Table of Contents
Here is the answer to the most common faqs about kiln dried wood
Due to its higher moisture content, green lumber cannot be used for building, decoration, or any other purposes. Therefore, lumber drying is a crucial process before doing anything else. For this reason, wood is dried in industrial-grade large furnaces or lumber kilns. Read through this article to learn all about kiln-dried wood.
What Is Kiln-Drying?
- Kiln-drying is a common practice that is used for drawing moisture out of the wood. This process is carried out in a kiln. The kilns used for drying firewood look like large ovens into which the chopped-up and stacked wood is loaded. Inside the kiln, large fans are present that remove excess moisture from the wood by heating and drying the logs at the same time.
It becomes easier to bring the moisture content of the firewood to an optimal level in a controlled environment of the kiln. When the wood attains optimal moisture level, it is run through the planner where final dimensioning, grading, and delivery are carried out.
Why Is It Necessary To Dry Wood?
Wood is an organic material that is hygroscopic which means it can absorb moisture from its surroundings and retain it. Wood should be sufficiently dried before using it for:
- Commercial purposes
- Efficient heat production
- Cooking,
- Power production
Prevents Decay
- In addition, to prevent the timber from decaying or bending it should have a low moisture level. When the moisture of the lumber is higher than the optimal level, it begins to retain humidity. As a consequence timber may shift or decay.
To help ensure thorough drying, industrial-grade wood kilns are used. Your project will sustain for several years when you have used kiln-dried wood for construction.
Is Kiln Drying Better Than Air Drying?
- Some people think that since air drying is a natural process that does not need the latest technology, it is better. However, this is not the case. Seasoned woods takes several years to reduce the moisture content down to an ideal level.
The artificial process of kiln drying on the other hand gets the wood ready for burning within just a few days without requiring any effort on your part. Since kiln-dried wood becomes ready for use much more quickly it eliminates all these risks that come along with the waiting period.
How Does The Moisture Content Affect Burning?
- The wood with a moisture level below 20% would burn much better. But it is far more challenging to achieve a moisture level of 20% in seasoned wood because of all the variables that come along with air drying. Unlike air drying, the controlled environment within the kiln makes it possible to achieve moisture levels below 20% in each lot.
Kiln-dried wood makes it more convenient to enjoy a quick and nice fire. With kiln-dried wood, you get a fire that is easy to light and burns longer, brighter and gives off less smoke as compared to seasoned wood.
What Are The Advantages Of Drying Wood In A Kiln?
The controlled amount of heat, high temperatures, and pressure provided in the kiln are sufficient to kill all the insects and pests that may linger on the firewood.- Kiln-drying also prevents the wood from future infestations by reducing the moisture level.
- The low moisture level allows the wood to burn more efficiently and readily.
- It produces excellent quality fire with bright fiery flames.
- Kiln-dried wood eliminates the risk of extra smoke and toxic emissions and is much more environmentally friendly.
Bol Design Inc. produces high-quality firewood kilns that efficiently remove the moisture from the firewood and make it drier. To get more information about our lumber kilns and other equipment, call us at 828-754-7001. Our office is located in Hudson, NC.