What moisture content should kiln-dried logs have?
20%
Kiln dried logs usually show 10-15% on the outside and 20-25% on the inside, with the overall average below 20%. In contrast, one would expect to see more consistent moisture content throughout the log when really well seasoned.
What is the moisture content of kiln-dried firewood?
20 percent moisture
Kiln-dried firewood generally contains less than 20 percent moisture. Green wood can produce more creosote–a black sooty liquid which deposits and hardens on the inside of your chimney and can ignite, causing a chimney fire.
What moisture level is acceptable in firewood?
The moisture content of properly seasoned firewood should be under 20%, as firewood burns its most efficiently between moisture content levels of 15% and 20%. Seasoned firewood typically won’t drop lower than around 10% moisture content because of the humidity of the atmosphere.
Does kiln-dried firewood absorb moisture?
Kiln dried logs burn hotter and for longer periods than seasoned logs because they contain very little moisture. If left in a humid environment (e.g. anywhere outside in the UK), they will eventually equalize — absorbing the the moisture from the surrounding atmosphere.
Is kiln-dried wood completely dry?
Modern high-temperature, high-air-velocity conventional kilns can typically dry 1-inch-thick (25 mm) green lumber in 10 hours down to a moisture content of 18%. However, 1-inch-thick green Red Oak requires about 28 days to dry down to a moisture content of 8%.
Is kiln dried firewood better?
Naturally seasoned wood is cheaper, typically by about 10 to 30 percent. But when it comes to burning, it’s no contest. In virtually every use, whether for a campfire or cozy blaze in your living room fireplace, kiln-dried firewood is better than traditional seasoned wood.
What is considered dry firewood?
Split a piece of firewood you want to test for moisture content. Place your moisture meter against the freshly split side in the center of the log. Check the moisture reading. If the meter reads a moisture content of 20-percent or less, your firewood is dry enough to burn.
Will kiln dried wood regain moisture?
Properly kiln dried lumber stored inside of a residence where temperature is controlled, will not significantly gain or loose moisture, thus there is little shrinking or swelling. However, if the lumber is stored in a damp basement, unheated garage or other storage area, it will regain moisture.
Can you leave kiln dried firewood outside?
You can store kiln-dried wood outside. However, as we mentioned above, it’s a much riskier option than indoor storage. After all, wood stored outdoors must contend with the unpredictability of nature. A severe rainstorm could raise the moisture content of the wood, making it burn less efficiently.
What are the disadvantages of kiln drying timber?
Kiln seasoning of timber entails the following disadvantages:
- This method is costly (though the space required is less).
- It requires skilled labor.
- Due to the process of drying is quick; continuous attention needs to be given to check seasoning defects such as warping, internal cracks, surface cracks, and end- splits.