We’ve decided to go with a relatively small kiln – one that can accommodate approximately 1000 board feet of lumber per charge.  Depending on the wood species, thickness and weather –  turnaround time should be 3-6 weeks per charge.  Given the extremely high cost of commercial lumber right now, we’ll likely avoid any commercial lumber and plywood and build exclusively using planks off the mill.

Footprint will be approximately 14′ x 7′ and will allow a stack of wood around 12′ x 4′ x 4′.  Allowing for stickers, this works out to just over 1000 bdft.  Circulating fans will be driven by a few solar panels making the kiln 100% off grid.

The goal is to keep the cost of the entire build under $1000.  Key cost factors will be insulation, clear roofing panels and the solar panels and fan assemblies.