Table 4. Recommended drying methods and key considerations for common nepalese timber species

Species Recommended drying method(s) Key technical considerations Expected outcomes
Shorea robusta Gaertn. f. (Sal) Kiln drying; solar kiln with relative humidity control High-density hardwood requiring a moderate drying rate; avoid drying during monsoon or winter; highly sensitive to rapid moisture loss Uniform moisture reduction; minimized surface checking, improved structural integrity
Dalbergia sissoo DC. Air drying followed by kiln finishing; vacuum drying (if feasible) Medium-density hardwood tolerant of hybrid methods; prone to warping; suiTable for furniture and joinery Reduced warping and splitting; enhanced durability; improved dimensional stability for furniture applications
Acacia catechu (L.f.) Willd Slow solar kiln drying; shaded air drying Dense heartwood requiring slow drying to preserve extractives and reduce cracking; used for medicinal and structural purposes Preserved heartwood quality; minimized cracking; improved suitability for medicinal and structural uses
Alnus nepalensis D. Don. Solar kiln drying; microwave-assisted drying Fast-growing, low-density hardwood responsive to rapid drying; suiTable for plywood and light construction Rapid drying with retained mechanical properties; ideal for plywood and light construction
Pinus roxburghii Sarg. Solar kiln with adequate ventilation; low-temperature kiln drying Resinous softwood requiring temperature control to prevent resin bleeding; widely used for panelling and carpentry Controlled resin flow, uniform moisture content; improved performance in panelling and general carpentry