The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => Drying and Processing => Topic started by: clintnelms on July 22, 2018, 03:51:05 PM

Title: Kiln Flooring Options
Post by: clintnelms on 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?
Title: Re: Kiln Flooring Options
Post by: WDH on July 22, 2018, 08:00:37 PM
Nyle has chamber size plans for the L53. 
Title: Re: Kiln Flooring Options
Post by: scsmith42 on July 22, 2018, 08:05:34 PM
I would modify the Nyle chamber plans if needed to accommodate your typical stack size.
Title: Re: Kiln Flooring Options
Post by: YellowHammer on July 22, 2018, 09:32:44 PM
You could frame it out of wood.  Concrete is hard to beat.  Mine is concrete.   
Title: Re: Kiln Flooring Options
Post by: GeneWengert-WoodDoc on 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.
Title: Re: Kiln Flooring Options
Post by: WDH on 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.


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/14370/025~0.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1425299612)
 


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/14370/027.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1425299651)
 


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/14370/032~0.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1425299696)
 


(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/14370/037.JPG?easyrotate_cache=1425299737)
 
Title: Re: Kiln Flooring Options
Post by: clintnelms on July 23, 2018, 12:21:35 PM
Thanks all I appreciate all the help and suggestions.
Title: Re: Kiln Flooring Options
Post by: WDH on July 23, 2018, 07:53:08 PM
If you want to come up and have a look at the kiln you are welcome. 
Title: Re: Kiln Flooring Options
Post by: clintnelms on July 23, 2018, 07:59:10 PM
Quote from: WDH on July 23, 2018, 07:53:08 PM
If you want to come up and have a look at the kiln you are welcome.

Hey you are just up the road in Perry. Didn't know that. Might have to take you up on that one day.
Title: Re: Kiln Flooring Options
Post by: WDH on July 23, 2018, 08:01:23 PM
Just a hop, skip, and a jump (old saying).