Removing moisture to a point of 'stabilization' is achieved through kiln drying.

Obtaining Equilibrium Moisture Content
The process of kiln drying is an important step in the processing of our log home materials. We insist that our materials are dried to very specific moisture contents. This is why we have installed the same kind of kilns used in the furniture business. This insures that our moulding and planing processes are accurate, thus producing the highest quality end log home product. In addition, kiln drying eliminates the problems associated with "air drying". Since our products are dried under controlled conditions, we are able to reduce the amount of defects that occur during the process. Once the log home and log siding products are dried to specific moisture levels consistent with their end use, we are able to visually inspect the wood and remove any defect that may have occured during this phase. Wood changes in dimention as it dries to its "equilibrium point" and this occurs in our kiln versus on your house. Thus eliminating checking,warping and shrinkage after installation.

The first stage is 'stickering' to provide airflow over each and every board. Next is the proper loading of the kiln. Finally, there is the controlled drying process itself, where constant monitoring and moisture content measurements assure that our quality standards are achieved. This controlled drying can not be achieved by air drying wood.

We have two large kilns. Each will dry approximately 70000 bd ft of material. The kiln drying process will take 4 days to two weeks depending on the size of the cedar we are drying and how much moisture is contanded in the wood when it is loaded into the kiln. It takes time, but it is critical that your wood is properly dried in our kilns and not on your log home.