What is Kiln Dried Lumber?

Lumber that is dried in a kiln, or a large oven, rather than by natural air currents.  more

Kiln dried lumber is lumber which has been dried in a kiln so that it has a low moisture content. When the drying process is complete, the lumber usually has a moisture content of between six and eight percent, making it significantly dryer than green lumber or air dried lumber. Many hardware stores and lumber companies stock kiln dried lumber for their clients, and this type of lumber is ideal for a wide range of woodworking tasks. When lumber is first harvested and cut, it is known as “green” because it has not been dried or treated. Green lumber is very moist, and if it is used as-is, it tends to warp as it dries and contracts. Therefore, most lumber companies dry lumber before offering it for sale, so that it will be ready to use. Drying the lumber in a controlled environment is important, as it allows the lumber to contract without warping. The lumber may also be treated with chemicals so that it will resist insects, mold, mildew, and rot; treated lumber tends to be slightly ...  more