How to Dry Mesquite Burls at Home
Mesquite is considered to be one of the best firewoods of the desert because it burns slowly without smoke. Often used for barbecuing, mesquite has a smell that is prized by cooks. Mesquite is a hardwood, though, and is also ideal for use in tool handles and fence posts. A burl is an abnormal growth in the mesquite wood that is often included in the boards and is aesthetically pleasing when used in furniture, cutting boards or other wood creations. The burl itself can make the board take longer to dry. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Apply a coating of latex paint to the edges of the mesquite burl board or piece before drying to prevent it from cracking. The latex can be peeled or sanded off later, after the wood dries completely.
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Place the mesquite burl planks or pieces on a wood pallet or over blocks so air can circulate over and under the boards.
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Allow the boards to air-dry for at least 60 days in a covered, weatherproof area, such as a shed. This will allow the wood to air-dry down to between 14 and 19 percent moisture without requiring a kiln.
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Consider placing a fan in the room to encourage faster and more thorough drying. The sides of your shed must be blocked, with one end left open. This can reduce the time needed for drying.
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Call a local lumber mill and ask if you can rent space in its kiln if you must get your mesquite burl to 8 percent moisture content or lower. If you are using the mesquite burl for furniture, for example, this may be necessary.
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