Looking for advice on my first kiln

[RSinyard]

New member here. I had a recommendation from Facebook Hardwood Kiln Operators to drop in over here. I have been sawmilling for about 5 years now. I am wanting to put in a kiln this year to dry around 15000 bdft at a time. Our main product is shiplap out of pine and poplar but I would like to also dry some oak for our flooring shop. My questions are:

1. For 15000 bdft is a DH or gas kiln best? I have both power and natural gas at my location.
2. Any ideas on cost for either and associated drying chamber?
3. Looking at Nyle and Kiln Direct kilns. Would like to hear Pros/Cons on both.

Thanks
Ron

[doc henderson]

@GeneWengert-WoodDoc , @K-Guy 

[K-Guy]

Hi @RSinyard

For a kiln of that capacity NG is best for softwoods and DH for quality hardwoods.

DH can dry pine but the size of the equipment makes gas more economical. Price wise the cost will be similar.

If you decide to go with gas, I recommend you look at units with indirect fired burners as they are safer and cheaper for insurance.

At that capacity Nyle has both DH and gas fired.

[GeneWengert-WoodDoc]

I add that a DH kiln can dry both pine and oak, separate loads, but gas is basically only for pine and other softwoods.  Gas can be used to heat a boiler, but this becomes expensive.  In DH, you purchase the power, rather than generate power by burning.

One issue with natural gas heat from burning is that this very hot air has to be rather evenly distributed throughout the load.  Otherwise, you will get some piece that are very dry and likely warped badly and some pieces that are not dry enough.  The distribution system is sometimes poorly designed, to save money.

In general, under 1 million feet a yea, DH is the best choice in almost all cases.