What are the main objects of the seasoning of timber?

SEASONING OF TIMBER

• Fresh timber contains about 50% or more of its own dry weight as water. The water is to be removed before it used for engineering purposes. In other words, timber should be dried.
• The process of drying of timber is known as seasoning of Timber.
• The moisture content should be removed under controlled conditions at a uniform rate from all parts of timber.
• Seasoning of timber should be protected from rain and humidity.
• If the drying is irregular, the shrinkage of timber will also be irregular and it will setup internal stress between fibers.
• Seasoning of timber should be protected from rain and humidity.

OBJECTS OF SEASONING

• To impart hardness, stiffness, strength and better electrical resistance to timber.
• To maintain the shape and size of the components of the timber articles, which are expected to remain unchanged in form.
• To decrease the weight of timber and their by to reduce the cost of transportation.
• To make timber easily workable and to facilitate operations during conversions.
• To make timber suitable for receiving treatment of paints, preservatives, varnishes etc.
• To make timber safe from the act of fungi and insects.
• To make suitable for joinery works.
• To reduce the tendency of timber to crack, shrink and warp.