Typically, the idea of a building material being “green” means that it’s an eco-friendly material designed to be good for the earth. This is almost always a great thing! However, there’s a certain type of building material called “green lumber” that is called that way for an entirely different reason. Green lumber is wood that contains at least 19% moisture, usually because it has not been kiln-dried or adequately seasoned. Some contractors may suggest using green lumber as a way to save money on materials, but it could end up costing you more money in the long run.
The moisture in green lumber could introduce plenty of issues. For one, mold may begin to grow in the lumber before it’s even installed in your home. From there, it will be very difficult to remove it. Additionally, as the moisture in green lumber naturally diminishes, the wood will shrink considerably, leading to gaps, warping, and nail popping.
