Kiln Drying

In 2020 we built a solar kiln to dry wood. Typically I try to air dry wood for several months to get the moisture content down in the 12-16% range. The solar kiln uses the sun to heat the wood and a dehumidifier gathers the water vapor.

With the addition of the kiln I can now offer green wood, air dried wood and kiln dried wood. Each has its place.

Green wood is often used outside building sheds, barns, and fences. The wood can be used immediately or allowed to dry and then be used. Green wood coming off the mill can have a high moisture content over 50% and can shrink, bow, or twist as it dries.

Typical uses for air dried lumber are siding, framing for barns, or carports. In the northwest Georgia area, air dried lumber is often in the 12-14% moisture range. After years of drying you will still find air dried lumber will be in that range. After it is air dried it is lighter to work with, and any twisting or bowing should be apparent.

Kiln dried lumber is typically used when wood is going to be in a conditioned space where the average humidity is lower that the 12-14% you might find outdoors. Once the wood is dried down to 7-8% it does not tend to move as much with humidity changes and can be glued up and used in furniture. The other advantage in kiln drying is that the last step is sterilization. The wood is heated up to 150 degrees for two days to kill any bugs, bug larva or eggs. This insures that you don't have an issue later after the woodworking project is complete.