Kiln Drying
Vacuum (iDRY) and dehumidification kiln drying to stabilize moisture content in lumber and slabs before they're built with, shipped, or sold. Based in Gainesville, Georgia, serving woodworkers and builders nationwide.
Properly Dried Wood Doesn't Move, Cup, or Crack
Green or air-dried lumber that hasn't been properly kiln dried is unpredictable once it's built into something. It can cup, twist, check, or keep shrinking for months after a project is finished. CAG Specialty Wood runs two kiln drying methods in-house at our Gainesville, Georgia yard, vacuum drying through our iDRY system and conventional dehumidification, so lumber and slabs leave at a stable, predictable moisture content whether they're headed into a tabletop, a cabinet shop's standing order, or a shipment halfway across the country.
Vacuum drying pulls moisture out faster and at lower temperatures, which matters most for thick slabs and figured or exotic species that are prone to checking under conventional heat. Dehumidification kiln drying is the more economical choice for dimensional lumber and larger volume runs where speed matters less than cost per board foot. We'll recommend the right method once we know your species, thickness, and end use.
From First Call to Finished Wood
Tell us what you're drying
Species, thickness, slab or dimensional lumber, and your target moisture content.
We recommend a method
Vacuum for thick slabs and figured species, dehumidification for volume dimensional lumber.
It dries in Gainesville
Moisture-tested throughout so nothing leaves the kiln before it's actually stable.
Pick up, local delivery, or ship
Pair with planing, resawing, or flattening before it heads out the door.
Kiln Drying Options and Pricing
Vacuum Drying (iDRY)
Lower-temperature drying that's gentler on thick slabs, burls, and figured or exotic species prone to checking.
Dehumidification Drying
Economical, higher-volume drying for dimensional lumber and larger standing orders.
Moisture Testing
Every batch is checked before it leaves the kiln so you know exactly what you're building with.
Custom Schedules
Thicker slabs and dense exotic species get longer, slower schedules to avoid stress cracking.
| Service | Rate |
|---|---|
| Vacuum kiln drying (iDRY) | $0.20 per board ft, per day |
| Dehumidification kiln drying | $1.50 per total board ft |
| Typical slab drying time (vacuum) | Days, not weeks, depending on thickness and species |
Georgia Woodworkers Trust CAG
★★★★★ 4.8 average, 98 Google reviews
"I brought my wood top for my work bench up here to have it leveled. They did a great job at a reasonable price, I couldn't be happier."
"I love this place. Incredible lumber selections and super helpful staff. All their pieces have turned out perfect."
"What a selection! I was looking for wood to build a countertop, so I checked them out this morning. If you need any kind or size of wood, this is the place to go."
Our in-house shop in Gainesville, GA, where every kiln drying job is done on our own equipment.
Questions About Kiln Drying at CAG
How long does kiln drying take?
It depends on species and thickness. A vacuum-dried slab can often be ready in days rather than weeks; dehumidification runs on a longer, steadier schedule. We'll give you a timeline once we see the material.
What's the difference between vacuum and dehumidification drying?
Vacuum drying (iDRY) pulls moisture out faster at lower temperatures, which is gentler on thick slabs and figured species. Dehumidification is the more economical method for higher-volume dimensional lumber.
Can I bring in my own wood to be kiln dried?
Yes. Many customers bring in slabs or lumber from a felled tree, a previous air-drying stack, or another supplier for kiln drying only.
Will kiln-dried wood still move after it's built into something?
Properly kiln-dried wood is far more stable than air-dried or green lumber, but all wood responds somewhat to its environment. We dry to a moisture content appropriate for furniture and construction use.
Do you kiln dry slabs as well as dimensional lumber?
Yes, both. Thick slabs are typically run through vacuum drying to avoid surface checking that can happen with faster conventional heat.
Do you ship kiln-dried wood out of state?
Yes. We regularly ship kiln-dried lumber and slabs to customers across the country, in addition to local pickup and delivery.
Local Pickup, Or Shipped to Your Door
Every order is handled at our shop at 4050 Old Cornelia Hwy, Gainesville, GA 30507. From there, it's your call: pick it up in person, have it delivered locally, or let us ship it to you, wherever you're building.
Communities we serve directly:
Atlanta Savannah Athens Augusta Macon Columbus Rome Dalton Warner Robins Valdosta Albany BrunswickOutside these areas? We ship lumber, slabs, and milled orders nationwide.
Ready to Get Started?
770.869.3377 Request a Quote4050 Old Cornelia Hwy, Gainesville, GA 30507 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Sat by appointment