Seasoning of Lumber


I.A. 601 WOODWORKING

Presented by:
Mariah Jeanne C. De Vera

Submitted to:
Dr. Concordio Coliao
 Can timber be called lumber?


 In the US and Canada, timber is typically used to

collectively refer to trees or the wood of such trees
that have yet to be cut or processed, while lumber
typically refers to wood that has been processed as a
building material (boards and planks).
 What is Seasoning of Lumber?


 Seasoning of lumber 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.
 Reasons for Seasoning

 Seasoning of lumber is done to fulfill some specific
requirement. Followings are the reasons to perform
timber seasoning.
1. To change and improve the properties of wood.
2. To make a correct percentage of shrinking of woods.
3. To make a confident use of woods.
4. To reduce the adverse behavior of woods.
Methods of Seasoning of Lumber

There are two methods of Seasoning of
lumber which are:

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.
Advantage:
 Good quality of seasoned wood.
 A large amount is convenient in this process.
 Well-seasoned lumber is formed.
Disadvantage:
 It’s a slow process.
 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 by boiling wood logs in hot water is called seasoning by boiling. Drying is
done after proper boiling. For a large amount of wood, it is done in an enclosed place
where hot steam is passed.
Advantages
 It takes a short amount of time. Generally, 3-4 hours is good enough.
 Develops the strength and elasticity.
Disadvantages
 It is serviceable basically for a small quantity of wood, not convenient for a large
amount.
 The cost is high.
 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


 Seasoning of wood by using a large chamber or oven

where there is a good process for the circulation of
hot air.
Advantage
 Most effective and economic seasoning.
 Kiln seasoning can be done by 2 processes such as:

 Progressive kiln Seasoning: Wood log is entered
through the kiln ant the temperature and humidity
differentials are maintained through the length of the
kiln to maintain proper drying.

 Compartmental Seasoning: Its maintained by

enclosed container or buildings. Advantage: It
accelerates the process because external energy is
used.
 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.
 
Advantage:
 Using this method quick drying is obtained. a French
electrical seasoning method is used to season overnight.
Disadvantages:
 The equipment required is very costly.
 It is an uneconomic process as a high rate of electricity
is consumed.
 During heating the cells of wood or timber they lose
their strength and become weak.
Qualities Improved by Seasoning

 By seasoning, some common known qualities are improved
which are mentioned below:
1. Strength
2. Hardness
3. Durability
4. Weight
5. Painting and finishing
6. Gluing
7. Resistance to insect attack
8. Electrical resistance
9. Heat content
 Precautions

Following precautions must be taken during seasoning of
timber.
 During seasoning, the moisture should be removed under an
environment maintaining conditions.
 Moisture should be extracted almost at an equal rate from all
logs because differentiated dryness causes irregular shape.
 Seasoned timber should be protected from exposure to the
rain and excessively high humidity during air seasoning
 During seasoning, a proper gap between logs should be
maintained for easy and uniform air or water or hot air
passing.
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