The drying properties of Brachystegia cynometroidea and Lophira alata from African were studied by 100 ℃ test method.Results found that L.alata was more difficult to dry,and its internal checks were more serious than B.cynometroidea.The lumber grade due to initial checking for L.alata and B.cynometroidea was respectively five and three,while in terms of section distortion,the grades for both species were three.Based on these results,drying schedules for both species were established.