Kiln dried
Our desription reads; KILN dried, tongue and groove with relief grooves for stability, it is standard specification for wood floors. But what does it mean to be KILN dried, and why is it so important?
Kiln drying is important because it stabilizes the wood by removing excess moisture, which prevents warping, cracking, and shrinking over time, making it ideal for indoor projects and furniture. It also sterilizes the wood by killing insects, eggs, larvae, mold, and fungi, increasing its durability and lifespan.
KILN drying makes install easy
Our dual kiln process uses state of the art technology that monitors each board. This insures each piece moisture content is brought down to the proper level for that species. This makes installation easy, and allows your floor to perform much better over time.
Southern Yellow Pine Direct minimizes the amount of time between the kiln and the jobsite. What does this mean for the pine wood floor installation? Kiln drying is a standard practice in wood production mills and serves to efficiently bring green lumber moisture levels down to “workable” range–moisture content levels that will not end in the myriad of problems that can be caused by excess moisture levels in wood.
Dual Kiln Drying
Southern Yellow Pine uses a dual kiln process, which is just what is sounds like, we utilize both air and heat. A dual kiln process for wood flooring refers to a manufacturer's method of drying wood twice to achieve a more consistent and lower final moisture content. While standard kiln-drying is a crucial step for producing stable lumber, a dual kiln approach goes further to minimize future warping, cupping, and shrinkage, especially for wide-plank flooring.
The standard single kiln process
In a standard process, wood is placed in a kiln, and heated air is circulated to reduce its moisture content. The goal is to reach an equilibrium moisture content (EMC), typically between 6% and 10% for hardwood flooring. However, especially with wider planks, some variation can remain between individual boards.
The dual kiln difference
Some flooring manufacturers perform a second drying process after the initial kiln drying. For example, one company uses the following method:
Initial kiln-drying: The wood is first dried to a typical flooring moisture content of 6–10%.
Second drying: It then goes through a second kiln-drying stage, which is more carefully controlled. This step reduces the moisture even further and helps to equalize any remaining variation between planks.
Benefits of the dual kiln process
Enhanced stability: A lower and more uniform moisture content makes the wood less prone to shrinkage and expansion when subjected to changes in humidity in its final installation environment.
Reduced defects: A more consistent moisture level across all planks minimizes the risk of cupping and warping after installation.
Better for wide planks: The process is particularly beneficial for wide-plank flooring, which is more susceptible to moisture-related issues than narrower boards.
Improved durability: By preventing excessive movement in the wood, a dual kiln process contributes to a more durable and long-lasting floor.
