Shop Boule - Air Dried

Edensaw Woods is your premier destination for high-quality air dried boule specialty wood in the Seattle-Tacoma area. Our collection offers a wide range of eco-friendly specialty wood options perfect for any woodworking project that requires highly durable, unique, stable, and appealing wood products. Air dried boule as a specialty wood is one of the most sought after products we proudly offer at Edensaw Woods. Experience our one-of-a-kind specialty woods collection such as air dried boule, apitong, air dried fir, and Alaskan Yellow Cedar. Contact us today to explore our collection and receive expert advice.

What is a boule?

A boule is a stack of sawn timber that recreates the original form of the log. It's produced by making a series of parallel cuts lengthwise through the log, with the resulting waney-edged pieces assembled to retain the log's form.

Air-drying process

Boules are seasoned and stored outdoors, allowing them to air dry naturally. This process typically takes a year per inch of thickness. It's done outdoors under cover to protect from direct sunlight and rain but allows for air movement. Air-drying decreases the moisture level of the wood, making it more stable and less likely to distort or split.

The term "air-dried boule" refers to a specific type of wood that has been dried naturally in the air rather than in a kiln. However, in the sense of wood, "boule" typically refers to a log or a huge part of a tree, and in some situations, it might specifically refer to hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), a hardwood.

Shrinkage and Stability

Boule, like many hardwoods, can shrink significantly and alter dimensions as it dries. This means that proper drying is crucial. If the wood isn't properly air-dried over a sufficient period (sometimes several months to a year), you might run into issues with warping, cracking, or twisting once it's worked into a project. Be prepared to let it season thoroughly before using it.

Workability

When the wood is adequately cured, air-dried boule can be surprisingly workable despite its density and toughness. The grain is often fine, allowing for smooth finishes and precise details. However, because of the wood's density, it might be difficult to carve or shape using hand tools. You may require sharp blades and instruments intended for working with hardwoods.

Color, Grain, and Texture

Many woodworkers prefer air-dried lumber because it has a truer color and may have less distortion in grain patterns than kiln-dried wood.

Air-dried boules are normally pale to light cream or yellowish in color, darkening somewhat with age and exposure to light. The grain is normally straight, but it can occasionally be wavy, giving it a unique visual appeal. Some hornbeam woods have a delicate, almost satin-like texture, making them ideal for furniture and decorative objects.



Applications

Interior Use: Air-dried boules may need to be kiln-dried further to reduce moisture content to 6-8% in order to avoid movement and shrinkage after installation for flooring, cabinetry, or furniture.

Exterior Use: Because of its natural seasoning, this wood is ideal for outside projects including decking, cladding, and garden furniture.



Important Considerations

Moisture content: Air-dried wood still contains more moisture than kiln-dried wood. It is critical to note this when utilizing it for indoor applications, since more drying and shrinkage may occur.

Pest control: Air-drying may not eliminate all pests and insects that may be present in wood. Kiln drying is more efficient in this regard.

Grading: Boules are assessed according to their quality and appearance. Understanding the grading system aids in choosing the appropriate boule for your project.

Defect management: Proper stacking, end-sealing, and seasoning processes are essential for avoiding defects such as checking, warping, or staining during drying.

Cost and Availability

Because it is less common than other popular hardwoods such as oak or maple, air-dried boule can be more expensive, and availability varies by area. Finding a well-seasoned piece of air-dried boule for specific projects might be difficult at times, but the effort is often worthwhile due to the wood's unique properties.

Elevate your Seattle-Tacoma space with the exemplary beauty and durability of Air Dried Boule Specialty Wood. Edensaw Woods, a specialty woods supplier, offers air-dried boules of diverse species. We can also accommodate special orders if you require specific dimensions or species that are not typically supplied by other lumberyards. You can also check out our various specialty wood products like Alaskan Yellow Cedar, Fir, or Apitong. Contact us now so we can start bringing your vision to life.