Professional Wood Drying Services
iDry Vacuum Kiln Drying
Drying lumber in a vacuum kiln is the only way to provide quick and consistent results. Air drying lumber can take months or even years, while most dehumidification kilns still require several months for proper drying.
The Need-to-Know's about Vacuum Kiln Drying
Wood must be dried to 6% - 9% moisture content in order to be used without splitting, warping, or cupping after the project is completed. Below is a rough guide of what you can expect for drying times in our vacuum kiln. Actual drying time will vary based on type of wood, thickness, and initial moisture content.
• Pine, Cypress, Cedar, Poplar 4/4 boards: 5 - 7 days
• Walnut, Maple, Hickory, Cherry 4/4 boards: 7 - 9 days
• Red and White Oak 4/4 boards: 12 - 18 days
• Walnut, Maple, Cherry 8/4 boards or slabs: 14 - 16 days
• Red and White Oak 8/4 boards or slabs*: 14 - 20 days
• Beams and 12/4 items: 20 - 40 days
* Please note that thicker Oak can be particularly difficult to dry, even in a vacuum kiln. It is recommended that 8/4 or thicker Oak air dry for at least 6-8 weeks after sawing before entering the kiln.
Drop off / Pick-up
At your scheduled drop off, all lumber will be marked, then measured for pricing and loading. All lumber is sticker-stacked and loaded into the kiln, then monitored for proper drying.
Once your stack of lumber reads dry, it will be removed from the kiln and checked for thorough dryness. We'll notify you once your lumber is ready, and will schedule your pick-up.
Your final balance is due on pick-up of your lumber. Pick-up must be arranged within 2 weeks of unloading the kiln. If wood is not picked up after final notice, all lumber will be sold with the remainder of our lumber sales.
We have two drop-off and pick-up points for all lumber: Bartlett, TN or Olive Branch, MS.
Pricing
There is a minimum loading cost of $250.00 for all lumber drying services. This non-refundable deposit is due at the time of drop-off and reserves your space in the kiln. This loading cost will be deducted from your total bill - or - is your minimal drying fee if your board feet total is under the minimum cost.
• Lumber drying is .20 cents per board foot, per day your lumber is in the kiln. You pay only for the amount of time it takes to dry your lumber, on average most dry times are between 14-16 days.
• For larger orders over 2,000 board foot, we offer bulk deals and drop the price to .16 per board foot, per day.
Deeper Discounts available for repeat customers who dry in bulk - just inquire and we can discuss!
Board foot measurement is based on the max width of your stack.
• Larger beams and 12/4 lumber (or thicker), requires a longer drying time, and is a flat rate of $2.00 per board foot.
Memphis Woodcraft serves wood hobbyists in the the greater Mid-South area with vacuum kiln drying services so you can get your projects started quicker and confidently!
