Authored By:

Scott Bowe, Patrick Molzahn, Brian Bond,

Richard Bergman, Terry Mace, and Steve Hubbard
PUB-FR-396 2007

1
Introduction
In recent years, we have received hundreds of
requests for small scale lumber dry kiln plans from
woodworking hobbyists. People were looking for
an inexpensive and simple kiln design that could cost
effectively dry as little as a few hundred board feet of
lumber or as much as several thousand board feet
of lumber each year. There are many different kiln
designs including solar, dehumidification, direct or
indirect fired, and vacuum kilns. For small operations,
there is a large amount of information available on
solar kiln design and operation. However, solar
lumber kilns are not effective for large portions of
the calendar year in northern climates (due to cold
winter temperatures).
Our goal was to develop a small scale kiln that
produced quality kiln dried lumber, was functional
throughout the year, was reasonably inexpensive
to build, and was constructed with common building
materials from the local lumber yard and hardware
store. With these constraints in mind, we chose simple
2 x 6 construction to build the drying chamber and
powered it with a common basement dehumidifier,
electric heater, and four attic fans.
This publication outlines the basic construction of a
small scale dehumidification dry kiln. When properly
loaded, this kiln can dry approximately 600 board feet
of 4/4 lumber. This plan allows for flexibility in the
design of the kiln. The kiln volume can be modified to
custom fit the individuals needs. As with any value
adding opportunity (including wood drying), outcomes
can never be guaranteed. It is highly recommended
that users of this publication seek basic training in
lumber dry kiln operation. Mistakes can be both costly
and frustrating. Sources of additional information are
listed at the end of this publication.
Materials List and
Building Plans
The following section includes a materials list, the basic
kiln plans, and the basic electrical considerations for
building the dehumidification dry kiln.
Please refer to Appendix A which shows the Lumber
Dry Kiln Bill of Materials. All of these products were
purchased at a local home center, except the remote
hygrometer/thermometer which was purchased at a
local electronics store. Total costs for the materials
were $2,704 based on 2006 prices.
Appendix B illustrates the kiln construction layout
including a plan view, section view, front elevation, back
elevation, and detailed illustrations of the door sections.
These drawings are not to scale (see Appendix B1-B6).
The floor system was framed using 2 x 8 construction
16 inches on center (see plan Appendix B1). Three-
quarter inch CDX plywood was used for the inside floor.
One-half inch pressure treated plywood was used to
close the underside of the floor system. Pressure treated
plywood is recommended since the bottom of the kiln
may be in moist conditions if stored outside. If stored
outside, place on skids to raise the kiln off of the ground.
The floor system was insulated with rigid foam insulation
cut to fit between the 2 x 8 joists. A plastic vapor
barrier could be used under the three-quarter plywood
floor; however, rigid foam acts as it own vapor barrier.
The side and rear wall systems were framed using 2x 6
construction 16 inches on center (see section and back
elevation Appendix A). One-half inch CDX plywood was
used for the inside wall sheathing and three-quarter inch
T-111 plywood siding was used on the exterior walls.
The walls were insulated with R-19 fiberglass batts.
A plastic vapor barrier was used between the inside
wall sheathing and wall studs (see Figure 1).
Figure 1: A plastic vapor barrier was used between the
inside wall sheathing and wall studs.
The door side of the kiln was framed using 2 x 4
construction (see Appendix B3: Front Elevation and
Appendix B5: Door Details). The doors were designed
to be removed in a three-panel system. Doors of this
size are difficult to hinge without sagging, so removable
panels were a suitable alternative (see Figure 2).
The door system was insulated with rigid foam insulation
cut to fit between the 2 x 4 members. One-half inch
CDX plywood was used for the inside door sheathing
and one-half inch T-111 plywood siding was used on
the exterior of the door panels. An access door was
added on the back kiln wall to allow access to the
dehumidifier and electronic equipment (see Appendix
B4: Back Elevation). This prevented the need for opening
the main door section and crawling over the lumber
pile when access was needed to the dehumidifier.
2
Figure 2: Removable panel doors.
The roof system was framed using 2 x 6 rafters
16 inches on center (see Appendix B2-B4). One-half
inch CDX plywood was used for both the interior and
exterior sheathing. The roof system was insulated with
R-19 fiberglass batts. A plastic vapor barrier was used
between the inside sheathing and roof rafters. The
roof system was covered with standard roofing felt
and fiberglass shingles (see Figure 3). Aluminum fascia
and plywood soffit was used to finish the roof system.
Figure 4: The hinged baffle houses the four fans and
controls the airflow.
A baffle system was hung from the roof system down to
the top level of the lumber charge. The baffle consisted of
2 x 4 construction with one-half inch CDX sheathing
and was hinged at the top using standard door hinges.
The baffle served as a platform to mount the four whole
house attic fan units which circulate air (see Figure 4).
In addition, the baffle controlled the airflow within the kiln
which forced air through the lumber charge. Initially,
two attic fans were installed with resulting air speeds
of 220 cubic feet per minute which was not sufficient
for white woods such as maple or basswood. Two more
fans were added in the final design which produced air
speeds in excess of 400 cubic feet per minute. These fans
were wired to allow either two or four fan operation.
Figure 3: The kiln roof system was designed for
outdoor use.
Standard hardware used for the framing included 16d
and 8d nails. Stainless steel screws should be used
to fasten the interior sheathing given the extremely
corrosive nature of a dry kiln environment. In addition,
it is important to use stainless steel fasteners which
come in contact with pressure treated wood. ACQ
pressure treated wood is extremely corrosive on
non-coated and galvanized fasteners. These fasteners
can fail in as little as one year.
Other hardware included slide bolts, handles, and
weather stripping for the doors. Again, stainless steal
would be preferred in any applications that come into
close contact with the inside kiln environment.
Miscellaneous materials included an exterior grade
stain for the kiln siding and paint for the interior walls
and floor sheathing.
Electronic Equipment
Relative humidity, air speed, and temperature are the
main factors to consider for successful lumber drying.
Each of these factors and the appropriate monitoring
equipment is discussed in the following paragraphs.
A standard household dehumidifier was used to control
the relative humidity within the kiln. Water was carried
through a drain hose from the dehumidifier through a
hole in the rear wall into a measuring bucket. Measuring
the amount of water removed over a given period of
time is useful in determining the rate of moisture loss
in the lumber charge. Early in the drying process, the
dehumidifier controls did not allow for a high enough
relative humidity setting and too much water was
removed from the charge. To alleviate this problem,
the dehumidifier was plugged into a simple lamp timer
which cycled the dehumidifier on and off to slow the
rate of moisture removal. Different timing sequences
are required for different species and thicknesses to
achieve a safe allowable moisture removal rate (see
Figure 7). Alternatively, the dehumidifier could have
been plugged into and controlled by a simple
humidistat. These humidistats have a wider relative
humidity control range.
A hinged baffle system was hung from the roof system
down to the top level of the lumber charge. This system
housed the attic fan units and was hinged to swing up
and out of the way while loading the kiln.
3
An electric space heater was added to the kiln to boost
the operating temperature later in the drying process.
During test runs, the space heater was not turned
on since the heat generated by the dehumidifiers
compressor combined with the heat from the four fan
motors was sufficient to reach the required drying
temperatures. If the kiln were located outside of a
heated building in the winter months, the electric
heater would likely be needed to reach desired
temperatures (see Figure 5).
A simple remote hygrometer/thermometer purchased at
a local electronics store allows the kiln operator to read
the interior relative humidity and temperature without
entering the kiln. This device consists of a measuring
probe and a wireless output screen which can be
mounted onto
the outside
of the kiln or
anywhere
within range
of the kiln
probe. It is
recommended
that a Lithium-
ion battery
be used
in exterior,
cold-weather
applications
(see Figure 6).
Figure 5: Heater, measuring bucket, and dehumidifier
with lamp timer.
Figure 6: Hygrometer/thermometer.
PREPARING THE LUMBER
End coat the green lumber with a commercial end
coating immediately after sawing to prevent large
losses from end checks and splits. End coating is less
effective when applied after the lumber has begun to
dry. The end coated lumber should then be stacked in
the kiln with approximately 12 inches of clearance on
the front side of the stack and approximately 30 inches
of clearance on the rear side of the stack (dehumidifier
side) to permit adequate air circulation. These spaces
are known as plenum spaces. Arrange the lumber in
neat layers, separated by stickers or spacers running
perpendicular to the lumbers length. The lumber in
each layer must be uniform in thickness. If the sawn
lumber is quite variable in thickness, one or both faces
of the boards should be planed before drying to obtain
a uniform thickness. This will reduce warping during
drying. Particularly in warmer months, green lumber
should be stacked with stickers quickly after sawing
or it may begin to develop stain an undesirable and
highly visual defect.
Stickers used between each layer of wood are typically
three-quarter inch thick, one-and-one-quarter inches
wide, and as long as the lumber pile is wide. It is
important that stickers are uniform in thickness and
kept dry. Stickers are placed perpendicular to the
boards length, every 12 to 18 inches along the piles
length. The stickers are placed directly above the
stickers in the lower layers. If the lumber is of varying
lengths, shorter boards are staggered by alternating
them from one end to the other with the longest pieces
always on the outside edges. The ends of every board
should be supported with a sticker. Stickers hold the
lumber flat, preventing warp, while also allowing air
to circulate through the pile and dry the lumber.
While the lumber is being stacked or prior to loading
the kiln with pre-stacked lumber, several sample
boards must be cut (see Appendix C: Procedures
for Cutting and Using Sample Boards). Periodically
checking these sample boards will allow you to
determine the moisture content of the lumber in the
kiln and to observe possible drying defects.
Lessons Learned
As mentioned earlier, stainless steel fasteners and
hardware should be used. Failure to use stainless steel
will result in premature failure of the hardware and the
potential for stained or discolored lumber. Alternative
construction materials for some portions of the current
design may be more desirable. One example would
be to use impermeable wall insulation such as a
spray applied closed cell foam system to limit in-wall
moisture penetration. Moisture loss through the kiln
structure was noticed at the end of the drying cycle as
the lumber moisture content continued to decrease but
no condensate was collected from the dehumidifier.
As constructed, the kiln doors are large and heavy. One
alternative is to buy or build a structurally insulated panel.
These panels consist of rigid foam sandwiched between
two sheets of a wood panel product such as plywood or
oriented strand board. This design would make a much
lighter door panel and provide superior insulation.
A combination of the rapid moisture loss driven by the
dehumidifier and the high air speeds driven by the four
fan units can overwhelm the novice dry kiln operator.
Limiting the run time of the dehumidifier and reducing
the fan operation to two fans will make the kiln more
forgiving for the novice operator.
Basic Operation of a
Lumber Dry Kiln
WARNING
Although lumber drying is a very simple process, it
requires constant monitoring and detailed record keeping
to produce a quality product. Expensive grade lumber
can quickly be destroyed beyond use by extensive
drying defects (e.g., checking, honeycomb, end split,
etc.). We strongly recommend that you read additional
kiln operation materials such as the Dry Kiln Operators
Manual listed at the end of this publication. In addition,
several kiln operator training courses are offered in the
eastern, western, and central United States.
4
For information on drying schedules and schedules
for specific species and thicknesses, see the reference
to the Dry Kiln Operators Manual and the Dry
Kiln Schedules for Commercial Woods: Temperate
and Tropical.
In measuring the rates of moisture loss, it is impractical
to weigh every board in the kiln and electric meters
are not accurate above 30 percent moisture content.
Therefore, the sample board method should be used
to determine the moisture content of lumber in the
kiln. This method uses short, carefully chosen sample
boards sawn from larger pieces of lumber and these
sample boards are weighed periodically and estimated
moistures are calculated. Since the wettest or slowest
drying lumber in the kiln has the highest risk of splitting
and cracking, the sample boards should represent this
kind of lumber. Use samples from the most recently cut
wood, the widest and thickest boards, lumber with the
most heartwood, and boards that are quartersawn
whenever possible (see Appendix C: Procedures for
Cutting and Using Sample Boards).
MONITORING THE DRYING
PROCESS
While the kiln described in this publication is designed
for simple operation, you will still need to closely monitor
the drying process. Monitoring the moisture loss and
quality of the wood during the drying process will help
you maximize the efficiency of the kiln. Simply explained,
when drying lumber you want to dry fast enough to
prevent stain and long drying times, yet slow enough to
prevent checks and other drying defects. The prevalence
of certain defects is influenced by the species, thickness,
moisture content, and drying conditions.
Monitoring the moisture content during the drying
process is important to avoid drying too rapidly (which
results in quality loss) and to know when the load has
reached the desired moisture content. Measure the
sample boards daily to determine the daily rate of
moisture loss. This loss should be compared with the
safe drying rate for that species (see Figure 7 for
hardwoods). If the drying rate is too fast, then it may
be necessary to increase the relative humidity setpoint
of the dehumidifier or turn two of the four fans off.
Lumber should be dried to the maximum safe drying rate
without exceeding the daily loss. The safe drying rate
refers to the moisture loss in one day, not the average
loss over several days. Figure 7 lists the safe drying rate
for common one inch thick North American hardwoods.
Softwoods are typically able to dry at a much faster rate
and moisture content losses above 10 percent per day
are quite common.
When lumber is at its highest moisture content, it
is important to adhere to the safe drying rate. Most
unwanted checking and splitting in drying lumber occurs
as the wood loses the first one-third of its moisture
content. Once the lumber dries below 22 percent
moisture content, the risk of creating new cracks and
splits is low. Dry lumber for interior use to a moisture
content of six to eight percent for most areas of the
country. This will limit the amount of dimensional changes
that would occur when the wood is processed and in
service. Lumber used for exterior purposes is usually
dried to 12 to 15 percent moisture content. Softwood
lumber used for framing is commercially dried to
19 percent moisture content. However, fewer building
defects would result if softwood framing lumber were
dried down to 12 percent moisture content.
5
Walnut
Tupelo (Black Gum)
Poplar, Yellow
Oak, White Upland
Oak, Red Upland
Oak, Red Lowland
Maple, Soft (Sapwood)
Maple, Hard
Gum, Red
Elm, American
Cherry
Birch, Yellow
Beech
Ash, White 10.4 4.1
1 Thick
MAXIMUM RATE OF MC
LOSS PER DAY (%)
2 Thick
4.5 1.8
6.1 2.4
5.8 2.3
10.4 4.1
5.3 2.1
6.5 2.6
13.8 5.5
1.0 - 2.5 -
3.8 1.5
2.5 1.0
13.8 5.5
10.9 4.3
8.2 5.5
SPECIES
Figure 7: Safe Drying Rates for North American
Hardwoods.
Acknowledgements
This project would not have been possible without
the cooperation and support of Mr. Patrick Molzahn,
Cabinetmaking and Millwork Program Director at
the Madison Area Technical College. Mr. Molzahn
and his students were responsible for the construction
and testing of the kiln. This project was funded by
the United States Department of Agriculture Forest
Service State and Private Forestry Economic Action
Program administered by Mr. Lew McCreery.
Disclaimer
Commercial products named in this publication are
for informational purposes only. The authors do not
endorse these products and do not intend discrimination
against other products which may also be suitable.
Authors
SCOTT BOWE
Associate Professor and Wood Specialist
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI
PATRICK MOLZAHN
Cabinetmaking and Millwork Program Director
Madison Area Technical College, Madison WI
BRIAN BOND
Associate Professor
Department of Wood Science & Forest Products,
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg VA
RICHARD BERGMAN
Drying Specialist
United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service
Forest Products Laboratory, Madison WI
TERRY MACE
Forest Products Utilization and Marketing Specialist
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - Division
of Forestry, Madison WI
STEVE HUBBARD
Wood Consultant
Hubbard Forest Solutions, LLC, Madison WI
Additional Web-based
References
LUMBER DRYING MANUALS
The following publications can be downloaded free
of charge from www.fpl.fs.fed.us:
Simpson, W. T., ed. 1991. Dry Kiln Operators Manual.
United States Department of Agriculture. Forest
Service. Forest Products Laboratory. Madison, WI.
www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/usda/ah188/ah188.htm
Denig, J., E. M. Wengert, and W. T. Simpson. 2000.
Drying Hardwood Lumber. United States Department of
Agriculture. Forest Service. Forest Products Laboratory.
General Technical Report. FPL-GTR-118.
www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplgtr/fplgtr118.pdf
Boone, R., C. J. Kozlik, P. J. Bois, and E. M. Wengert.
1993. Dry Kiln Schedules for Commercial Woods:
Temperate and Tropical. United States Department of
Agriculture. Forest Service. Forest Products Laboratory.
Madison, WI.
www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplgtr/fplgtr57.pdf
Forest Products Laboratory. Air Drying of Lumber.
United States Department of Agriculture. Forest
Service. Forest Products Laboratory. General Technical
Report. FPL-GTR-117.
www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplgtr/fplgtr117.pdf
WEB RESOURCES
Department of Forest Ecology and Management,
University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
http://forest.wisc.edu/
Department of Wood Science and Forest Products,
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
www.woodscience.vt.edu/
United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service
Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, WI
www.fpl.fs.fed.us/
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ITEM MATERIAL COST/ UNIT QUANTITY
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TOTAL COST
Runners 4 x 4 x 12 TTD $11.16 $22.32
3 Floor 1/2 x 4 x 8 TTD Plywood $32.84 $98.52
3 Floor 3/4 x 4 x 8 CDX $28.86 $86.04
2 Rim Joists 2 x 8 x 12 $11.77 $23.54
1 Center Blocking 2 x 8 x 8 $7.96 $7.96
2 Rim Joists 2 x 8 x 8 $7.96 $15.92
7 Joists 2 x 8 x 8 $7.96 $55.72
8 Insulation 2 x 4 x 8 Rigid Foam $19.89 $159.12
3 Insulation 1 x 4 x 8 Rigid Foam $9.45 $28.35
30 Studs 2 x 6 x 92-5/8 $5.92 $177.60
6 Plates 2 x 6 x 92-5/8 $5.92 $35.52
5 Plates 2 x 6 x 12 $8.81 $44.05
20 Header 9-1/2 LVL (LF) $3.09 $61.80
3 Insulation R-19 Fiberglass Batt (150 SF) $14.99 $44.97
8 Interior Sheathing 1/2 x 4 x 8 CDX $21.01 $168.08
10 Siding 1/2 x 4 x 8 T-111 $37.53 $375.30
1 Sill Sealer 50 Roll $3.60 $3.60
8 Corners 1 x 4 x 8 $3.36 $26.88
5 Z Flashing 1-1/4 x 10 $2.26 $11.30
4 Water Table 2 x 4 x 10 $3.73 $14.92
1 Vapor Barrier Roll $12.99 $12.99
9 Frames 2 x 4 x 8 SPF $2.98 $26.82
10 Face Moulding 1 x 4 x 8 SPF $3.36 $33.60
4 Insulation Rigid Foam $14.65 $58.60
8 Casing 1 x 4 x 8 SPF $3.36 $26.88
7 Rafters 2 x 6 x 10 $7.93 $55.51
2 Sub-fascia 2 x 6 x 12 $8.81 $17.62
2 Fascia 1 x 8 x 10 SPF $6.65 $13.30
2 Fascia 1 x 8 x 12 SPF $7.98 $15.96
1 Soffit 1/4 x 4 x 8 $14.50 $14.50
4 Interior Sheathing 1/2 x 4 x 8 CDX $21.01 $84.04
2 Exterior Sheathing 1/2 x 4 x 8 CDX $21.01 $42.02
2 Insulation R-19 Fiberglass Batt (100 SF) $14.99 $29.98
1 Felt 15# Asphalt Felt $13.94 $13.94
4 Shingles Fiberglass $11.99 $47.96
5 Drip Edge D Style 10 Lengths $2.78 $13.90
12 Slide Bolts for Doors - $5.47 $65.64
8 Handles for Doors - $6.24 $49.92
7 Weather-stripping 70 LF (10/Package) $2.56 $17.92
4 Whole House Fans - $37.99 $151.96
1 Dehumidifier - $229.00 $229.00
1 Drain Hose - $5.74 $5.74
1 Electric Space Heater - $49.98 $49.98
1 Remote Hygrometer/Thermometer - $54.68 $54.68
2 Exterior Stain Gallons $20.96 $41.92
2 Paint for Interior Gallons $15.98 $31.96
2 Anchor Seal End Coating Quarts $18.00 $36.00
TOTAL COST OF BUILDING MATERIALS $2,703.85
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PROCEDURES FOR CUTTING AND USING SAMPLE BOARDS
1. Select a few boards from the stack of lumber that represent the slowest drying material. These would be
the widest, thickest, and highest moisture content boards. Boards that contain the most heartwood or are
quartersawn are also suitable.
2. Cut a 24 to 30 inch sample that is
free of knots and at least 12 inches
from the end of the board. Then
cut two one inch sections from the
sample board as shown (see
Figure A). Make sure to number
the sections and sample board.
3. Immediately weigh the one inch sections (accuracy of about one gram required) and record the weight.
Measure immediately after cutting since it is important that they do not gain or lose weight before weighing.
4. End coat the sample board with a roofing cement or commercial end coating (see Figure B). Now, weigh the
sample board and record the weight on the sample (accuracy of 0.1 pounds).
5. Place the sample board in the lumber stack in a location where it will dry at the same rate as the rest of the
lumber in the dryer (see Figure C).
6. Place the one inch sections in an oven 215F to 218F (102C to 103C) and dry usually 18 to 36 hours
depending on the oven. Reweigh and obtain the oven dry weight.
7. Calculate the moisture content of each section and average the moisture content (MC) of two sections to
obtain the moisture content of the sample board.
8. Estimate the oven dry weight of the sample board using average moisture content and weight from step #4,
and record this so it can be used for future moisture content calculations.
9. To determine the moisture content at any time, reweigh the sample board and calculate.
%MC = - 1 x 100
[ ]
Wet Weight
Oven Dry Weight
Estimated Oven
Dry Weight
x 100
Wet Weight (Step #4)
(100 + %MC)
=
Current %MC = - 1 x 100
[ ]
Current Weight
Estimated Oven Dry Weight
Figure A: Dimensions of a sample board for controlling the drying process.
Figure B: Roofing cement and commercial end coating. Figure C: Stack of lumber with sample boards.
PUB-FR-396 2007