To build the kiln lay poly clear plastic roll on the ground and then build a frame with 2x4 studs on top of it for the lumber to rest on.
Plans for building a wood drying kiln.
To slow the drying process for thick wood or when the kiln is less than full you can block off parts of the roof with an opaque covering or tarp.
The dimensions given are only a suggestion.
A solar wood drying kiln in which the entire front glazed area lifts up for access.
Building the kiln is straightforward.
Build a kiln to suit your drying needs.
With a 130 f kiln temperature sterilization will take 10 to 12 hours dry kiln operators manual 1991.
For all kiln drying schedules a heater should be used to sterilize the lumber and kill any insects that may be present.
These figures hold true for lumber up to 2.
A kiln constructed to these specifications figure 1 will dry 450 board feet of one inch thick hardwood lumber in 6 weeks or less of good weather or 600 board feet of two inch hardwood lumber in 15 weeks.
After a few months bring the wood indoors and finish the drying.
If you are into boat building this site describes the building of a 45 foot sailboat very interesting.
We constructed this nifty 8x8x12 passive solar kiln.
Kiln drying lumber is a simple cost effective method recommended for anyone who wants to increase profits by selling dried lumber.
Click on the wood doctor.
Purchasing fresh cut lumber from a sawmill and drying it in a home wood kiln can be less costly and more satisfying than buying pre dried commercial lumber.
For a kiln temperature of 140 f sterilization takes three to five hours.
And boy does it work not to mention save money.
Leave enough space to have a standard household dehumidifier at one end and a small fan at the other.
Using a personal solar kiln to dry lumber can take several weeks but the opportunity to afford even exotic hardwoods and prepare them to your liking can make building your own wood.
Wood mizer dehumidification and solar wood kilns range from 300 to 35 000 board feet capacity for drying lumber.