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Without a doubt, kiln-drying is the most important step in the manufacturing of Parota slab. This critical process of reducing a slab moisture content ensures a quality product that will last over time. When administered properly, kiln-drying will not only remove excess moisture from the wood, it eliminates mold and fungi, insect infestation and provides a better base for stains and finishes.

We understand the importance of kiln-drying and take great care to ensure the process is properly managed.With our kilns in operation, we
dry our slabs for a minimum of 60 days at temperatures that rise to 180 degrees, uniformly shrinking, sanitizing and stabilizing the slabs. This period of time en sures that each slabs moisture content has been reduced to 10 to 15% or less. Based on our knowledge in the slab industry, we feel that we cannot provide the very best product without kiln-drying.

Kiln-Drying Facts:

  • Kiln-drying stabilizes the wood.
  • Most checks occur during drying.
  • Kiln-drying kills wood boring insects and decay fungi.
  • Kiln-drying sets the pitch and prevents pitch bleed.
  • Kiln-dried slabs are lighter, thereby saving in the cost of transportation.

Does the Competition Stack-Up on Kiln-Drying?

  • • Minimum of 60 days in the kiln is required(for 3 inches slab thickness).
  • • Temperatures that reach 180 degrees.
  • • Slabs are monitored throughout the drying process.
  • • When criteria has been met several samples of the slabs are cut and weighed.
  • • A moisture meter (probe) is used to check moisture content of these samples.
  • • With the correct moisture level achieved, the slabs are placed in dry storage.
  • • Moisture levels are checked once again during the sanding process.
  • • Any slab not meeting the correct moisture level is dropped out.

• To assure quality, slabs are checked a final time before being shipped.

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY KILN DRIED SLABS

  • Kiln drying kills borers, air drying does not
  • Kiln drying stabilises the slab and prevents it from cracking, twisting, warping, cupping and going mouldy.
  • Dry timber = stable timber
  • A common misconception – “The tree has been dead for years the slabs must be dry”. The truth – logs / trees on the Sunshine Coast will never dry out enough for the timber to be considered dry enough for any furniture making at all. Not even close to being dry.
  • Wet timber can and probably will
  • Go mouldy, crack, twist and warp.

WHAT MAKES OUR SLAB BETTER?

  • We mill all our own slabs
  • We kiln dry all our own slabs to ensure a dry and stable product
  • We test the moisture content of every slab to ensure stability
  • We have hundreds of slabs to choose from

WHAT MAKES US BETTER THAN OUR COMPETITORS?

  • We use only kiln dried, stable timber that we have milled and kiln dried ourselves
  • We only use quality products so the product you get will still look great in years to come.
  • We have the right equipment for the job