Increasing emphasis is being placed on alternative processing methods for lowvalue
hardwoods. Extensive research has shown that drying softwood lumber using edge-wise
restraint improves product and value yields. Currently, the effects of restraint drying on
product and value yields from low-grade hardwood lumber have not been investigated. We
evaluated the use of a modified restraint drying system on its potential to reduce bow, crook,
twist, cup, and surface defects in low-grade white oak (Quercus alba) lumber. We found
that the amount of crook was significantly lower in boards that were dried using pneumatic
restraint versus those dried with top-loading only. These results suggest that restraint drying
could help secondary processors increase yields and overall returns on low-grade lumber.