DIY Kiln Dried Logs

Cut your logs to length. The logs will shrink by thickness and width, but the length will not change. Split the longs. Debarking is not necessary.

Slide the logs into the kiln. Studies conducted by the United Stated Department of Agriculture have shown that placing the logs parallel with the airflow in the kiln does not reduce drying times or effectiveness.

Heat the kiln. Typical split logs can be dried at temperatures between 140 and 220 degrees Fahrenheit. At 140 F, it will take up to 260 hours to dry the logs to 20 percent moisture content. At 220 F, it will take 30 hours. Setting the kiln to 180 F and drying for 90 hours may be the best option for using less heat in the kiln, but also taking less time for the process.

Allow the logs to cool for several hours, and remove them from the kiln. Expose them to ambient air for at least three days before using if building or finishing using the wood.