Kiln Drying
Why Vacuum Kiln Drying?
Kiln drying is a process used to dry lumber and other wood products in order to improve the quality, reliability, and stability of the product. Kiln drying services involve using a specialized kiln that utilizes vacuum technology or hot air to evaporate the moisture from the wood quickly and efficiently. With our state of the art iDRY PLUS vacuum kiln, you can have the peace of mind that your products are being created with the highest possible standards in mind.
The iDRY PLUS Electric Vacuum Kiln has been designed specifically for reducing overall drying time while ensuring that the lumber is dried as evenly as possible, avoiding any kind of warping or cracking that can occur when exposed to extreme temperatures. This type of kiln functions by lowering the temperature at which water boils while heating with aluminum hot water plates or circulated hot air; this helps speed up the process of evaporation without compromising on the quality of the wood.
In addition to a shorter drying time, Kiln Drying services also provide other benefits such as improved stability and sterility, making it ideal for high-quality furniture or objects where these aspects are important. Kiln Dried lumber is therefore an essential part of any furniture or product manufacturer’s process in order to ensure a top-notch product every single time.
Get a Quote for Kiln Drying
(250 bdft Minimum)
*Total Kiln Drying cost will vary based on how much Kiln Volume your lumber requires (Kiln Bdft) and the length of time it needs to be in the kiln (weekly increments). There is a minimum 1 week and 250 bdft minimum. Typical cost ranges from $1.80 to $3.50 per bdft.
*Max lumber dimensions we can kiln dry: 16'4” Long x 60" wide x 65" High
(No exceptions to these dimensions)
*Preferred Board lengths are: 6’, 8’, 10’ and 12’ Lengths
*If lumber needs to be unloaded, loaded, stacked and stickered etc, there will be a labor charge for this work as well.
*Kiln drying is a process which removes moisture from wood, when moisture is removed wood will naturally shrink. Depending on the grain direction of the wood, this shrinkage can result in bow, warp, cupping, and cracking and is not the fault of the Kiln or Kiln operator and RAW Heartwood will not be responsible for any presumed loss or degrade in lumber value declared by the customer.
*Our Vacuum Kiln can hold up to 4,000 bdft and can dry most lumber within 1-2 weeks. Wood can be loaded and dried right away, however it is strongly recommended to let wood air dry until it reaches its Fiber Saturation Point (typically this is around 20% MC). Drying lumber before this is achieved will be more expensive as it will take longer to dry and there is an increased chance for quality degradation due to drying defects.
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FAQs
Q: What makes vacuum kiln drying so special compared to regular kiln drying?
A: Imagine trying to boil water on Mount Everest versus at sea level - that's the magic of vacuum technology. By lowering the atmospheric pressure, we can remove moisture from wood at lower temperatures. It's like giving your lumber a gentle spa treatment instead of throwing it in a sauna. The result? Faster drying times, less stress on the wood, and fewer defects. Our iDRY PLUS vacuum kiln is basically a five-star resort for your lumber.
Q: What's the largest piece you can dry?
A: Our kiln is like a lumber limbo champion - it can handle pieces up to 16'4" long, 60" wide, and 65" high. If your lumber is bigger than that, we might need to have a friendly chat about trimming it down first. And just like your favorite airline, these dimensions are strict - no exceptions. (But unlike your airline, we won't charge you extra for snacks.)
Q: How long does the kiln drying process take?
A: While traditional kilns can take 4-6 weeks (or longer), our vacuum kiln is like the express lane at the grocery store - most loads dry in 1-2 weeks. But here's the insider tip: letting your wood air dry to around 20% moisture content first (we call this the Fiber Saturation Point) is like preheating your oven - it makes the whole process smoother and more successful.
Q: What about wood movement and shrinkage?
A: Let's get real - wood moves. It's not being difficult; it's just being wood. When moisture leaves, wood shrinks (kind of like your favorite jeans in the dryer). This can sometimes cause warping, cupping, or checking. While our vacuum kiln minimizes these issues, we can't change the laws of physics. Anyone who tells you differently is probably also trying to sell you oceanfront property in Iowa.
Q: What's this 250 board foot minimum all about?
A: Think of our kiln like a commercial dishwasher - it needs a minimum load to run efficiently. The 250 board foot minimum ensures we're running an energy-efficient cycle. For reference, that's roughly enough lumber to make a dining room table with matching chairs. And yes, you can split this with your woodworking buddies - we're all about community here.
Q: What affects the cost per board foot?
A: Our pricing typically ranges from $1.80 to $3.50 per board foot, kind of like Uber's surge pricing (but more predictable). The final cost depends on two main factors: how much space your lumber takes up in the kiln (Kiln Bdft) and how long it needs to stay in (measured in weekly increments). Need help with loading, unloading, or stickering? We can do that too, though it'll add a bit to the final tab.