(also known as air drying) is the oldest and most traditional method of reducing the moisture content (MC) of freshly felled (green) wood. The process involves stacking sawn timber in the open air, allowing atmospheric air to circulate around each piece, gradually evaporating its internal water. The goal of seasoning any wood is to bring its moisture content into equilibrium with the surrounding environment (typically 12–15% for outdoor use or 6–8% for indoor use), thereby improving its stability, strength, and workability.
Wood loses moisture through its end grain about ten times faster than through its sides. If the ends dry too quickly, the wood will shrink and crack (a defect called "checking"). Applying a wax-based end sealer or even old latex paint to the ends of the boards forces the moisture to exit through the faces, ensuring a more even dry. 2. Stacking and "Stickering" natural seasoning of wood
To do it right, you can't just throw a pile of logs in the corner of a yard. Natural seasoning requires a bit of engineering. 1. Sealing the Ends (also known as air drying) is the oldest
