I've noticed that a lot of people are selling air dried walnut for about half the price of kiln dried walnut, which typically ranges from $12 to $14 per board foot compared to $6 to $7. However, I'm a bit worried about the potential for bugs in the air dried wood. What do you all think about using kiln dried wood to avoid bugs? Can you just pop air dried wood in a kiln to kill any pests? What alternatives do I have?
2 Answers
I've been air drying my own lumber for years and have faced very few bug issues. Sure, kiln drying eliminates the risk more effectively, but for me, it's rarely been a problem. I’ve had some ant damage, but it wasn't a big deal once I milled the logs. There are also products available specifically for killing wood-boring insects, and you can look into DIY treatments like Borax if you're really concerned. Just keep an eye on moisture levels, as you want the air dried wood to be thicker than kiln dried to ensure stability.
You can definitely eliminate bugs by using a kiln to raise the temperature to a lethal level for them. A lot of folks say that air dried walnut, especially if it’s been drying properly for over five years, is superior. Kiln drying often involves steaming, which can diminish the natural colors of the wood. Plus, buying from marketplace sellers means you can often get matching pieces from the same tree, perfect for all kinds of projects. I've built furniture with air dried walnut that’s held up beautifully for a decade!
Thanks for the tips!