Drying Eastern Hardwood Lumber (Agriculture Handbook No. 528)

Interest in broader utilization of hardwoods has been spurred by shortages of softwoods and an apparent surplus of hardwoods. However, to greatly increase use of hardwoods will require simplified drying procedures. At the same time, the better grades of hardwoods must be seasoned by methods less wasteful of both material and the energy required to dry it. These facts make this publication desirable. The handbook is confined to eastern hardwoods because most of the hardwood timber grows in the Eastern United States. Much of the general methodology will apply to western hardwoods, but some species have special problems and some localities have severe air drying weather; western hardwood users should consult local authorities on specific questions. Without supplanting the two existing handbooks on kiln drying and air drying lumber, this handbook combines improvements in practice with new research findings to provide savings in costs and energy.