Now, after 5 years of experience, Hearthstone has a multi-patented process that allows us to dry large timbers in volume, at high quality, and a reasonable price.

The key technological advance is the process of drying the timbers in a vacuum chamber.  This allows us to solve several problems and introduce new benefits that were not practical before:

Drying in a vacuum makes all the difference.  In a vacuum, moisture exits the log at a lower temperature and at a faster rate than in a conventional kiln.  This allows us to get the moisture content in our huge logs and timbers down to a meaningful moisture content  - consistent throughout the timbers - at a reasonable cost and amount of time.  The entire process is completely tailored to both performance and efficiency.

The moisture content throughout the logs and timbers can be reduced to a meaningful level.  Previously, the term “kiln dried” logs didn’t mean much, because it was far too costly – in time and money – to dry large timbers to an internal moisture content low enough to improve the value and utility of the timbers.

The vacuum chamber is large – and is designed to dry large timbers.  Previously, kilns were designed for drying boards – not logs and timbers. They were suitable only for short, small diameter logs and timbers, and even then the results were not acceptable.  Timbers up to 40’-0” in length will fit in our kiln.

The drying process within the chamber itself is highly complex, automated, and computerized.  This solves the problem of uneven drying when trying to dry logs and timbers in older, conventional kilns.  The new process lowers drying times and reduces defects.

The time in the kiln is dramatically shortened.  Previously, kiln time was 3 or more times as long.  This was especially true for large timbers – and even then, less than acceptable results had to be tolerated.

The old trade-offs...

Until now, the only choices for log and timber frame lovers were:

• A customer had to use the huge logs and timbers (that made them love log and timber frames in first place), and then accept specialized construction techniques and movement of large green timbers.  Hearthstone built thousands of homes like this.  If Hearthstone, the builder, and the customer all worked together following our systems, it was certainly possible to build a beautiful and functional home.  But, of course, it was an involved process requiring attention to many details and inevitable compromises.
• Or, a customer had to use short, small diameter logs that could be “kiln dried”.  This “solution” wasn’t ever acceptable to Hearthstone.  First of all, the use of short, thin logs was contrary to what we were about and what our clients wanted.  Secondly, we found that logs or timbers advertised as “kiln dried” didn’t really mean much.  Companies were vague about specify key issues such as internal moisture content, how the moisture content was calculated, the evenness of drying, and the amount of tolerance in specifications.  Those logs were merely surface-dried, with very little ultimate benefit.

As always, Hearthstone is your leader in innovation, quality, and commitment to the customer.

We never quit searching for popular, practical, affordable product design and technology improvements.

Drying these timbers will nearly eliminate shrinkage (no system could totally guarantee 100% stability in any building material) in large timbers and logs.  This was previously not possible in any commercially feasible way.  It will also dramatically reduce log and timber movement, which - of course – will help stabilize walls and joinery.  Keeping joints the way they were when they were so carefully cut is a particularly satisfying development for our craftsmen.

Our approach is to dry to near the “equilibrium” moisture content, which will minimize shrinkage and settling as much as possible.  When you buy vacuum-dried timbers from Hearthstone, you will invest in clearly understandable specifications such as moisture content throughout the logs and timbers.

With this breakthrough, you have yet another reason to visit Hearthstone and proceed with your home and lifestyle vision.  And - you can take pride and confidence that your home came from Hearthstone:  product, design, and engineering leader for over 38 years. 

For more information call us at (800) 247-4442.