Window reframing on hold

With the structural work done, we've been most currently working on reframing the windows. However, I discovered that Lowes has red cedar in the exact size we need for the outside casing. We needed 5/4x6" stock, which isn't common. The local lumber yard has it, but it's a bit expensive, especially for the red cedar, which is more rot resistant than pine. When I found it at Lowes for under $12 for a 5/4x6"x12' section, I was very interested. That's actually the same price Lowes has for the same size board in pine, and their selection of pine boards is horrible.

I bought one piece to bring it home and work with it, but even at the store I realized that the wood was quite wet. This is a problem, because not only won't paint stick to wet wood, but wet wood can warp as it dries. So, once I realized that this red cedar decking would work for our casings, I decided to pick up some more and try to get it dry and straight.

So today, I spent some time building a very rudimentary "drying rack" out of all the wood we have on hand. Take a look at the gallery to see how I did it. Let's hope I get the wood nice and dry and manage to keep it good and straight, too.

Since it will take a little while for the wood to dry out properly, though, the window project will have to be on hold for a week or two. No worries, though, there is plenty to still be working on. At this point, we're planning on working on the electrical phase of the project this upcoming weekend.