base that will take 3000 pounds

[paker]

I am getting an old pecan tree removed. I am saving the trunk (3' dia x 7') sliced to multiple boards. Weight estimate is 3000 lbs. I need to store them outside, protected from rain, until they become sufficiently dry for milling (5 years max).

What would you recommend for the storage pad, 3' by 7'? My first thought is a 4" thick concrete pad reinforced with steel mesh or fence wire without digging, that is, above-ground concrete pad. Will it work? Will I need 1/2 rebars? I am open to any suggestions. Thank you.

 

[RPH]

Get a portable greenhouse. Store it inside off the ground with spacers between the levels. It gets warm enough to require ventilation. Seen this done elsewhere.

 

[BillK]

I think you are overthinking it. You are probably going to spread it out over several support "sticks" and over the 7 ft length. I would think that some pavers sitting on the ground spread out over the 7ft length is all you need. If you put a 4x4 cross support every 2 ft or so over the length you will only have about 200lbs per foot on each support. Biggest issue is keeping the bugs out. Make sure and "paint" the cut ends.

 

[Innovate1]

^^^ This. The load will be spread out. You need to put something down to keep ground moisture from coming up. Not sure what your local climate is but I would be trying to find some out of the way place to store it inside.

 

[ace10]

Way, way, way overthinking this.

Plastic pallets.
Railroad ties.
Some large rocks,

 

[gtsgarage]

Agree with others that’s not going to be any kind of issue if the weight is well distributed.

 

[dcg9381]

I've got a family member that runs a sawmill. They simply put the trunks over other lumber that is sufficiently off the ground, cover, and let them dry... They've got some trucns that are MUCH larger than 3k lbs (5'+ diameter). (Note, they force dry indoor most of their stuff)

Rail road ties would be a great option.

 

[Mike Folks]

Ask at your local Railroad,most short lines are still on wooden ties,not concrete as the major lines are using. Sometimes,Home improvement centers, sell used wooden ties.

 

[dfiler2]

You are talking about having it sawn first then drying it, correct? Wood in full rounds 3 x 7 will not dry and with the bark on may rot before it dries. I would suggest talking to the mill first or go to ForestryForum.com to find out the best way to handle this.

 

[rburke65]

Even 4” thick concrete, at 3000 psi....that’s #3,000 per square inch. Even if you stored it on pallets, you will never be close to #3,000 psi! Yes...over thinking.

 

[Pen & Wrench]

I agree, the weight is not really significant. The PSI on whatever you decide to support it with will be significantly less than the downward pressure on the 4 tires of your car, which may weigh somewhere around 3,000 to 5,500 pounds, depending on what you drive.

 

[paker]

Thank you for many suggestions. Initially I thought about laying popcorn blocks (concrete pavers 12"x12"x2") ****-to-****, 3x7 = 21 total, but was not sure of uneven settling and possible bending of the pecan boards stacked above. After reading your suggestions, I am now convinced it is the simplest solution. I will lay 4"x4" lumber on the blocks in the criss cross pattern so that weight will be equally divided onto the 21 popcorn blocks. Thank you.

By the way we are in contact with a mobile milling person who will slice the trunk to multiple 2" thick boards.

 

[mcj115]

Someone suggested pallets...Honestly this seems the easiest and cheapest way to go. All you need is two standard pallets found discarded behind a lot of businesses.

 

[nadogail]

Many advertisers on Craig's List will be pleased if you will just make their pallets "go away".

 

[BukitCase]

Really good moisture barrier under, slabs of wood NOT in direct contact, stickers between each level, good-sized air gap (AND flow-thru) above - general rule of thumb INSIDE with those conditions is 1 year per inch of thickness. Outside, I haven't a clue; ESPECIALLY since you didn't mention your location. Temps, humidity, ventilation, etc, ALL can change things for better or worse.

I've had good results INSIDE with those conditions, but I normally have at least ONE good-sized fan running inside my shop to help keep condensation at bay... Steve