To reuse or not?

[chopnhack]

I have some pressure treated 2x8 16' long syp, stored off of the concrete and under other boards (i.e. pressure) for about 5 years now. I have no need for the lumber but was wondering about using them for the frame of a vertical plywood storage unit. I am thinking about cutting down the pieces into roughly 2x4 size, maybe a tad smaller like 3". How should I approach this to minimize wood movement? I am thinking to cross cut first for ease and then to rip oversized and perhaps joint to correct some minor bow and/or cupping. Any thoughts?

[Pappy]

Stored that long and relatively protected I wouldn't think you would get a lot of wood movement like you do with new PT lumber.

Is the rack going to be against a wall with the ply leaning back slightly or a freestanding double upright with the ply slid in from one end? The later would have to be braced better and I would keep the material at least to standard 2x4 widths.

[chopnhack]

I am thinking Pappy of a double upright, but with the top and bottom closed - joined with some plywood. And the back, I was thinking of rabbeting into the edge of the 2x of each rear upright to fit in a ladder type bracing scheme from top to bottom to prevent racking. I hope that this makes sense.

[Tom Slick]

The only issue I see is "dry" framing lumber likes to split and splinter when you nail/screw it.

[chopnhack]

I was worrying about that too...I didn't relish the thought of predrilling, but I might have to.

[SARGE..g-47]

Why don't you rip down one piece and see if it splits when you nail or screw. I have used SYP for years being in Georgia and have not had the problem. With that said.. if you were using re-claimed SYP from a house 20-100 years old the SYP will case harden and it is difficult to drive a nail or screw into it as it is almost rock hard. Then you definitely have to pre-drill but those new lithium impacts and drivers make that a simple chore IMO compared to dragging corded drills around. Life is good! haha