18 September 2026 · 5 min read · UFCL
Green timber is cheaper on the day and expensive by the second rainy season. Here is how drying changes what you get.
Freshly sawn timber can hold more water than wood. As it dries on site it shrinks, twists and opens cracks, which is why green roof battens rattle and green door frames stick.
Kiln drying brings boards to a controlled moisture content before they leave the factory, so the movement happens in the kiln rather than in your building.
When green timber is fine
Temporary formwork, fencing rails and rough farm structures tolerate movement. Anything with a joint, a hinge or a finish does not.
What to ask for
Ask for the target moisture content and whether it was measured at dispatch. UFCL dries timber in hot-water kilns at Nyanza to a target of 12–15% moisture.
