“Does anyone have advice on milling fresh lumber for kitchen sills – should I kiln dry it first?”
Asked by Julianne Vårdal 
6 months ago
Last Updated: May 24, 2024
Has anyone ever milled lumber before? I need to make two big sills for my kitchen expansion and I have a bunch of lumber from clearing out some trees. Would it be enough to just cut a few slabs and put them in place, or should I dry them in a kiln first?
Milling plays a crucial role in turning a tree into lumber, but it’s equally important to ensure that the lumber is dried properly to produce stable wood suitable for construction purposes. You can find more detailed information on this topic in the ‘Understanding Wood’ PDF.
Thank you, exactly what I was searching for. Perfect!
Consider opting for kiln drying as it can strengthen and prevent warping of wood. Just something to think about.
It requires a significant amount of drying before it’s ready for use.
If you’re working with processed lumber, it’s already been through the kiln-drying process. However, if it’s fresh wood, it still needs to be dried. I know a guy over at Metro Hardwoods in Cleveland who might be able to assist you.
Should you kiln dry it, or to be honest, if you haven’t done it before, it might be best to locate a sawmill nearby and place an order for what you need.