Why Kiln Dried Wood is the Best Choice for Your Projects in Malaysia
Is Kiln Dried Wood Worth It? Absolutely!
When it comes to choosing the best wood for your projects, there’s a lot of debate about whether kiln dried wood is the right option. At Creatimber Global Sdn Bhd, we firmly believe the answer is always YES! The benefits of working with kiln dried wood, especially live edge slabs, far outweigh those of green cut or air dried wood. But before we dive into those advantages, let’s take a closer look at the kiln drying process.
What is Kiln Drying?
Kiln drying is the process of reducing the moisture content in wood slabs and boards by placing them inside a controlled environment, known as a kiln. This process ensures the wood dries at a uniform rate, reducing defects such as bowing, cupping, and twisting. The kilns used come in various types, each with its own benefits, but the principle is the same: the wood is carefully dried to the desired moisture level.
At Creatimber Global, we kiln dry all our wood slabs to a moisture content of 6-8% and heat sterilize them for at least 24 hours at temperatures over 145°F. This results in solid, durable wood slabs that are ready for a variety of interior projects such as live edge dining tables, solid wood countertops, live edge headboards, and more.
Benefits of Kiln Dried Wood Slabs
Kiln Dried Wood is Lighter
The kiln drying process removes moisture, making the wood significantly lighter. This is especially important for denser woods like Black Walnut, White Oak, or Ash. The reduced weight makes the slabs easier to handle during finishing and installation. It also opens up more possibilities for hardware and table legs, as many are not designed to support the weight of green cut wood.
Kiln Dried Wood is Stronger and Creates High-Quality Furniture
The high temperatures during the kiln drying process offer several benefits. They can harden softwoods and reduce resin seepage, which can cause problems during the finishing process. Additionally, kiln drying sanitizes the wood, eliminating fungi, mold, and insects that might be present.
Unlike air drying, which is influenced by the elements and can cause inconsistent drying, kiln drying removes moisture in a controlled, uniform way. This ensures a stronger, more stable wood slab that is less likely to warp or crack.
Kiln Dried Wood is Ready for Work and Installation
One of the biggest advantages of kiln dried wood is that it doesn’t require extensive acclimatization before use. This means you can start and finish your projects much faster. Kiln dried wood also has a longer lifespan. Since most of the moisture has been removed, the wood is less likely to shrink or change in size after installation, unlike green cut or air dried wood that continues to dry out and may warp or crack over time.
Long-Term Durability
While kiln dried wood is stable, it’s important to remember that wood is a living material. Environmental conditions can still affect it, leading to potential changes over time if it is exposed to fluctuating humidity or temperature. However, kiln drying ensures that your wood is in its most stable form at the time of installation.
At Creatimber Global Sdn Bhd, we understand the value of quality wood in creating lasting, beautiful furniture. Our kiln dried wood slabs are crafted to meet the highest standards, ensuring your projects are built to last. Choose kiln dried wood for your next project and experience the difference.
