Moisture Out Before the Wood Goes In

Professional kiln drying for milled lumber used in furniture, cabinetry, and interior projects in Jacksonville and across East Texas

When you mill lumber for indoor use, the moisture inside the wood needs to be reduced before you build with it. Wood that is too wet will shrink, warp, or crack as it dries in your home. Kiln drying removes moisture in a controlled environment, bringing the wood down to a stable level that prevents movement and damage over time. Trestles LLC provides kiln drying for lumber used in cabinetry, furniture, flooring, and interior installations.


The drying process takes place in a temperature- and humidity-controlled kiln. The wood is stacked with spacers to allow air circulation, and the moisture content is gradually reduced to a target level based on your intended use. This is especially important in East Texas, where high humidity can cause freshly milled lumber to retain moisture longer than it would in drier climates.


If you need lumber dried before installation or fabrication, reach out to discuss your project timeline and wood specifications.

What Happens Inside the Kiln and Why It Matters

The kiln drying process begins by loading your lumber into the kiln and setting the temperature and airflow based on the wood species and thickness. The kiln gradually raises the temperature while controlling humidity to pull moisture out of the wood without causing it to crack or split. The process can take several days to weeks depending on the starting moisture content and target dryness.

Once drying is complete, you will notice the wood is lighter, more stable, and ready to work with. It will not shrink or warp after installation the way wet lumber does. Joints stay tight, finishes apply evenly, and the wood holds its shape under indoor conditions. This is critical for furniture, cabinetry, and any application where precision and appearance matter.

The service includes loading, drying, and unloading but does not include milling, planing, or delivery. You should plan for drying time when scheduling your project, especially if you are working with thicker boards or slabs. The kiln is designed to handle a range of species and dimensions, but extremely large or irregular pieces may require special arrangements.

Common Questions About Drying Lumber

Most customers want to know how long drying takes, what moisture level is right for their project, and whether all wood needs to be kiln dried. These answers help you understand when and why drying is necessary.

How long does it take to kiln dry lumber?
Drying time depends on the species, thickness, and starting moisture content. Thinner boards may dry in a few days, while thick slabs or dense hardwoods can take several weeks. You should plan for drying time when scheduling your project.
What moisture content should I aim for?
For most indoor applications, you want the wood dried to six to eight percent moisture content. Outdoor or covered projects may allow for slightly higher levels. The target depends on where the wood will be used and how much movement you can tolerate.
Why can't I just let the wood air dry?
Air drying takes months or even years depending on thickness and climate. In East Texas, high humidity slows the process and increases the risk of mold, staining, or insect damage. Kiln drying speeds up the process and gives you consistent, predictable results.
What happens if I use wood that is not dry enough?
Wet wood will continue to shrink as it dries, causing joints to open, boards to warp, and finishes to crack. In furniture or cabinetry, this can ruin the piece. Kiln drying prevents these problems by stabilizing the wood before you work with it.
When should I request kiln drying for my lumber?
You should request it as soon as the lumber is milled, especially if your project has a deadline. Drying takes time, and you cannot rush the process without risking damage to the wood. Plan ahead and factor drying into your project schedule.

If your project requires stable, dry lumber for furniture, cabinetry, or interior installations, Trestles LLC can kiln dry your wood to the right moisture level. Get in touch with your project details and timeline to schedule drying.