Methods Of Wood Seasoning
While air and kiln drying are the industry standards, several other methods are employed for specific circumstances:
Wood is a hygroscopic material, meaning it acts like a sponge; it absorbs moisture from the air when the environment is humid and releases it when the environment is dry. In its natural state, freshly cut timber—known as "green" wood—is saturated with water. This water exists in two forms: free water , which resides in the cell cavities, and bound water , which is trapped within the cell walls. methods of wood seasoning
Very low cracking, ideal for irregular shapes or valuable woods. Disadvantages: Expensive, chemical handling risks, may affect finishing. While air and kiln drying are the industry
Chemicals modify the cell wall or reduce surface tension, allowing water to escape faster and more evenly. Very low cracking, ideal for irregular shapes or
Freshly cut wood, often called "green" wood, is surprisingly full of water. In some species, water can account for more than half of the log's total weight. If you try to build furniture or a house with green wood, the results are disastrous: it will warp, crack, shrink, and rot as it dries out naturally.