KDAT lumber is dried before shipping and installation, hence the abbreviation “kiln dried after treatment”.
Having lumber dried after treating it adds an extra step in the preparation process, which typically adds to the cost of the lumber.
Pre-dried lumber has several advantages:
- When treated lumber dries, it has a tendency to warp, cup, crack, or twist. KDAT lumber has minimal change after installation, so framing stays steady before and after construction.
- Because much of the moisture has been removed, the KDAT lumber is lighter and easier to handle than its treated counterpart.
- KDAT lumber can be stained or finished immediately after installation, whereas standard treated lumber needs to dry before it can be finished.
