Kiln Dried

Term from Furniture Making industry explained for recruiters

Kiln Dried refers to wood that has been professionally dried in a special heating chamber called a kiln, rather than being naturally dried in the open air. This process makes the wood more stable and reliable for furniture making, as it removes most of the moisture in a controlled way. This is important because it prevents the wood from warping or cracking later when used in furniture. When you see this term in resumes or job descriptions, it indicates experience with high-quality woodworking materials and understanding of proper wood preparation techniques.

Examples in Resumes

Selected and processed Kiln Dried hardwoods for custom furniture projects

Managed quality control for Kiln Dried lumber inventory

Created high-end furniture pieces using premium Kiln Dried oak and maple

Typical job title: "Furniture Makers"

Also try searching for:

Woodworker Cabinet Maker Furniture Craftsperson Custom Furniture Maker Wood Products Manufacturing Specialist Furniture Production Manager

Where to Find Furniture Makers

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you determine if kiln dried wood is suitable for a high-end furniture project?

Expected Answer: A senior furniture maker should discuss moisture content testing methods, visual inspection for defects, understanding wood grain patterns, and how different wood species respond to kiln drying. They should also mention proper storage methods and acclimatization processes.

Q: What quality control processes would you implement for kiln dried lumber receiving and storage?

Expected Answer: Should explain moisture content checking procedures, proper storage conditions, inventory rotation practices, and how to train team members on wood quality assessment. Should also discuss supplier relationships and quality standards.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the main differences between kiln dried and air dried wood for furniture making?

Expected Answer: Should explain how kiln dried wood is more stable, has less moisture content, and is ready to use sooner than air dried wood. Should mention the benefits and potential drawbacks of each method.

Q: How do you handle kiln dried wood to maintain its quality during furniture production?

Expected Answer: Should discuss proper storage conditions, acclimation periods, and how to prevent moisture reabsorption during the manufacturing process.

Junior Level Questions

Q: Why is kiln dried wood important in furniture making?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that kiln dried wood is more stable, less likely to warp or crack, and provides better results in finished furniture pieces.

Q: How can you tell if wood has been properly kiln dried?

Expected Answer: Should mention basic moisture testing tools, visual inspection for checks and splits, and the importance of working with reliable suppliers.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic understanding of wood types and properties
  • Ability to identify kiln dried lumber
  • Basic moisture testing
  • Simple furniture assembly

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Advanced wood selection techniques
  • Quality control procedures
  • Complex furniture construction
  • Material cost estimation

Senior (5+ years)

  • Expert wood quality assessment
  • Production process optimization
  • Team training and supervision
  • Complex project management

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No knowledge of proper wood moisture content
  • Unfamiliarity with basic wood properties and behavior
  • Lack of experience with quality control procedures
  • No understanding of proper wood storage conditions