Kiln

"So, you’re looking for kiln-dried wood? Let’s figure out what you need.

Here’s how we do things at JAMCo. First, we cut and pick the right material for your project—because not every piece of wood is made for the same job. Then we move on to drying. For most boards, the timeline looks like this:

• One-inch boards? About a week.

• Two-inch boards? Two weeks.

Now, timbers are a different story. They take longer, and here’s the thing—timbers like to check. It’s just part of the process. Think of it this way: the kiln is like a sauna for wood—it pulls out all that deep moisture. And just like you’d expect a sauna to open your pores, the wood might crack as it dries. It’s completely normal for larger timbers. So, if you’re kiln-drying timbers, let’s chat about your expectations to make sure we’re all on the same page.

Now, can we talk about Colorado’s climate for a second? It’s awesome for air drying. In the summer, one-inch boards can dry pretty fast—sometimes too fast. Without shade, cover, and good airflow, you could end up with cracking or shrinkage. If you’re air drying, just keep an eye on it and slow things down if needed.

So, why kiln dry when air drying works? It’s all about precision. A kiln brings your wood to USDA moisture content standards, so you don’t have to worry about warping, twisting, or cracking later. Plus, it takes care of pests and mold—nobody wants those surprises in their project.

At the end of the day, kiln drying is about giving you material that’s ready to work, no guessing involved. Got questions? Let’s chat. Or swing by and check out the kiln—it’s like a giant sauna for wood.