CE 40/L Construction Materials and Testing Chapter II - TIMBER

Supplement 2.1 - Methods of Wood Seasoning

1. Natural or Air-Seasoning
- seems to be the best method as it takes its own time to drive out moisture from timber by
a very slow process of evaporation (rapid expulsion of sap may develop cracks or splits)
- timber balks stacked perfectly horizontal are placed under a shed to avoid twist and to
allow free circulation of air
- stacks should be kept off the ground at least 30 cm and made on damp-proof materials
- seasoning yard should be paved, well-drained and covered with ashes if needed
- surrounding area should be kept from vegetation and be spread with sand to serve as
obstacles to the way of white ants
- bottom-most supporting blocks should not be made of refuse wood, which may infect the
good timber in the stack
- stack should be kept for two to four years

2. Water-Seasoning
- logs are kept immersed in ponds or running streams with root ends upstream for 3 to 4
weeks
- logs should be kept entirely down under water by chaining them followed by drying under
shed with free air circulation to prevent dry rot
- is a quick process and renders timber less liable to warp and crack but weakens timber
- use of salt water makes timber hard, heavy and durable but has the tendency to absorb
moisture when used in structure

a. Seasoning by Boiling Water

- timber is kept immersed in boiling water for four hours reducing strength and
elasticity of timber though less in shrinkage
- this is followed by slow drying under a shed
- method is expensive
Nena G. Zara 7-A
CE 40/L Construction Materials and Testing Chapter II - TIMBER

b. Seasoning by Steaming
- similar to boiling but timber dries soon after steaming
- prevents dry rot but method is also expensive

3. Hot Air-Seasoning, Dessication or Kiln Drying

- timbers are stacked in racks and subjected to swiftly moving current from steam pipes on
the floor within the hot chamber.
- stacks are kept for about three days at a constant temperature of 90 oC.
- hot air absorbs sap or moisture content of timbers and is expelled from the upper part of
the chamber and fresh air is introduced from the bottom
- it renders timber brittle and bleaches deep colored timber

Nena G. Zara 7-A

CE 40/L Construction Materials and Testing Chapter II - TIMBER

4. Smoke Drying
- timbers are kept over a bonfire of straw, twigs, etc. and heat applied gradually and
uniformly to drive out moisture or sap from the interior of the timber, without causing
any crack or split
- renders the timber, harder, more durable and proof against worm-attacks

5. Charring or Scorching
- best suited for piles and for bending planks for boat building
- is liable to decay or dry rot if to stand in water or underground

6. McNeill’s Process
- best process of artificial seasoning as it has no adverse effect on the appearance and
strength of timber
- renders timber harder, denser, and dry rot proof but costly
- it requires 15days to two months of seasoning
Nena G. Zara 7-A