Metal Bars

How to store construction materials 

Storing construction materials varies quite a bit depending on what you need to store and where you need to store it. But these best practices can help your team figure out your construction material storage strategy.

1. Keep similar materials together

One of the easiest ways to keep your construction inventory organized is by keeping similar items together. What’s more, many construction materials have particular storage requirements, so by storing like items together, you’ll also protect those investments.

Lumber

Lumber, for example, is extremely porous–it quickly absorbs water that can damage or even destroy the wood. You’ll want to store lumber horizontally, with plenty of air between the pieces to allow for better circulation. You’ll also want to create a base using bricks or cinder blocks so your lumber is never flush against the floor, where moisture can easily build.

If you choose vertical storage to save space, keep lumber raised and consider buying or building a vertical storage rack to prevent bowing. 

Tile

Tile is fairly easy to store and not nearly as vulnerable as wood. Find a cool, dry place to store tile, and consider stacking the tiles upright to reduce the risk of breakage. 

Cement

Cement requires absolutely no exposure to moisture until the time has come to prepare it. That means outdoor storage is practically forbidden—even if you’re smart about it, and even if you use a tarp. Instead, find a dry, well-ventilated indoor space where you can keep cement at least a couple feet away from any walls and floors. 

Use tarps, of course, but only as a last resort to protect your cement from disaster.

Bricks

Brick storage is relatively straightforward, and you can store them inside or out. If you do choose to store them where they’ll be exposed to weather, place a tarp beneath and above your brick materials to protect them from unnecessary water exposure.

Paint

Paint should be perfectly sealed and kept in a cool place—but not too cool. The ideal storage temperature for paint is between 50 and 75 degrees. Smaller paint containers tend to allow less air in, but you can also use a layer of plastic wrap over paint in a larger paint can to keep extra air out.