What is Seasoning of Timber? Various Methods of Seasoning of Timber

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Seasoning of timber is the process by which moisture content in the timber is reduced to required level. By reducing moisture content, the strength, elasticity and durability properties are developed. A well-seasoned timber has 15% moisture content in it.

Methods of Seasoning of Timber

There are two methods of Seasoning of timber which are explained below

1. Natural seasoning
2. Artificial seasoning

Natural Seasoning of Timber

Natural seasoning is the process in which timber is seasoned by subjecting it to the natural elements such as air or water. Natural seasoning may be water seasoning or air seasoning.

Water Seasoning

Water seasoning is the process in which timber is immersed in water flow which helps to remove the sap present in the timber. It will take 2 to 4 weeks of time and after that the timber is allowed to dry. Well-seasoned timber is ready to use.

Air Seasoning

In the process of air seasoning timber logs are arranged in layers in a shed. The arrangement is done by maintaining some gap with the ground. So, platform is built on ground at 300mm height from ground. The logs are arranged in such a way that air is circulated freely between logs. By the movement of air, the moisture content in timber slowly reduces and seasoning occurs. Even though it is a slow process it will produce well-seasoned timber.

Artificial Seasoning of Timber

Natural seasoning gives good results but takes more time. So, artificial seasoning of timber is developed nowadays. By artificial seasoning, timber is seasoned with in 4-5 days. Here also different methods of artificial seasoning are there and they are as follows.

• Seasoning by Boiling
• Chemical seasoning
• Kiln seasoning
• Electrical seasoning

Seasoning by Boiling

Seasoning of timber is also achieved by boiling it in water for 3 to 4 hours. After boiling timber is allowed to drying. For large quantity of timber boiling is difficult so, sometimes hot steam is passed through timber logs in enclosed room. It also gives good results. The boiling or steaming process develops the strength and elasticity of timber but economically it is of heavier cost.

Chemical Seasoning

In case of chemical seasoning, timber is stored in suitable salt solution for some time. The salt solution used has the tendency to absorb water from the timber. So, the moisture content is removed and then timber is allowed to drying. It affects the strength of the timber.

Kiln Seasoning

In this method timber is subjected to hot air in air tight chamber. The hot air circulates in between the timber logs and reduces the moisture content. The temperature inside the chamber is raised with the help of heating coils. When the required temperature is obtained moisture content and relative humidity gets reduced and timber gets seasoned. Even though it is costly process it will give good results strength wise.

Electrical Seasoning

In the method of electrical seasoning timber is subjected to high frequency alternating currents. The resistance of timber against electricity is measured at every interval of time. When the required resistance is reached seasoning, process is stopped because resistance of timber increases by reducing moisture content in it. It is also called as rapid seasoning and it is uneconomical. Read More: Preservation of Timber – Methods and Materials Used Different Types of Industrial Timber - Uses and Properties Advantages of Timber Roof Trusses in Building Construction