One of the biggest advantages of owning a TimberKing portable sawmill is turning your own logs into lumber. But once the boards come off the mill, there’s one important step before beginning most projects: drying the lumber.
Freshly sawn, or “green,” lumber contains a lot of moisture. As that moisture leaves the wood, boards can shrink, warp, twist and crack. Proper drying helps minimize those problems and produces more stable lumber.
Can You Build With Fresh-Cut Lumber?
Yes, but it depends on the project. Green lumber can work for some outdoor projects, including barns, sheds, fences, and rustic structures where some movement is acceptable. However, it isn’t ideal when precise dimensions and stability are important.
For general construction, lumber is commonly dried to around 15% moisture content, while indoor furniture, cabinets and similar projects typically require lumber dried to approximately 6%–8%.
The best way to know when your lumber is ready is to use a moisture meter rather than relying solely on how long the wood has been drying.
How to Properly Air-Dry Lumber
Once you’ve milled your lumber on your TimberKing, follow these basic steps for effective drying:
1. Get it stacked quickly.
Don’t leave freshly cut boards sitting in a pile. Stack them as soon as possible.
2. Keep it off the ground.
Build a level foundation that allows air to circulate underneath the stack.
3. Use stickers.
Place small strips of dry wood between every layer of boards. Keep the stickers aligned vertically to support the stack and create consistent airflow. Restrain the stack with ratchet straps to keep it from moving.
4. Protect it from the weather.
A roof or covered structure is ideal. Keep the sides open so air can circulate. Avoid tightly wrapping green lumber in a tarp, which can trap moisture.
5. Seal the ends.
End-grain sealer can slow moisture loss from the ends and help reduce checking and splitting.
6. Be patient.
Drying time depends on the species and thickness of the wood, as well as weather and local conditions. Check the moisture content periodically with a moisture meter rather than relying on a set number of days or months.
Air Drying or Kiln Drying?
For many TimberKing owners, air drying is the simplest and most economical option. Air drying can bring lumber down to roughly 20%–25% moisture content before additional drying is needed.
If you’re making furniture, flooring or cabinets, kiln drying may be worthwhile because it can lower moisture content to a much more consistent level.
Let Your TimberKing Lumber Dry Before You Build
A TimberKing portable sawmill gives you control from the log all the way to the finished board. Proper drying is the next step in getting the most from that lumber.
While you can build with green lumber for certain projects, drying your lumber first is usually the best choice when stability and precise dimensions matter. Stack it properly, protect it from the elements, and use a moisture meter to determine when it’s ready.