Kiln Flooring Options

clintnelms · July 22, 2018, 03:51:05 PM

Seriously thinking about buying a KD150/L53. Is a concrete slab the only option I should consider or could I build a floor slightly above ground, say a foot or so? Also, what dimensions do you all recommend for a kiln that size?

WDH · July 22, 2018, 08:00:37 PM

Nyle has chamber size plans for the L53.

scsmith42 · July 22, 2018, 08:05:34 PM

I would modify the Nyle chamber plans if needed to accommodate your typical stack size.

YellowHammer · July 22, 2018, 09:32:44 PM

You could frame it out of wood. Concrete is hard to beat. Mine is concrete.

GeneWengert-WoodDoc · July 22, 2018, 10:30:06 PM

The issue with concrete is that it conducts heat well, so in a cooler climate than GA, use perimeter insulation to avoid wasting heat and money. Insulation of the perimeter would save a small amount of money in GA even. Put a vertical piece of styrofoam about 12" wide that surrounds the perimeter of the floor...the top of the insulation is even with the top of the floor and then 12" deep slot around the floor edge. Backfill. Hope this is clear.

WDH · July 23, 2018, 08:14:16 AM

I did both. I already had an existing concrete slab. I laid down pressure treated 2x4's wide side flat to create a 1.5" air space, then built a joist floor on top of that and insulated with 8" of fiberglass batt insulation then a layer of 2" rigid foam insulation. Laid down a vapor barrier then covered the floor with treated plywood. May be overkill, but my floor is very well insulated.