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Urban Wood Drying Workshop


  • Heritage Park - Stubnitz Environmental Center 3221 North Adrian Highway Adrian, MI, 49221 United States (map)

$75 scholarships available to all participants courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Urban Wood Drying Workshop

3 Days: Monday - Wednesday, June 3rd -5th, 2024

Monday - Tuesday 8:30 AM - 3PM

Wednesday 8:30 AM - 1 PM

Tuition: $425.00 $350.00

$75 scholarships available to all participants courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Ages: 18 & Up

Instructor: Frederik Laleicke

Instructional Delivery Method(s): In person

Prerequisites: None

Program Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Program Description:

Proper drying is the key to turning freshly milled urban wood into high-value, marketable lumber. This comprehensive workshop equips participants with the knowledge and resources to understand what is happening to their wood as it dries. Participants will understand how to control the processes and the strategies and tools available to improve their drying operation. Through interactive sessions and expert-led demonstrations, participants will gain the skills to develop a strategic drying plan and implement best practices for achieving consistent, high-quality lumber results.

The workshop includes lectures, hands-on activities & labs:

  • Urban wood philosophy & business culture

  • Introduction to wood ID

  • Wood & moisture

  • DH, solar, and vacuum kilns

  • Measuring & monitoring moisture

  • Urban wood drying quality

  • Resources, literature & training

  • Moisture content tracking & monitoring round table discussion.

  • What are your best practices? What works well for others?

Learning Objectives:

  • Learn about the unique challenges of urban wood drying

  • Learn to use a 10x lens to distinguish between common wood species and to identify anatomical features related to drying

  • Understand how temperature, relative humidity, and air velocity affect the speed and quality of drying

  • Get an introduction to the different kiln types

  • Learn about kiln schedules and what they tell you

  • Practice the use of different moisture meters and understand their advantages/disadvantages

  • Meet other urban wood people to share experiences and discuss best practices

Attendance Requirements: Students must attend all days

Location: Stubnitz Environmental Center, Heritage Park, 3221 N. Adrian Hwy Adrian, MI 49221 (see map below)

Class Size: Maximum 20 students

Click Here to view our Refund, Cancellation, and Complaint Resolution Policies

If you have any questions about this class, please contact the Administrative Office at (517) 759-3070 or email sambeaufordwoodshop@gmail.com

Proudly sponsored by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in an effort to promote Michigan's greatest natural resources... lumber!


The Stubnitz Environmental Center is located in the rear section of Heritage Park at 3221 N. Adrian Hwy Adrian, MI 49221. Directional signs will be placed within the park.


AIA Advance Learner Preparation: None

AIA Approved Learning Units & Type: 18 Elective

AIA CES Program Approval Expiration Date: 03/13/2027

Official AIA CES Provider Statement: Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number 10009739. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES (cessupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3). This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.