KILN drying & Lumber Sterilization Services
Kiln Drying & Certified Lumber Sterilization Services
Our kiln services are an integral part of tree rescue projects, where salvaged urban trees are transformed into structural, architectural, and furniture-grade lumber. Equal priority is given to moisture control and certified heat sterilization, ensuring lumber is safe, stable, and compliant for reuse.
Our kiln capacity is primarily reserved for turn-key tree rescue projects, where Texas Urban Sawmill manages the process from tree salvage through milling, kiln drying, sterilization, and finished architectural or furniture production.
When kiln capacity allows, we also provide kiln drying and certified sterilization services for other sawmill operators and individual clients with a minimum of 500 board feet per load. Availability for outside drying is scheduled on a limited, space-available basis.
The Texas Urban Sawmll operates two types of kilns, one being one of the most technologically advanced kiln technologies offered today.
Option 1: Traditional Kiln Drying:
A dehumidification kiln or “DH” Kiln dries lumber by:
Circulating warm air through the lumber
Removing moisture from the air using a refrigeration-style dehumidifier
Reheating and recirculating that air back through the load
Instead of venting moist air outside (like traditional steam kilns), a DH kiln captures and removes moisture internally, making it energy efficient and well suited for reclaimed or urban wood.
How does the process work?
Lumber is stacked inside the kiln
Air is heated (usually 90–160°F)
Moisture leaves the wood and enters the air
The DH system condenses moisture out of the air
Dry air is reheated and recirculated
This process continues until the target moisture content is reached.
Option 2: Vacuum High Frequency Kiln:
A Vacuum High Frequency (VHF) Kiln is an advanced lumber-drying system that combines vacuum pressure with high-frequency (radio-frequency) heating to dry wood from the inside out, very quickly and with minimal defects.
Vacuum: Air pressure inside the kiln is reduced
→ Water boils at much lower temperatures
→ Moisture leaves the wood faster and at lower heat
High Frequency (HF): Radio-frequency energy heats the interior of the wood directly
→ Unlike conventional kilns, heat does not rely on air temperature alone
→ Thick sections heat evenly through the core
Together, these allow lumber to dry rapidly, uniformly, and gently.
How does the process with a HF Kiln work?
Lumber is loaded into a sealed chamber
Air pressure is reduced (vacuum)
High-frequency energy excites water molecules inside the wood
Moisture vaporizes at low temperatures
Vapor is removed by the vacuum system
The cycle repeats until target moisture content is reached
Check out a few of our sawmill projects here.
To learn more, get an estimate or schedule an appointment Contact Us Here
Don’t forget these Additional Value added Services…..
SUSTAINABLE Construction Projects
We specialize in providing Climate Smart Project™ solutions in construction and land improvement projects. These projects can offer net negative carbon savings and help to accelerate sustainability goals. We accomplish this by maximizing the best and highest use of trees in construction sites. As a company, we have saved Texans over 1,000,000 lbs of carbon equivalents and are one of the few carbon negative businesses in Texas.
These Adaptive Tree ReUse projects offer a unique opportunity for clients to make a significant impact on environmental sustainability. By using locally fallen trees, clients can create powerful and meaningful experiences for residents and customers, resulting in impactful storybrand messaging. This wood is known as Climate Smart Wood™, the most sustainable form of lumber with net negative carbon benefits. It carries a strong message of sustainability commitments and can evoke emotions when used as design elements.
Giving Trees a Second Life as Furniture
We offer locally made, net-carbon negative furniture products that bring the history our fallen trees into your home while supporting a sustainable future. Our furniture collection comprises stunning heirloom pieces made from Climate Smart Wood™, which are locally handcrafted in Dripping Springs, TX.
We want to maintain an appreciation of these trees' heritage and ecological significance. Every piece of furniture can be traced back to the rescued trees’ original location. , and we guarantee the trees' history as certificates of authenticity.
With a commitment to quality and sustainability evolving as the core of our values, our live edge furniture creates unforgettable pieces as exceptional and unique as the trees they come from. Discover the beauty of our collection for yourself and join us in shaping a sustainable future!
See our Portfolio page for examples of our commissioned furniture projects.
crane pick-Up and Log transport
The removal and transportation of logs is a significant challenge that prevents many people from salvaging fallen trees. At our company, we strive to make the process easier for Texas residents and business owners by offering assistance in salvaging, transporting, and milling their own logs since 2017.
We transport all logs for milling to our Dripping Springs, TX facility. Our service fees are typically based on mileage, charged at a rate of $7/mile round-trip, including up to 45 minutes of loading time. For large-scale tree salvage projects, we offer project-based quotes, while long-distance mileage discounts are also available.
Our goal is to make salvaging fallen trees as convenient and accessible as possible, so please feel free to contact us for further inquiries or to schedule services. We look forward to working with you!
Sustainable Land Services
We provide the most sustainable land services in Texas that prioritize environmental preservation and responsible land management practices. We specialize in sustainable forestry and tree removal practices that reduce waste, protecting local ecosystems while benefiting regional flora, fauna, and water resources. Our team is committed to utilizing all available resources, including wood, to benefit our planet and promote a circular economy.
Our approach to selective land clearing involves careful planning and execution to ensure the preservation of natural habitats and the protection of local wildlife. We utilize advanced equipment and techniques that minimize soil disturbance, prevent erosion, and reduce the risk of runoff and sedimentation. Unlike 90% of the land “clearing” companies out there, we are not simply heavy equipment operators who lack the education and knowlege base to properly educate and inform their clients.
In addition, we prioritize wood utilization by salvaging trees and other plant materials that would otherwise be discarded. By doing so, we help to reduce waste, maximize the value of these natural resources and maintain the rescued wood as carbon sinks. The material saved from our efforts is processed into Climate Smart Wood™ and Climate Smart Wood Products™.
We believe that our approach to sustainable land services can have a positive impact on the environment while also benefiting local communities. By prioritizing responsible land management practices and reducing waste, we aim to promote a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
CNC routing, surfacing, & Signs
We own a custom built digital CNC router that can surface slabs up to 72 inch wide and 16 feet long. It operates with an industrial 16-HP digital inverter motor with feed speeds over 1000 IPM and up to 24,000 RPM.
If you bring us your personal slabs or wood, we typically charge $10/SF to surface. If we milled your lumber or your purchased our Climate Smart Wood™, we offer a 30-50% discount to our customers.
We also offer:
Prototyping: Assist clients in producing prototypes or models of their products using the CNC router.
Signage: The business may specialize in producing custom signs, logos, and other graphics for businesses or organizations.
Woodworking: They may offer woodworking services, such as cutting and shaping of furniture components, cabinet parts, or decorative items.
3D carving: The business may also provide 3D carving services to create detailed sculptures, molds, or models.
Laser cutting and engraving (see more below)
tree care & removals
We believe in a full-circle approach to forestry management. That means that we take part in all aspects, from plantings to sustainable reuse of woody materials. We have a certified arborist on our team and a specialized tree crew that handles removals, ensuring the highest and best utilization of the wood.
We strive to make a positive impact on the environment and use our expertise to promote the preservation and sustainability of forests. When you use our certified arborist and crew, we offer the most competitive rates in Texas without compromising on quality or service.
We also regularly work with literally dozens of independent tree service companies including Davey Tree, Bartlett, They Might Be Monkeys, Austin Tree Service, Austin Tree Surgeons, Good Guys, etc. Join us in taking an environmentally responsible approach to forestry management and make a difference today.
Design and tree ReUse Consultation
Our team brings over 30 years of experience leading global product commercialization teams and producing 100% hardwood and softwood products from non-graded, untraditional lumber. We prioritize sustainability by utilizing lumber from rescued trees, which offers significant carbon savings compared to other construction materials. We refer to these projects as Climate Smart Projects™ as they focus on accelerating the sustainability goals of our clients.
With a certified project management professional on staff and extensive knowledge, we bridge the gap between desired outcomes and the material science of working with rescued urban wood. Our expertise in designing with rescued lumber is crucial as these trees are typically grown in less than ideal conditions, leading to material qualities that must be carefully considered.
CNC Laser cutting & gifts
Our precision technology services are available for individuals and businesses seeking unique and personalized items. We use a large-format CO2 dual-headed laser with both 70W and 180W power configurations to provide custom engraving, laser cutting, signage, prototyping, architectural models, and art and decor. Our team of designers will help bring your vision to life with high-quality and accurate results.
