JJ wrote:
....
I bought a dozen 2x12 x 8ft boards at the local big box store.
Geez talk about mediocre wood. Most were pretty damp and I am hoping
it was because they got rained on.
....

You do NOT want to dry it! It's kiln dried and the moisture is just on
the surface. When it dries, it is going to warp, twist, bow, and deform
in dimensions that you can't imagine. G

What you want to do is use it, as soon as possible. Building it into a
structure is the only way to keep it straight.

Oh, wait ... you're not talking about pressure treated, are you? It's
always wet - it's been saturated with preservative.

Bob