Comparative Construction Costing of Prefabricated Aluminum-and Masonry Wood dry Kilns

The successful management in construction costing of wood dry kilns is an advantageous approach which brings us not only the assurance in service profitability but also gives rise customer’s satisfaction. The construction costing of two types of wood dry kilns, namely, prefabricated aluminum-and masonry kilns with normal operation temperature was studied. For this purpose, the construction, depreciation and maintenance costs of the kilns were determined via field trip tours and interviewing with kiln manufacturers and wood drying industry owners. The calculated costs were based on the performance of an automatic wood dry kiln which could control drying conditions (relative humidity, temperature, air circulation and ventilation) and continuously measure the wood moisture content. Consequently, the costs were estimated as a percentage of total costs. The results showed that the construction costs for masonry kilns were less than those for the prefabricated aluminum kilns. In contrast, the depreciation and maintenance costs for masonry kilns were greater than those for the prefabricated aluminum ones. Overall, the construction of prefabricated aluminum kilns are more profitably commercial in prolonged usage.