Vacuum Kiln Drying

At Woodland Hardwoods, we provide premium vacuum kiln drying services for woodworkers, furniture makers, and construction professionals in Missouri, and surrounding areas. Our advanced vacuum kiln technology ensures faster, more efficient, and superior-quality wood drying compared to traditional methods.



• Total kiln-drying cost will vary based on how much kiln volume your lumber requires (Kiln Board Feet) and the length of time it needs to remain in the kiln (billed in weekly increments).
  
  
• There is a minimum charge of $150, which covers the first week of kiln-drying. Each additional week is billed at $1 to $2 per board foot per week, depending on the wood species, initial moisture content, and total drying time required. As a general guideline, lumber dries at a rate of approximately one inch of thickness per week, though this can vary based on species and moisture content.
  
  
• If lumber needs to be manually unloaded, loaded, stacked, and stickered, additional labor fees will apply.
  
  

Kiln Capacity and Material Requirements

• Maximum lumber dimensions we accept: 17' Long x 60" Wide x 65" High (no exceptions to these limits).
  
  Preferred board lengths: 8', 10', 12', and 16’ ft.
  
  
• Our vacuum kiln can hold up to 4,000 board feet depending on moisture content and species.

• Our kiln dries on average one inch per week.



Air Drying Recommendation

• Wood can be loaded and dried right away; however, we strongly recommend air-drying until the lumber reaches its fiber saturation point (around 20% moisture content) before kiln drying.
  
  
• Lumber with higher moisture content takes longer to dry, costs more, and has a greater risk of drying defects such as warping, cupping, or checking.



• Faster Drying Times – Reduces drying time significantly compared to air drying or conventional kilns.
  
  
• Minimized Warping and Cracking – Ensures even moisture removal, reducing stress on the wood.
  
  
• Improved Stability – Helps wood retain its structural integrity for furniture, flooring, and other high-quality applications.
  
  
• Retained Natural Color – Lower drying temperatures prevent discoloration and maintain the wood’s natural beauty.
  
  
• Environmentally Friendly – Requires less energy compared to traditional high-temperature kilns.
  

Before drying your lumber, it’s essential to consider:

• Species of Wood – Different wood types require different drying times and temperatures.
  
  
• Initial Moisture Content – Proper pre-drying preparation ensures more consistent results.
  
  
• Intended Use – Lumber dried for furniture or flooring must meet specific moisture content standards.
  
  
• Desired Final Moisture Content – Typically ranges between 6-8% for interior applicatios.
  
  
• Target Moisture Content – For interior applications, lumber is typically dried to 6-8% moisture to ensure stability and prevent warping.

1. Lumber Inspection – We assess the wood’s moisture levels and species.
   
   
2. Stacking & Loading – Boards are carefully stacked to allow even airflow.
   
   
3. Vacuum Process Initiation – The kiln pressure is reduced to accelerate drying.
   
   
4. Moisture Monitoring – Our team continuously tracks progress to ensure optimal drying.
   
   
5. Final Quality Check – We verify moisture content and stability before returning the lumber to you.

• State-of-the-Art Equipment – Our vacuum kilns provide industry-leading drying precision.
  
  
• Experienced Professionals – With years of expertise, we ensure your lumber is dried properly and efficiently.
  
  
• Fast Turnaround – Get your lumber dried and ready for use quickly.
  
  
• Custom Solutions – We tailor our drying process to meet your unique project needs.