Specific structure of European beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.) has great influence on its drying characteristics, which are often negatively expressed as various drying defects. Four drying techniques, i.e. controlled air drying,normal temperature kiln drying, vacuum drying and drying with high frequency (HF) were compared to achieve the best technique. Tangential oriented 32 mm thick, 80 mm wide and 800 mm long beech wood samples were dried from green condition (uz = 78 %) to the final moisture content of 10 %. During drying processes wood quality was evaluated regarding to drying rate, time of drying, moisture content (MC) gradient, casehardening and occurrence of drying defects. Drying with the HF was the fastest, followed by vacuum drying and kiln drying. In air drying wood kept good quality, with the lowest MC gradient, however too high MC of wood was achieved. Good final drying quality, concerning casehardening and visual appearance, was achieved at vacuum drying process. Probably the combination of different drying techniquesw ill give the best results.
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