Kiln-Drying of Western Juniper

Kiln schedules have not been available for western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis Hook.) lumber, which is not considered a commercial timber species. However, recently western juniper has been utilized for 5/8-inch “distressed” paneling, which includes bark pockets, encased or intergrown knots, and other natural defects. The final moisture content of the kiln-dried lumber should average about 7-8 percent without surface checking and knot splitting. The recommended kiln schedule for 5/8-inch boards is a constant dry-bulb temperature of 160?F and wet-bulb temperature of 150?F for 24 hours, 140?F wet-bulb temperature for 24 hours, and 130?F wet-bulb temperature for 18 hours. The 5-quarter and 6-quarter boards are dried at 150?F dry-bulb temperature and 140?F wet-bulb temperature for 60 hours, a constant 160?F dry-bulb temperature and 145?F wet-bulb temperature for 36 hours, and 130?F wet-bulb temperature for 48 hours. Depending on initial and final moisture contents, the suggested schedules will require more or less time in the final drying stage.

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