Uploaded February 2019 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
To learn more, visit our blog: dunnlumber.com/blog/post/whats-the-difference-between-kiln-dried-and-air-dried-western-red-cedar
When it comes to understanding the world of cedar, there are few people we trust more than “Mr. Cedar” himself, Paul Mackie. He’s been with the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association—known as the “voice of the cedar industry”—for more than two decades, working to represent quality cedar producers and educate others on all things cedar. In this series, he’ll share everything cedar-related, from what exactly western red cedar is to the difference between kiln- and air-dried lumber to installation best practice.
In this video, Paul discusses the difference between kiln-dried and air-dried western red cedar.
In the marketplace, western red cedar might be available unseasoned (or green), which means it hasn’t gone through a drying process—the moisture content of this wood could be up to 25 percent moisture. To finish the wood, it has to be at 20 percent moisture or less, which is why drying is important. In some markets, material may be air-dried on racks or put in a well-ventilated place to dry naturally. Other manufacturers use dry kilns, which dry the material to a targeted moisture content based on whether the material is clear or knotty.
To learn more, visit our blog: dunnlumber.com/blog/post/whats-the-difference-between-kiln-dried-and-air-dried-western-red-cedar
When it comes to understanding the world of cedar, there are few people we trust more than “Mr. Cedar” himself, Paul Mackie. He’s been with the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association—known as the “voice of the cedar industry”—for more than two decades, working to represent quality cedar producers and educate others on all things cedar. In this series, he’ll share everything cedar-related, from what exactly western red cedar is to the difference between kiln- and air-dried lumber to installation best practice.
In this video, Paul discusses the difference between kiln-dried and air-dried western red cedar.
In the marketplace, western red cedar might be available unseasoned (or green), which means it hasn’t gone through a drying process—the moisture content of this wood could be up to 25 percent moisture. To finish the wood, it has to be at 20 percent moisture or less, which is why drying is important. In some markets, material may be air-dried on racks or put in a well-ventilated place to dry naturally. Other manufacturers use dry kilns, which dry the material to a targeted moisture content based on whether the material is clear or knotty.
