Almost 50 percent or more of a tree is made up of water. Timber with high water content is not suitable for many uses, which is why the wood is first dried down to reduce its moisture levels. Kiln drying is the most commonly used timber drying process. It is not only very effective in moisture removal but also quick and able to remove insect infestations.
If you are looking to know more about kiln-dried timber or why it should be used, you are at the right place. You might also want to check out this detailed wood kiln drying process.
What is kiln-dried timber?
A timber that has been dried through the kiln drying process is called kiln-dried timber.
The kiln drying process involves putting freshly felled timber into kiln chambers, where circulated heated air is used to help remove moisture from the wood. The process may take hours, depending on the target moisture level required for that timber.
Why is kiln drying important?
Wet or green wood is not easy to work with. Also, it is not very strong and therefore not suitable for any commercial use. If you use green timber as it is for making furniture or other items, it will eventually lose moisture with time, causing your furniture to shrink and change its shape. As the wood dries, it will lose moisture, which can make it crack, warp, twist, shrink and change its dimensions. Moreover, the wood will continue to absorb and release water without the right treatment.
In the construction industry, using the correct wood dimensions is very crucial. The side-effects of using wood that would later change its dimensions can be catastrophic.
Benefits and importance of kiln-dried timber
Freshly felled timber is not ideal for commercial use because it has a high moisture content, which can reduce the strength and durability of the timber. There are many ways to artificially dry timber, of which kiln drying is the most common, effective and popular method. Its benefits include:
- Decreased timber weight
- Increased strength
- Decreased water level
- Increased durability
- Better insulation
- Easier to cut, glue and finish
Is kiln drying better than air drying?
Normally, yes. Air drying is more of a natural timber drying process, which involves stacking timber such that it is exposed to outdoor air. Naturally, the drying process can take months or sometimes years, depending on the wood species and desired moisture level. Kiln Dried Services definitely offers a more efficient and faster method of timber drying. It normally takes a few hours to kiln dry timber, and the resulting product is stronger and more durable.
Also, the kiln drying process is more efficient because it causes zero damage to the wood. When drying naturally, the wood will lose moisture rapidly, which might also cause damage to the wood itself. However, when kiln-dried, moisture is drawn out systematically under specific heating conditions to cause minimal damage to the wood.
Can kiln-dried timber still be affected by moisture?
Yes. Kiln drying will only reduce excess moisture content in your timber, but it will NOT make your timber water-resistant. Depending on the species of timber, it will still absorb and release moisture.
If your kiln-dried timber is in constant contact with water, it might gain and lose moisture. To completely stop timber from being affected by moisture, external treatments are available. Treatments that come in the form of a finish can be applied to the timber before it is used. This provides a seal against humidity and various other environmental conditions and ensures a longer life for your wood items. The treatment will also prevent the timber from expanding or shrinking later due to moisture effects.
As a leading online supplier and wholesale exporter of timber, CameroonTimberExportSarl is your best source for premium quality kiln-dried timber that is very durable and resistant to insects. For more than 30 years now, we have been supplying hardwood and softwood timber to both individuals and businesses in 40+ countries around the globe. Our timber is kiln-dried and comes pre-treated and is suitable for a broad range of applications, from joinery to carpentry, furniture, construction, retail and more. Contact us today to buy kiln-dried timber at wholesale prices.
