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Abstract
Traditional hardwood lumber drying processes were developed for appearance-type products such as furniture, cabinetry, and millwork. This means that air-drying practices were managed to minimize the chemical and fungal stains that occur in white woods such as maple, as well as surface checking that is common in some species. It also means that the kiln schedules which were developed are conservative, slow, and designed to virtually eliminate even minor drying defects such as small surface checks or discolorations. In structural products, surface checks and discoloration do not detract from utility. They are not considered defects in softwood structural lumber grading rules. Therefore, for structural lumber, air-drying and pre-drying practices can be relaxed and kiln schedules can be more severe, faster, and more efficient than traditional hardwood schedules.
Keywords
Hardwoods,
heat treatment,
drying,
lumber,
maple,
pest control,
sterilization,
wood moisture,
heating time,
moisture content,
drying schedules,
air drying,
kiln drying,
heat sterilization
Citation
Simpson, William T.; Wang, Xiping. 2005. Chapter 5:Drying and heat sterilization of maple lumber for structural uses. Undervalued hardwoods for engineered materials and components. Madison, WI : Forest Products Society ; Marquette, MI : Northern Initiative, [c2005]: Pages 51-63.
