Kiln Drying at JAMCo Woodworks

Locally Sourced. Purposefully Dried. Built to Last.

At JAMCo Woodworks, our commitment to quality doesn’t stop at the sawmill. We’re proud to offer Montrose County’s only locally sourced dry kiln—serving the Western Slope with material that’s not just dry, but done right.

Our Kiln Drying Process: What to Expect

We kiln dry lumber to ensure long-term stability, reduce shrinkage, and make your wood project last. But here's the thing—we’re not in the business of shortcuts. We’ve learned (the hard way) that rushing kiln cycles leads to poor product and disappointed clients. So we don’t do that anymore.

All material must reach under 20% moisture content before it enters our kiln.
Why? Because putting wetter wood in a dry kiln can cause internal stress, warping, checking, and flat-out failure. That’s not the JAMCo standard.

Timeline & Lead Time: Plan Ahead

  • Standard Kiln Schedule: 4–6 week lead time

  • Air Drying Window (Summer): With the right weather, we can air dry material to <20% moisture in as little as 5 days

  • Batch Processing: Once material is properly air dried, we group projects for maximum efficiency and quality

  • Interior Projects Only: Our kiln drying is geared toward interior-grade wood—perfect for finish carpentry, tongue and groove, and furniture-grade lumber

Moulding Lead Time

If your project includes custom moulding, allow additional lead time. Each batch is queued based on current jobs and the moisture readiness of materials.

What About Timbers?

We get this question a lot—do we kiln dry timbers?
Short answer: Not typically.

Drying large timbers in a kiln is a slow, complex process that can introduce surface checks, splits, and tension if not done with extreme care (and even then, Mother Nature tends to do her own thing). If you absolutely require kiln-dried timbers, we’re happy to discuss it—but please know the process is lengthy, and surface checks are a likely reality.

Our Boundary = Better Wood

We aren’t in a rush because we’re in this for the long haul—and we want your project to stand the test of time. By upholding a strict moisture standard, we ensure:

  • Stronger material

  • Fewer callbacks

  • Projects that stay beautiful

We’re proud to be the only dry kiln in Montrose sourcing 100% local wood—serving builders, homeowners, and contractors across Olathe, Delta, Grand Junction, Ridgway, and the greater Western Slope.

Ready to Dry?

If you’re planning a project, let’s chat early. We’ll guide you on timing, material readiness, and how to make the most of our kiln schedule.

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