___ lumber should not be used in construction.

___ lumber should not be used in construction.

• A. Dry
• B. Kiln-dried
• C. Green
• D. Seasoned

Answer: (C)

Moisture content and stability determine how wood behaves in a structure. Green lumber still carries a lot of water, so it isn’t stable once you install it. As it dries after being used in framing, it will shrink and warp, which can open joints, misalign assemblies, and reduce the effectiveness of nails, screws, or other fasteners. It’s also more prone to twisting or checking and can promote decay if moisture remains high during early service. Because of these unpredictable changes, green lumber is not suitable for construction. Dry, kiln-dried, and seasoned lumber have had moisture removed to levels that keep their size more constant. Dry lumber is already low in moisture, kiln-dried wood is dried in a controlled process to a target moisture content, and seasoned wood is air-dried to an appropriate level. These options provide the stability needed for reliable, durable construction.

Moisture content and stability determine how wood behaves in a structure. Green lumber still carries a lot of water, so it isn’t stable once you install it. As it dries after being used in framing, it will shrink and warp, which can open joints, misalign assemblies, and reduce the effectiveness of nails, screws, or other fasteners. It’s also more prone to twisting or checking and can promote decay if moisture remains high during early service. Because of these unpredictable changes, green lumber is not suitable for construction.

Dry, kiln-dried, and seasoned lumber have had moisture removed to levels that keep their size more constant. Dry lumber is already low in moisture, kiln-dried wood is dried in a controlled process to a target moisture content, and seasoned wood is air-dried to an appropriate level. These options provide the stability needed for reliable, durable construction.