Choosing the right kiln-dried lumber can be difficult due to the variety of trees available. Kiln drying allows for moisture control, and both softwood and hardwood can be used. Consider the level of dryness needed, the type of wood, and the specific project requirements.
Kiln-dried lumber is used for many purposes, but the variety of trees that can be kiln-dried can make choosing the right type of lumber difficult. Kiln drying allows operators to adjust the moisture content of the wood, so you should choose wood that is dry enough for your needs. Both softwood and hardwood can be used for kiln dried lumber and it is often important to choose between the two. You will also likely need to choose a specific type of wood. The kiln dried lumber you choose then should be usable for your project.
One of the benefits of kiln dried lumber is that the kiln can be set to varying levels to control the amount of moisture that is removed from the wood. This means that the wood can be made very dry or only slightly dry, and both serve different purposes. You should decide whether you want a wood with more bends and moisture or a drier wood that is sturdier but more likely to chip and break from use.
Softwood and hardwood come from different tree species. While their names are misnomers, as some softwoods are hard and some hardwoods are soft, hardwoods are often harder and more durable. This does not apply to softer hardwoods such as balsa, but does apply to most other hardwoods. Softwoods are commonly used and, therefore, may be cheaper; there are also many softwoods that are hard and strong enough for construction and other projects.
After choosing between hardwood and softwood, you’ll need to choose a specific type of kiln-dried lumber. Hardness is often important, but there are other aspects to consider as well. For example, you may need a certain color of wood, light or heavy wood, or wood with specific properties, such as resistance to rot and weathering.
Another aspect to consider when choosing kiln-dried lumber is your specific project. Some kiln-dried wood sellers can dry the wood to your exact specifications for your project, and if you’re dealing directly with kiln operators, this may be helpful. Lumber can also be cut into certain shapes to make your project easier, such as planks for general construction, materials and shapes for fences, or decking wood. Most kiln-dried wood is in plank form, but not all.
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