Shou Sugi Ban or Kiln Dry

[BLink]

I am putting a covered deck on the west side of my house (part of the much larger project).
Recently I thought it would be nice to mill some White Oak for the decking. Now that I am about ready, I realize the White Oak may check a lot since it was recently milled.

I could haul it to a kiln, but that is more $.

Then I thought of Shou Sugi Ban and began wondering how that would work. If I burn it and install it green, (the log has been down about 7 years, but just milled last week) is it likely to check bad?

Any input is appreciated. TIA

[doc henderson]

can you check the moisture with a meter?  What is the EMC in your area.  I thought the burn was for a look and for rot resistance.  will the deck be in partial sunshine?

[BLink]

Doc,
I had a cheap mc meter, but it died so I have no idea.

I don't know what EMC is. The relative humidity in about 80%.

It will be in full sun after about 4:00 pm during the summer.

[doc henderson]

Sorry.  EMC is the moisture content the wood will settle in at if left in certain conditions.  It can be inside in a conditioned space (heat in cool time or ac in hot) or outside.  You can look it up for your area or based on relative humidity.  Oak needs to dry slow.  If it is already down below 20% MC that is better than really wet say over 30%.  In Kansas my wood will dry to 10 to 12% just letting it airdry outside.  In my shop or house, it will settle at 7%.  what is your general location, and can you get a battery for the meter or borrow a moisture meter.  You can also take a representative piece and weigh it before and after drying in a stove.  You can also take a known volume and compare it to a known density (charts) for that wood.  a moisture meter is the easiest.

[doc henderson]

What is Equilibrium Moisture Content [EMC of Wood]

If it is dry, I would install it directly.  If there is direct sun for a good part of the day, it may dry more.  Do you plan to use a UV protected finish?  I have recently tried Australian Timber Oil but too soon to tell.

Woodworkers Source: Equilibrium Moisture Content [custom wws]

[doc henderson]

the chart shows Detroit and Madison.  do not know which one you are closer to.  both are between 12 and 16% depending on time of year.  If the moisture for this oak for an outside project is in that range, you should be ok.  It will move some with the seasons, and some deck builders resist the temptation to over fasten the wood.

[doc henderson]

If you average 80% humidity, then your wood will be at equilibrium at about 16%.  Hopefully your wood is close to that.  

[BLink]

Thanks again Doc,
I am near Muskegon, which is right on Lake Michigan where a good sharp chisel will rust setting in the tool box! This morning the relative humidity is only 43%.

I am thinking I have heard it likes it around 16% here.

I took some Red Oak in to be kiln dried. My moisture meter said 10%. Theirs said 26%, so obviously mine was junk. 
This White Oak was cut about the same time, or maybe a couple years earlier, so my guess is, it is probably around 25%.

I considered installing it and covering with cardboard.
I wasn't planning on doing much to seal it, since White Oak holds up well outside.

What is a good moisture meter?

[doc henderson]

I think the cardboard is not a bad idea if you want to get it installed.  I like Wagoner for a pin less meter.  can you get some of the wood you plan to install tested?  access to another meter?  I think an oil finish will help protect and make the oak look nice.  up to you.  you can have a meter in a few days from online sources.

[BLink]

I found an older Wagner L606 for sale for $200. Not sure it works or is worth it.

There is also an Orion 910 for $400. But again, not sure it works.

[BLink]

I guess the Orion is a 950.

[K-Guy]

Pinless meters typically only read to a depth of one inch and can give false reads depending on conditions but pin type are more reliable. We only recommend this one.
https://nyledrykilns.com/product/delmhorst-jx30-moisture-meter-package/

[BLink]

Thank you K-Guy.

[chainsaw_louie]

I am putting a covered deck on the west side of my house (part of the much larger project).
Recently I thought it would be nice to mill some White Oak for the decking. Now that I am about ready, I realize the White Oak may check a lot since it was recently milled.

I could haul it to a kiln, but that is more $.

Then I thought of Shou Sugi Ban and began wondering how that would work. If I burn it and install it green, (the log has been down about 7 years, but just milled last week) is it likely to check bad?

Any input is appreciated. TIA

For those who haven't seen this charcoal-ing technique, here are some pictures I took in Japan last year.  It's an unusual effect that's definitely not for everyone's taste because it gives the appearance that the structure went thru a fire (which it did).  It's not clear to me how much this treatment adds to the ability of the wood to withstand the the elements over time.

An in-depth explanation of the technique and benefits is at this link, they say it lasts 80-120 years !  https://nakamotoforestry.com/shou-sugi-ban-longevity-how-long-does-yakisugi-last/