Can I build a small outdoor kitchen cabinet in green oak?

[Mauri Motti]

I've harvested and sawn to boards an oak about three months ago. I wondered if there's any trouble if I'd use it in a month or so to build some outdoor furniture for under a roofed patio? The boards range in thickness from about 4 to 6 centimeters.

Any help appreciated!

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[waho6o9]

I would use a moisture meter first.  Good luck.

best is to cut it into slabs quickly, otherwise the wood will split. as for drying, a rule of thumb is at least 1 year per 10mm thickness. best is to lay them not on the ground, in a covered area with good air flow    From TimTool  Belgium

 

[Mauri Motti]

Thanks waho609,

I have used a moisture meter several weeks ago and from the 4 cm boards it reads 12% at the end grain which isn't a fair indication but it's better then nothing. The boards are about three meters in length and I'm sure there's lots of moisture in the wood. And I am aware of the 2,5 cm per year but (ideally 8%) that is for indoor use and I want to use the oak outside and hoped that as long as I'm not dovetailing or use other fine joinery, I should be fine. (?)

 

[waho6o9]

Patience my friend patience.  [blink]

 

[tjbier]

I wouldn't build it out of green lumber, it will move, more than you think. Although 12% isn't terrible, where are you checking with the meter? Try cutting a board in 1/2 and see what the % is in the cut.
But considering that some kiln lumber goes down to 6% or lower that is still a bit to dry out yet.