7 steps to building a kiln

The Seven Natural Steps of Building a Lumber Kiln.

DISCLAIMER:
After many years of trying to help companies build and construct their own lumber and pallet kilns we have seen some well managed projects resulting in good kilns, many projects with sub-industry standard results with a functioning kiln, and lastly a few projects that have gone poorly. In the end you have to decide that you have a thorough understanding of both building constructions and lumber kilns plus have the ability to manage this kind of project. Kiln-direct can no longer help with drawings and materials. We have sadly experienced being blamed for local mistakes and cannot accept any liability incurred by advising people and companies in any way. But you are welcome to use this information to help you manage a lumber kiln building project and you can visit our web-store and order lumber kiln parts made for the harsh environment.

On the right you can see a kiln project with two 100m3 kilns (45000 boardfeet) with possible easy expansion to the left. As with most major projects and jobs, there are several natural components or labor tasks. Building a lumber kiln is no different and by understanding these naturally individual tasks will make it easier to manage a kiln project and keep it within budget. We hope the table below answers your questions and reassures your belief in the ability of your company to undertake a kiln building project.

1:	Foundation		The foundation and site preparation is always done by a local company. Most kiln companies advise you to pour a 150-200mm (6"-8") concrete foundation with raised footing for the walls. On masonry kilns, the walls becomes the foundation and the concrete floor becomes a floating slab. More information.
2:	Wall/ceiling components		Preparation of components or panels used for the actual installation of the kiln building is prepared in one way or another. Kiln-direct normally suggests that you consider our wall/ceiling panels solution with inside aluminum vapor barrier. More information.
3:	Erecting kiln chambers		Use the materials prepared in step 2 for the actual building erection. Generally, the more detailed planing and preparing performed in step 2 helps reduce the actual kiln erection time. More information.
4:	Install equipment		Install the kiln equipment in the chamber, which normally consists of a main fan header, vent/exhaust system, heating system, between-deck, and a main door system (we suggest you consider a lift/slide main door system). More information.
5:	Install heating system.		It does not matter which type of heating system you have chosen. It must be installed. On steam and hot water units, it is mainly the piping from the broiler that will need installing. When using in-direct or direct gas-fired units, the final gas-burner installation should be inspected (and preferable installed) by a local professional certified company. More information.
6:	Install controls and elec- trical wiring.		The electrical control system will normally consist of: Kiln controller, High voltage cabinet, temp/RH sensor(s), and wiring of the kiln components. This is normally done by a local electrician or someone from your on-site maintenance department. More information.
7:	Outside insulation/ sheeting.		Finally, the outside of the kiln is insulated and sheeting of your choice is installed on the outside. This is normally done by a local contractor or on-site personal. More information.