important enough to justify it. However, some things might cause you to avoid the use of green lumber.
For example, in most climates, the moisture in the wood will eventually dissipate into the air. As this happens, the wood begins to shrink and can lead to issues like nail popping and gaps in the exterior trim. In other cases, the moisture content of the wood may cause mold growth even before the build is completed. Additionally, green lumber can be much harder to paint, and sap or other liquids may start to seep from it over time.
