The moisture content in the wood you choose for log siding or paneling, whether exterior or interior, is a big deal. Make sure you ask your supplier what their target moisture content is for all products. The range of moisture content standards can be huge. It will impact the quality of your project.
Wood takes moisture in and gives it off naturally so the moisture content of the wood when you buy it drives how moist it is when you install it.
If you install wood that is too moist for your climate, as the humidity falls, the wood will shrink. If it shrinks, twists or pulls, you’ll have gaps — and a beautiful project gone wrong.
Some builders recommend letting wood rest in the building to become acclimated for a day or more before installing it. This process is especially important in the winter. Summertime humidity is more stable between the inside and outside of your home —most of the time.
Sound unreasonable? Yes, but if you are purchasing wood that has not been properly dried, you’d better make the space and time to let it dry a bit.
The drying process is all about air flow in a controlled environment which is only done in dry kilns, hence it is called kiln dried. Some lumber companies let it dry outside. Others use what’s called “standing dead” wood; they cut it down and sell it.
In Michigan, for example, the relative humidity is 12% so many wood manufacturers target 12%. Others merely follow construction-grade rules and dry their wood to 18% humidity (that’s really high). We target 6 to 8%, ensuring the stability and longevity of our wood products. If you’re not from Michigan, check out our blog about log cabin siding in other climates.
If you buy wood that has been properly kiln dried, the product will stay looking like the day you put it up. You don’t have to worry about it coming apart on your wall. It won’t shrink as much and it won’t move much either. It’s not true that it won’t move. It’s still going to shrink — but not as much. You might never notice it — and you definitely won’t have big gaps. It will be flatter and straighter because of its low level of moisture. Be sure you ask your manufacturer or supplier how your wood was dried. Air-dried wood is cheap. Kiln-dried wood is your best option when it comes to the stability of the product you’re purchasing.
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