INSIDE TIN ROOF: 

WHY KILN-DRIED LUMBER MATTERS

HOWDY, friends! Kurt here, giving y’all a behind-the-scenes look at one of our most essential tools here at Tin Roof — our 40-foot kiln. It may not be the flashiest piece of equipment we’ve got, but trust me, this powerhouse does wonders in turning fresh-cut lumber into the beautiful boards ready for your custom projects. If you think of a kiln as just a regular oven, you’re on the right track—but this is a whole different level of drying power! Our kiln can dry wood faster than any Texas summer, prepping up to 4,000 board feet of kiln-dried lumber at a time to make sure it’s ready for whatever custom woodworking project we’ve got cookin’ next.

THE LONG (AND SHORT) ROAD TO PERFECTLY DRIED LUMBER

So, how do we get wood ready for custom woodworking? When we first bring in the lumber from our sawmill at Pratka Ranch, we stack it with 1-inch “stickers” between each board in a covered area. These spacers promote air circulation around the wood during the initial air-drying stage. However, the truth is that this process can take up to a year for every inch of thickness! That’s a significant wait!

When we need to speed things up, our kiln-drying process comes into play. We load up the wood, set the temperature just right, and let the kiln take over. This method reduces the drying time for a 1-inch board to just two to three weeks — a huge difference from the year it would take naturally.

HEAT WITH A SIDE OF BUG-BUSTING

Drying isn’t all our kiln does. Once the wood reaches our target of 6-8% moisture, we crank the heat up to 165 degrees for a good 24 to 48 hours. This extra heat blast is essential for “kiln sterilization,” which clears out any bugs, grubs, or critters that might’ve hitched a ride. By the time it’s out of the kiln, the wood’s not only dry but fully sterilized, making it perfect for furniture, cutting boards, or any other high-quality wood product.

WHY KILN-DRIED LUMBER MATTERS FOR CUSTOM WOODWORKING

Now, you might be wondering why all this matters. Kiln-dried wood stays straight, sturdy, and is less prone to twisting or warping — ideal for furniture making, cutting boards, and other custom wood products. It’s about giving the wood a solid foundation, so that every Tin Roof piece is built to stand the test of time.

FROM RAW WOOD TO REFINED PRODUCTS

While our kiln-drying process may seem involved, it’s a crucial element that sets Tin Roof’s custom wood products apart. Each board embarks on a journey from raw material to a unique creation you can trust to look fantastic and endure over time. So, the next time you spot one of our pieces—whether in our showroom in El Campo or at a vendor event—keep in mind that there’s a rich story—and plenty of heat—behind it!

LET’S CREATE SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY

If you’re dreaming of a custom wood project for your office or home, we’re here to turn your vision into reality with the same passion and expertise that goes into every project. Reach out to us, and let’s start building something extraordinary together!

WORK TOGETHER