Diller Millworks LLC provides kiln drying services for customers who want their lumber prepared for indoor woodworking, furniture, cabinetry, trim, millwork, and other finished projects. We are based in Chatsworth, Illinois and serve customers throughout central Illinois, Chicagoland, and surrounding areas.
Is Kiln Drying a Good Fit?
Kiln drying is a good fit if
You have green, partially air-dried, or air-dried lumber that needs to be brought to a target moisture level.
You want your lumber prepared for indoor use.
You plan to build furniture, cabinetry, trim, flooring, millwork, or other finished projects with your lumber.
You want to reduce moisture-related movement after the wood is used.
You are looking for heat treatment to help address bugs, fungus, and other biological activity.
What Does Kiln-Drying Do?
Kiln drying brings lumber down to the requested moisture range, typically approximately 6–8% moisture content for local indoor projects. During the process, the lumber is also heat treated to help sterilize the wood and conditioned to help equalize moisture between the surface and center. This helps reduce warping, twisting, mold, fungal activity, insects, and internal stress.
Kiln Capacity & Load Size
Large kiln: lumber up to 20 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 65 inches tall when stacked with stickers.
Small kiln: lumber up to 13 feet 6 inches long, 48 inches wide, and 61 inches tall when stacked with stickers.
Full load: generally at least 500 board feet.
Smaller loads: may be possible when they can be combined with compatible loads, subject to availability
Most efficient drying: lumber that has already air dried to about 20% moisture content or less is typically the most cost-effective to kiln dry
Pricing & Insurance
Please see our current price list for kiln drying rates. Starting moisture content affects the pricing structure: lumber over 20% moisture content may be charged using a daily per-board-foot rate, while lumber at or below 20% moisture content may be charged using a per-board-foot rate.
Our insurer does not provide coverage for customer lumber while it is in our possession. Customers are responsible for any insurance coverage they would like to maintain while their lumber is being dried.
Ready to Get Started?
Submit the kiln drying inquiry form with the details below, and we will follow up with availability and next steps.
