As you plan your next woodworking project, you may find yourself wondering if air-dried or kiln-dried lumber is best. The truth is, the type of lumber that’s right for your job depends on the particular project you have in mind. Trumbull County Hardwoods in Middlefield, OH, offers this simple guide to help you learn more about the differences between the two options.

Air-Dried Hardwood Lumber

Air-dried lumber is dried outdoors, out of direct sunlight, until the moisture content of the wood is equal to that of the environment. This process can take several months to a few years, but the final product is affordable thanks to the non-intensive nature of the drying process.

Air-dried lumber is often praised for its rich color, but crafting an indoor project like cabinetry or furniture with air-dried wood can create problems. Since indoor humidity is lower than outdoor humidity, air-dried lumber loses moisture when it’s brought inside. This may cause warping, twisting, or splitting in the finished product. For this reason, air-dried wood is considered more suitable for outdoor projects like decking. 

Kiln-Dried Hardwood Lumber

Kiln-dried lumber is processed in a humidity- and temperature-controlled environment where heated air is circulated to quickly and uniformly dry the wood. Kiln drying is a much faster process than air drying, and it creates a product that can be used immediately and for any purpose.

Kiln-dried lumber tends to be more expensive than air-dried wood due to the extra equipment required. However, the premium price is worth it for indoor woodworking projects. Since kiln drying brings lumber to a precise moisture content, kiln-dried lumber is unlikely to warp or otherwise change in appearance when used inside. Kiln drying also has the benefit of killing any pests or fungi that may be residing in the wood.

If you’re not sure if air-dried or kiln-dried lumber is right for your next woodworking project, talk to the staff at Trumbull County Hardwoods. This Amish-owned and -operated company has been providing northeastern Ohio and northwestern Pennsylvania with the highest-quality kiln-dried lumber, live edge wood slabs, and other types of hardwood lumber for over 25 years. Call them at (440) 632-0555 or visit them online to learn more.