Heat-Treated vs Kiln Dried

There are subtle differences between the terms heat-treated (HT) and Kiln-dried (KD). A government regulation called the HT ISPM 15 standard is in place to stop the spread of pests through international trade. Pests can travel from country to country in the wooden pallets and crates used to transfer goods.

Heat Treatment (HT) is, essentially, the pasteurization of the wood. The goal is to heat a product to a point of partial sterilization in order to kill any living organisms on or in the material. But it is exposed for a shorter period of time and does not evaporate all of the moisture from the lumber.

Kiln Drying (KD or KDAT) is used to reduce the moisture content of lumber in a controlled environment (a kiln, for example) to reduce warping. Used mainly in the wood furniture and flooring industries. But it does not reach temperatures hot enough to kill all living things in the lumber.

In most cases the lumber will receive a HT stamp that should be clearly visible in case your shipment is inspected at a border crossing. With out it the whole shipment could be held.

Fumigation vs Heat treatment

While heat treatment uses high temperatures and time to eliminate the pests,

Fumigation is the process of directly spraying chemical pesticides on the lumber itself or exposing the wood to aerated chemicals in an unventilated area. Both processes contain toxic chemicals that may not be approved in your area for use.

Be sure to check with your local governments to find a list of non-approved chemicals for your area.


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