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Three Places, One Wood

What changes when matching wood samples stay in different places?

What you’re testing

Set up the comparison

An adult places three labeled matching scraps indoors, under cover, and outside. Check them on the same days.

Insidesame wood · same check day
Under coversame wood · same check day
Outsidesame wood · same check day
Keep sample identity and check dates with each location.

What you need

  • Three matching, identified clean scraps
  • Indoor, sheltered, and exposed adult-approved locations
  • Date labels and a photo or written record

What to do

  1. Label each sample with its location and start date.
  2. Ask an adult to place the samples safely.
  3. At each check, record visible changes using the same view and light.
  4. Ask the adult to end the test if a sample becomes dirty, moldy, sharp, or unsafe.

What should you look for?

Compare color, surface, edge, and visible moisture changes in the same light.

How could this help your build?

You can see why an outdoor project needs thoughtful material, drainage, and finish choices.