Kiln dried wood is wood that has been dried in an oven with controlled conditions, ensuring uniform moisture, reduced warping, and improved stability.. In this article, Vinawood will explore the benefits of kiln dried wood and assess whether it stands out as a superior option compared to other types of wood.
> Read more: plywood sizes, 3/4 plywood, 4x8 plywood, 1/2 plywood, 5/8 plywood, 1/4 plywood
What Is A Kiln Dried Wood?
Kiln dried wood is wood dried in a controlled oven, where temperature, humidity, and steam are regulated over a set period. This process allows the wood to reach the desired moisture content more quickly and uniformly than air-drying.
> Read more: laminate flooring, hardwood flooring, baltic birch plywood, maple plywood, ACX plywood, BBOES plywood
What Is Air-Drying?
Air-drying lumber involves stacking the wood and exposing it to outdoor conditions. Depending on the wood species and desired moisture content, this process can take several months to nearly a year. Proper stacking is essential to ensure sufficient air circulation throughout the lumber.
> Read more: purple heart wood, clapboard, what is a board foot, cross laminated timber, how far apart are wall studs, fire rated plywood, kiln dried wood
The Kiln Drying Process
When trees are brought to a lumber mill, the first steps involve debarking and sorting logs by species, size, or intended use. For example, logs destined for wood flooring are sawn into rough boards, edged, and trimmed to length before drying. Drying can be done through air-drying or in kilns, where heated air circulates to remove moisture more quickly. Kiln loads are carefully sorted by species and dimensions to ensure even moisture content.
After reaching the correct moisture level, kiln dried lumber is planed to its final dimensions, graded, and shipped. For specific products like wood flooring, the wood may undergo additional processing and finishing by manufacturers.
While kiln drying significantly reduces moisture content, it's only the first step in the wood's ongoing interaction with moisture throughout its life. Mills and manufacturers invest in drying processes to ensure optimal product quality at the correct moisture levels for their customers.
> Get more details:
- How to remove paint from wood
- How to refinish hardwood floors
- What is plywood made of
- Best plywood for subfloor
- How to Finish Plywood
Do kiln dried logs absorb moisture?
Yes, kiln-dried logs can absorb moisture, but only to a limited extent. They can withstand light rain without absorbing significant moisture. However, prolonged exposure to water, such as being submerged in a pool for several days, would cause them to absorb enough water to return to their fresh-cut moisture levels. It's important to store kiln-dried logs on a flat, even surface to minimize moisture absorption.
> Discover more: furniture grade plywood, plywood underlayment, shuttering plywood, concrete forming plywood
What moisture content is kiln-dried wood?
Kiln dried wood typically has a moisture content ranging from 20% to as low as 9%. The kiln dried wood process ensures more consistent and rapid drying compared to traditional seasoning methods, resulting in wood that is generally well-prepared for various uses, including as firewood.
> Learn more: types of wood, Types Of Plywood, marine plywood, birch plywood, MDO plywood, HDO plywood
Is Kiln-Dried Wood Better?
Yes, kiln dried wood is often considered superior due to its enhanced durability and stability. The kiln-drying process significantly reduces moisture content, preventing warping and cracking over time. It also removes up to 90% of moisture, making the wood resistant to fungal decay and eliminating insects, larvae, eggs, and mold, which extends the life of the furniture or wood products.
> Get more details: composite decking colors, hardwood vs softwood, how wide is a stud, wood structure, bathroom subfloor, how to build a wood truss
Through the above article, Vinawood hopes that this information about kiln dried wood will help you decide on the right type you are looking for. If you are interested in purchasing plywood, please visit Vinawood's website for more detailed information and to stay updated with the latest news about Vietnam plywood.
VINAWOOD - Vietnam Plywood Supplier & Manufacturer
> Explore further: hdo vs mdo plywood, tongue and groove plywood, walnut plywood, white oak plywood
