How to Kiln Dry Firewood
and Why You Should Do It
If you are looking for a way to get the most out of your firewood, you might want to consider kiln drying it. Kiln drying is a process that uses heat and low humidity to reduce the moisture content of wood to below 20%, making it ideal for burning. In this article, we will explain how kiln drying works, what are its advantages and disadvantages, and how you can kiln dry your own firewood at home.
What is Kiln Drying?
Kiln drying is a method of drying wood that involves placing it in a chamber or oven that is heated to a controlled temperature and has low humidity. The wood is exposed to these conditions for several days, depending on the type and size of the wood. The heat and dry air cause the water inside the wood cells to evaporate, leaving behind dry and stable wood.
Kiln drying is different from air drying, which is the natural process of letting wood dry out in the open air. Air drying can take up to 18 months or more, depending on the climate and the type of wood. Air drying also exposes the wood to weather, insects, fungi, and other factors that can degrade its quality.
What are the Advantages of Kiln Dried Firewood?
Kiln dried firewood has many benefits over air dried or green (freshly cut) firewood, such as:
Easier to light and burns hotter and longer, producing more heat and less smoke.
Less creosote and resin buildup in the chimney or stove, reducing the risk of chimney fires and improving air quality.
It has less weight and volume, making it easier to transport and store.
Cleaner and more uniform in appearance, with less bark, dirt, insects, mold, or pests.
It is more environmentally friendly, as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
What are the Disadvantages of Kiln Dried Firewood?
Although there are many benefits to using kiln dried firewood, there are also some downsides:
Kiln drying can cause the moisture to reach levels lower than what is recommended for efficient burning. Very dry wood can burn at a faster rate, leading to more wood needing to be added to the fire more often.
Kiln dried firewood can be more expensive to buy than seasoned firewood because of the more involved process required to dry out the wood.
How to Kiln Dry Your Own Firewood
Equipment and Space: You’ll need a kiln or oven that can reach temperatures between 120°F and 220°F (48°C to 104°C) with low humidity. Obtain a moisture meter to measure the moisture content of your wood.
Preparation: Split your wood into smaller pieces (approximately 25 cm long). Stack the wood in a way that allows for air circulation around each piece.
Drying Process: Place the wood in the kiln or oven. Monitor the temperature and humidity levels during the drying process. Regularly check the moisture content of the wood until it drops below 20%.
Cooling and Storage: Once dried, remove the wood from the kiln or oven. Allow it to cool down before storing it in a dry place.
Remember to follow safety precautions when operating the kiln or oven, and enjoy your well-dried firewood
Alternatively, you can buy pre-packaged kiln dried firewood from home improvement stores or online retailers . These are usually certified by agencies such as USDA or Heat-Treated Firewood (HTF) that ensure the quality and safety of the product