Kiln seasoning offers several advantages over air seasoning:
The process begins by stacking the wood in the kiln with small spacers, known as stickers, between each layer. These stickers allow heated air to circulate evenly around every board. The kiln operator then manages three critical variables: temperature, humidity, and airflow. This is often guided by a kiln schedule, which is a set of instructions tailored to the specific wood species and its thickness. Hardwoods like oak require a slow, gentle drying process to prevent internal stresses, while softwoods like pine can often withstand more aggressive heating.