Kiln-dried wood is wood that underwent drying in a kiln or oven. Drying wood in a kiln is faster compared to air-drying, and gives more control over the humidity, steam levels, air circulation, and temperature. The amount of moisture in kiln-dried wood can be controlled to the specific target level without giving the wood drying defects.
What Kilns are Used for Making Kiln-dried Wood?
The following are types of kilns used to make kiln-dried wood:
- Conventional Kilns- pipes are used to mobilize steam into the kiln, venting heat into the kiln’s atmosphere. The kiln-dried wood’s water content is evaporated and expelled from the kiln with the hot air.
- Dehumidification Kilns- involve continuous recycling of heat within the kiln and are the most utilized for kiln-dried wood. Instead of being released outside of the kiln, the majority of the water condenses on the dehumidifier’s coils and is removed as a liquid.
- Vacuum Kilns- less common and more expensive but offers faster rates of drying wood.
Is Kiln-dried Wood Better for Furniture?
Since kiln-dried wood is processed within a controlled environment, its quality is more consistent and uniform. Having a high amount of moisture in the wood will cause it to lose its original form over time and also causes it to have a shorter life span. Aside from the wood quality, the size also remains consistent with kiln-dried wood making installation easier. Kiln-dried wood does not shrink and does not need to be adjusted prior to installation. Check out LA Furniture Store for a wide collection of wooden furniture.
Kiln-dried wood that has reached its target equilibrium moisture content (EMC) will be able to stand and last in various environments while retaining its original form. Kiln-dried wood maintains its good quality even in the height of winter or summer and is thus ideal for places going through all four seasons.
Because of the heat in a kiln, fungi, mold, bugs and their eggs can be eliminated in kiln-dried wood which will prevent these insects from infesting your home and other furniture. Finally, with kiln-dried wood, affordability, and good quality go hand in hand. Less labor is involved in making kiln-dried wood especially since it is faster compared to air drying. Less maintenance and upkeep are needed for kiln-dried wood because of its superior characteristics.
