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Wood Products Extension

Air Drying

Hardwood Lumber Ready for Kiln - Two Workshops Announced for 2019 by NC State University - College of Natural Resources at NC State University

Jan 20, 2026

Registration Open: 54th Annual Hardwood Dry Kiln Operator’s Short Course

May 18, 2026 – 8:00 AM thru May 21, 2026 12:00 PM NC State UniversityHodges Wood Products LabRaleigh, North CarolinaContact Frederik Laleicke for more information at919-513-7368 or frederik.laleicke@ncsu.eduClick here for more information and registration. Course Description This short course will provide practical knowledge about how lumber is effectively kiln dried and scientific background on related wood properties…
Stacks of Wood - Spring 2018 Southeastern Dry Kiln Club Meeting - College of Natural Resources at NC State University

Feb 16, 2024

Register now: 53rd Annual Hardwood Dry Kiln Operator’s Short Course at NC State

May 21, 2024 – 8:00 AM thru May 24, 2024 12:00 PM NC State UniversityHodges Wood Products LabRaleigh, North CarolinaContact Frederik Laleicke for more information at919-513-7368 or frederik.laleicke@ncsu.eduClick here for more information and registration. Course Description This short course will provide practical knowledge about how lumber is effectively kiln dried and scientific background on related wood properties…
Hardwood Lumber Ready for Kiln - Two Workshops Announced for 2019 by NC State University - College of Natural Resources at NC State University

Apr 5, 2023

Register now: 52nd Annual Hardwood Dry Kiln Operator’s Short Course at NC State

July 25–28, 2023NC State UniversityHodges Wood Products LabRaleigh, North CarolinaContact Frederik Laleicke for more information at919-513-7368 or frederik.laleicke@ncsu.eduClick here for more information and registration. Course Description This short course will provide practical knowledge about how lumber is effectively kiln dried and scientific background on related wood properties and processes. It will have value for the beginner as…

Jan 19, 2018

Predicting the Air-Drying Time for Lumber Using the Air-Drying Estimator Spreadsheet

Lumber is often air-dried for months prior to being kiln dried. The air-drying yard manager must decide when to stop air-drying and move the lumber to the dry kiln. The Air-Drying Estimator Excel spreadsheet is based on previous air-drying of lumber research. The intent of the Air-Drying Estimator is to help the air-drying yard manager…

Dec 23, 2016

The Equilibrium Moisture Content of Wood in Exterior Locations in the United States: An Update

Wood responds to atmospheric moisture in a predictable manner.  If the relative humidity and temperature of the air are known, we can determine the equilibrium moisture content of that air, or EMC.  Knowledge of the EMC is useful in estimating how fast lumber on an air drying yard will dry; how long it will take…