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Drying Timber: An Insight Into The Kilning Process

An Introduction To Drying Timber

Over the years we’ve seen our fair share of kilns: the ‘ovens’ at the heart of every brilliant sawmill for drying timber. There is an art and science to the successful running of these hangar sized ovens to ensure prized timber, and nothing less, is achieved each and every time. Live edge tables, featuring natural and rustic beauty, have become an obsession of ours here at L’Atelier Mata. To create these stunning pieces, hardwood slabs must undergo a meticulous kiln drying process. In this blog post, we will delve into the science behind kiln drying timber, exploring the principles and techniques that ensure their stability, durability, and suitability for live edge table production. By understanding the science behind kiln drying, you can make informed decisions, optimize the quality of your slabs, and deliver exceptional products to your customers.

The Science Of Drying Timber

Once cut timber slabs undergo two to three summers stacked outside to gradually season the timber and bring down moisture levels prior to the kilning process. Kiln drying is a crucial next step in the processing of hardwood slabs, as it eliminates excess moisture, kills off insect activity, stabilizes the wood, and minimizes the risk of warping, splitting, or other defects. By reducing the moisture content, kiln drying enhances the strength, density, and dimensional stability of the wood, allowing it to withstand changes in humidity and temperature more effectively. For this very reason only the most exerienced operative, often with decades of exerience, is chosen by the sawmill to undertake the work – in most situations it is the sawmill owner her/himself!

The Science Behind Kiln Drying: The kiln drying process involves a careful balance of heat, humidity, and airflow to achieve optimal results. Several scientific principles come into play during this process.

Moisture Content and Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC): Moisture content (MC) refers to the amount of water present in wood, typically expressed as a percentage of the wood’s weight. Kiln drying aims to reduce the moisture content to a desired level. Equilibrium moisture content (EMC) refers to the moisture content at which wood reaches a balance with the surrounding environment. The target moisture content for hardwood slabs used in live edge tables is usually around 6-8%.

Drying Schedule: A drying schedule outlines the specific temperature, humidity, and time parameters required for optimal drying. It is essential to follow a carefully designed drying schedule to ensure uniform drying and minimize the risk of defects. The schedule typically involves three stages: the initial heating phase, the main drying phase, and the conditioning phase.

Heat and Moisture Transfer: Heat and moisture transfer occur simultaneously during kiln drying. The heat energy raises the temperature inside the kiln, increasing the vapor pressure of the moisture in the wood. This pressure gradient drives moisture movement from the wood’s interior towards the surface. Proper airflow and ventilation ensure the removal of evaporated moisture from the kiln, preventing reabsorption and promoting efficient drying.

Wood Structure and Stress Relief: The structure of wood consists of long cellulose fibers embedded in a matrix of lignin. During the kiln drying process, as moisture is removed, the shrinking and rearrangement of wood fibers can create internal stresses. These stresses, if not relieved properly, can lead to warping or cracking. Conditioning, the final phase of kiln drying, allows the wood to rest and equilibrate, minimizing residual stress.

Monitoring and Control Of Drying Timber: To ensure successful kiln drying, precise monitoring and control of temperature, humidity, and airflow are paramount. Modern kilns are equipped with sensors and controllers that continuously measure and adjust these parameters, providing a controlled drying environment. In the careful introduction of heat, moisture and airflow the operator expertly creates premium quality slabs over 4 to 6 weeks of careful work!

What Can Go Wrong When Drying Wood?

There are several things that can go wrong during the kiln drying process, leading to potential issues with the wood. Here are some problems that can occur:

  1. Uneven drying: If the drying process is not carefully controlled, there is a risk of uneven drying within the wood. This can result in stress build-up, warping, or cracking. Proper air circulation and temperature control are crucial to ensure uniform drying.
  2. Overdrying: Excessive heat or prolonged drying can cause the wood to become overly dry, leading to brittleness, increased susceptibility to cracking, and potential damage to its structural integrity. It’s essential to monitor the drying process closely to avoid over-drying.
  3. Case hardening: Case hardening occurs when the outer layer of wood dries too quickly, forming a hard shell while the interior remains moist. This creates tension within the wood, which can lead to warping, splitting, or checking. Proper drying schedules and moisture content monitoring can help prevent case hardening.
  4. Internal stresses: Wood contains internal stresses that can be released or exacerbated during the drying process. Improper drying conditions or rapid moisture removal can cause these stresses to manifest as warping, twisting, or cupping in the wood.
  5. Mould and fungal growth: If the kiln is not properly ventilated or if the drying conditions are not adequately controlled, there is a risk of mould and fungal growth on the wood. This can degrade the quality of the wood, affect its appearance, and potentially lead to health hazards.
  6. Insect infestation: If the drying timber already contains insect larvae or eggs, inadequate temperature control or insufficient drying time can result in the survival of these pests. This can lead to insect infestation and subsequent damage to the wood.

Conclusion

Kiln drying timber is a scientifically driven process that optimizes hardwood slabs for live edge table production. By carefully managing heat, humidity, and airflow, kiln drying eliminates excess moisture, enhances wood properties, and reduces the risk of defects. Understanding the science behind kiln drying enables the sawmill to produce high-quality slabs, achieve dimensional stability, and deliver exceptional products to their customers (us in this case). Embracing the principles of kiln drying ensures that the natural beauty of live edge tables is combined with durability and longevity so that each table truly will last a lifetime..

Dining Table Styling Ideas for the Holidays

Dining Table Styling Ideas

Dining table styling ideas are an important aspect of creating a memorable and stylish event. The dinner table is truly the star of the holiday season, and it’s easy to see why. With its central location in the home, it’s a focal point for guests and a gathering place for family and friends. The holiday season is a perfect time to put your creativity to the test and style your dinner table in a way that is both festive and functional.

One great way to transform your dinner table is to experiment with different textures. Adding some interest to your table with soft velvet runners, linen napkins, and a metallic tablecloth can create a warm and inviting ambiance. You can also add some greenery to the table to create a natural and vibrant feel. Fresh flowers, garlands, and green foliage can bring a touch of nature to the table, and succulents, herbs, and other potted plants can also be incorporated for a unique and eye-catching look.

Another way to transform your dinner table is to play with color. Don’t be afraid to incorporate bold and vibrant colors into your table setting, as this can create a fun and energetic atmosphere. You can also choose to stick with a neutral color scheme, such as white or cream, for a more sophisticated and timeless look.

Read on to find some great examples from our team.

Dining Table Styling Ideas

Dining Table Styling Ideas 2. Large Otto Plate Black – Crafted by Frama

Handmade dinnerware is sure to make any meal that bit more special, and what could be better than eating off these beautiful Scandinavian ceramic plates. Not only are they gorgeous, this stonewear is refuted for its high strength and durability and makes for a sophisticated addition to any kitchen & dining room. The distinctive lip of the Otto series is an enduring and rustic design but combined with a stackable function and subtle glaze, it also celebrates a meeting between luxe and play in the most perfect way.

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Metallic candle holders

Dining Table Styling Ideas 4. Silver Candle holder – Crafted by Skultuna

Create an elegant setting with the Nattlight candleholder in silver from Skultuna. The Nattlight was designed by Richard Hutten, one of Holland’s most known designers. The candleholder is made of silver-plated brass with a clean, timeless design that is perfect for both festive occasions and every day. The candleholder is available in different sizes and works well displayed by itself or in a cluster. We recommend choosing silver for its versatility, so that these can be used to dress the table for any occasion throughout the new year.

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Dining Table Styling Ideas 5. Napkins with a fascinating ombre effect

The design on these napkins features an intriguing ombre effect. The fascinating patterns are more intense along one edge of the napkin and become progressively lighter as they disappear across the other side. Their generous size also means that they can roll up inside a napkin ring without looking thin. The natural style of this table linen will elevate your dining aesthetic by introducing characterful patterns and textures into the space.

Dining Table Styling Ideas

Dining Table Styling Ideas 6. Flow Napkin Rings in Brass – Ferm Living

Moulded into curving, organic shapes, this set of napkin rings help you set your table with the attractive lines found in nature, introducing more warmth into your space without offsetting the feel of luxury. Each set features four individually shaped rings of solid brass and presents a napkin casually, yet gracefully – now, we’re getting stylish.

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What about your dining table style ideas for the holidays? Head over to our Instagram and let us know!