To some kiln drying may not seem like an important process when choosing a log home manufacturer, but let's look at the facts:

First, the process of kiln drying logs removes as much as 10,000 lbs. of water from a typical log home.  True Kiln dried logs have had their moisture content reduced to below 19%.  It will require a minimum of 28 days to get a timber to the proper moisture content.  This uniformly shrinks and stabilizes the log and minimizes the potential for any problems.  Kiln drying significantly reduces the weight for both shipping and handling on the job site.

Second, timbers are sanitized when they are heated to 180 degrees F in a kiln.  This heat kills mold, fungi, and any insects, eggs, or larvae there may be.  The heat of the kiln crystallizes the pitch in the wood.  This will prevent sticky substances from seeping through the logs.

Third, interior and exterior finishes can be applied soon after construction.  Stains and finishes seem to penetrate and last longer on kiln dried wood.

Why doesn't everyone kiln dry?

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

Why Does Old Timer Log Homes kiln dry?

Based on our knowledge and 25 years experience in the log home industry, we can not provide the very best product without kiln drying.  Our logs do not just pass through the kiln; they spend the necessary amount of time, 26 to 36 days to reach the correct moisture content.  Old Timer Log Homes knows that living in a well built, quality home is important, and it is our goal to provide our customers with the very best product.

Our Kiln Drying Process...

The "Air Drying" Myth

Air-dried or green logs by most manufacturers' standards are the same, meaning that they have been left out in the air to dry to an indeterminate moisture content.  This moisture content can be brought to 20%, but this will take years to achieve.  It is unlikely that there is a company today that can afford to carry that much inventory in storage for that amount of time.  Manufacturers who sell air-dried logs also offer a "settling system" to compensate for the settling.  Air-dried logs will settle (shrink) 2" to 4" over a few years due to loss of moisture content.  This can create complicated problems that you will encounter for years to come.

As stated in the Dry Kiln Operator's Manual (United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory) a 1" piece of wood takes up to one year to dry to a moisture content of approximately 19%.  So, if you have an 8"x8" piece of wood it could take up to approximately four years to air-dry properly.  No one can afford this kind of inventory for this amount of time.

Before you buy a log package, determine the truths and myths about properly kiln dried logs and their advantages versus air-dried logs.  Old Timer Log Homes believes that kiln drying is the only answer.