Old Timer Log & Supply's Kiln

WHY DOESN'T EVERYONE KILN-DRY?

Kilns are expensive to build. Proper kiln-drying is not a cheap process. Undoubtedly, the reason many omit or minimize this all-important step is because kiln-drying limits the manufacturer's production capacity. You can only manufacture what your kiln can produce.

The Importance of Kiln-Dried Logs

Kiln-drying, is it important? If so, how important is it really?

Without a doubt, kiln-drying is the most important step in the manufacturing of a log home. This critical process of reducing the log's moisture content ensures a quality product that will last over time. When administered properly, kiln-drying will not only remove excess moisture from the wood, it eliminates mold and fungi, insect infestation and provides a better base for stains and finishes.

At Old Timer Log Supply, we understand the importance of kiln-drying and take great care to ensure the process is properly administered. With three kilns in operation, Old Timer dries its logs for a minimum of 30 days at temperatures that reach 180 degrees, uniformly shrinking, sanitizing, and stabilizing the logs. This period of time ensures that each log's moisture content has been reduced to 19% or less. This results in the removal of as much as 10,000 lbs. of water from a typical log home.

Old Timer Log & Supply is committed to manufacturing only strong, solid homes, and it is our goal to provide customers with the very best product available. Based on our knowledge and over 28 years experience in the log home industry, we feel that we cannot provide the very best product without kiln-drying.

Old Timer Log & Supply Kiln Drying Process

Minimum of 30 days in the kiln
Temperatures that reach 180 degrees
Logs monitored throughout the drying process
Log samples cut and weighed, as well as a
moisture meter (probe) to check the moisture content
Kiln-dried logs placed in dry-storage until milling
Moisture levels checked again during milling process
Logs not meeting the correct moisture level are
"dropped out" - not used
Logs checked a final time before shipping

Benefits of Kiln Drying

Kiln-drying stabilizes the wood
Kiln-drying, before the milling of the logs, maintains quality
Most checks occur during drying
Logs are turned in the milling process to maximize the best possible finish
Kiln-drying kills wood boring insects and decay fungi (dead standing & pre-seasonal logs harbor both of these)
Kiln-drying sets the pitch and prevents pitch bleed
Kiln-dried logs are lighter, thereby saving in the cost of transportation