Luonnonkuiva

Luonnonkuiva refers to a natural drying process, often used in contexts related to wood, timber, or sometimes agricultural products. It implies that the material has been dried using only environmental conditions, such as air and sun, without the use of artificial heat or controlled drying chambers. This method is in contrast to kiln drying, which employs heated environments to accelerate the drying process and achieve a specific moisture content.

The rate and effectiveness of luonnonkuiva depend on various factors including ambient temperature, humidity, wind, and exposure to sunlight. For lumber, this process typically involves stacking the wood outdoors, often under cover to protect it from direct rain, allowing air to circulate freely around the pieces. This slower drying method can sometimes be preferred for certain applications as it may result in less internal stress within the material compared to faster, kiln-based drying. However, it is a considerably longer process, potentially taking months or even years depending on the wood species and thickness. The final moisture content achieved through luonnonkuiva may also be higher and more variable than that obtained through controlled kiln drying.