Kiln Dried vs. Seasoned Lumber | What Is Best For You?

Are you looking to tackle a new build project around the property? Or maybe you want to install a new fence or patio? You may be interested in crafting a kitchen table or wish to accent the interior of your home with a fireplace mantel. Whatever the project in question, you will want to invest in quality wood. However, wood comes in so many variations. Beyond the kind of tree you’re looking at, you must also decide whether it is best to go with kiln dried or seasoned lumber. But what is the difference, and when should one be used over the other? 

Here is everything you need to know about the difference between kiln dried vs. seasoned lumber.

What is Kiln Dried Wood?

Wood naturally is full of moisture. The interior of a tree is very much like a condensed sponge. It soaks up water from the ground and will retain this moisture for as long as it is alive. In fact, moisture remains inside the tree long after it has been cut down and turned into planks of lumber.

Before wood can be used for most projects, specifically projects for the interior of your home, it needs to be thoroughly dried out. However, natural drying can take years, depending on the kind of tree the lumber is from. To extract the necessary moisture level from certain types of trees, it might take well over two years to dry out, and the thicker the lumber, the longer it takes.

Naturally, only some people want to wait years for useable lumber. In order to speed up the process, the lumber will be kiln dried. This is where wood is placed into a heated kiln to help dry the wood. The temperature needs to be controlled to avoid cracking the wood. Some kilns also use a vacuum feature to help pull excess moisture from the lumber. All in all, a kiln can cut the drying time from several years to a handful of months.

What is Seasoned Lumber?

While it sounds like someone is breaking out the ribs’ spice mix to season up some lumber (maybe give it a delicious bark), that’s not what is going on here. Seasoned lumber has more to do with the particular season lumber was harvested in. Additionally, seasoned lumber has been left to dry on its own. This means it is not placed in a kiln. At most, it might be held in a dry location. However, unlike kiln dried wood, there isn’t always a universal moisture threshold seasoned lumber needs to reach.

Typically, seasoned lumber will be split and placed in an area with as much airflow as possible. But outside of being reduced in size and held in a dry location, the drying process is not “enhanced” with additional equipment.

The Benefits of Kiln Dried Wood Over Seasoned Lumber

When you purchase kiln dried wood, you know you’re buying dried wood that will not have the same moisture level. At best, seasoned lumber will still have 25% moisture or more. This means kiln dried wood is less likely to develop mold and mildew, primarily if used on the house’s interior. Kiln dried wood will also burn easier, so if you’re looking for firewood that sears quickly and doesn’t smoke from excess moisture, kiln wood is the way to go.

You can use green lumber and season-dry it yourself, which might work well if you’re interested in installing an outdoor fence, but you will need space to dry out the greenwood. Seasoned wood is basically green wood that has been allowed to dry on its own.

Lastly, kiln dried wood is more readily available because it dries faster. Well-seasoned lumber can take years to dry, so it is in short supply.

The Benefits of Seasoned Lumber of Kiln Dried Wood

For starters, seasoned lumber is more affordable and environmentally friendly. Kiln dried wood requires more energy to dry. One of the benefits of using wood is the organic, environmental nature of it. However, one thing that many don’t consider is that it does take a good amount of energy to force dry the wood through a kiln. This means increasing your carbon footprint while paying more for the wood.

You can still use seasoned lumber for some projects, depending on your interest. You can use seasoned lumber specifically for outdoor projects. It is dryer than green wood so you won’t have the same moisture levels as the green wood lumber sold. However, it is only sometimes a viable option for some indoor projects. If you plan on using lumber for anything more than firewood, it is highly recommended to determine the current moisture level. This will help you determine whether the wood is adequate for the project and if you need to take any additional precautions for treating the wood before and after the project has concluded. Bloodhound Lumber & Land can assist you with this.

Help With Your Lumber Needs is a Phone Call Away

Don’t worry if you have a wood project you’d like to tackle but are still deciding what wood to utilize, as Bloodhound Lumber & Land is here to assist. Whether you’re searching for locally sourced seasoned lumber or seeking to have kiln dried timber removed from your property, all of this and more can be accomplished with the expertise of Bloodhound Lumber & Land professionals. 

Additionally, if you need equipment delivered to your home, are considering tree removal services, or want to clear out paths around your property for upcoming landscaping projects, if it has anything to do with land or lumber, all of your needs can and will be met by contacting Bloodhound Lumber & Land at your earliest convenience.