Worked out a deal with my old boss and picked up a piece of CLT 8'x22'x5 1/2" that will be the floor of my kiln that I plan to build this spring.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/43396/C5E48907-4CA0-4171-827F-D6B43252FDC1.jpeg?easyrotate_cache=1645735924)
How moisture resistant is that stuff?
The glue is is very resistant, the wood is a mix of white wood. So, not super resistant. I'll end up coating it with something to help it out though.
How about the softening with temperature? Do you know the name of the adhesive?
It's made by Henkel if I remember correctly, I'm not concerned about the glue at all, this stuff is made for structural use up to like 8 story. One of the QC tests involves cooking it in solution under pressure before destructive testing. If the wood rots out in 5-10 Years, I'm good with that.
Knowing what it's like in my kiln, my gut tells me 2-4 years before you have serious issues.
I'm okay with that, it will be an opportunity for me to see if it's really going to fit my situation, then I can adjust accordingly.
In my DH kiln I used aluminum roofing paint on the sides and ceiling but knew I couldn't use that for the floor for lack of durability to foot traffic. So, I put down thin sheet metal and covered it with plywood. Has held up nicely for 10++ years.
Is your plywood exposed, or is it treated? I believe this stuff will hold up as well or better than plywood. Then again, I might be partial, because I was involved in making them for a while and know the process. It's a relatively new building material in the US, but in Europe, they've been using it for building (interior and exterior) for almost 30 years.
It is not treated. It is a thin plywood but has held up to foot traffic and 133°F.
Perfect