A phenomenological model was used to quantify the drying process of Chilean coigue (Nothofagus dombeyi). This model is based on an overall mass-transfer coefficient, K, which was determined in four laboratory drying runs. The model suitably described the drying of Chilean coigue lumber of 19- and 30-mm thickness with K ranging from 0.012 to 0.021 ms(-1) at a dry-bulb of 60 degrees C and a wet-bulb of 40 degrees C. A preliminary industrial run under somewhat similar conditions in a 100-m(3) industrial kiln with 38-mm-thick lumber showing that the drying process could be represented by a K of 0.008 ms(-1). The laboratory-scale values of K can be regarded as ideal from which to compare the performance of the industrial unit.