Seasoning of Timber - Methods, Purpose , Advantages & Disadvantages

 What Is Seasoning Of Timber?

Timber is a wood product that is used for building, carpentry, or various other engineering purposes. Water in the form of sap and moisture makes up around half of the dried weight of wood collected from newly felled trees. This water should be removed before timber is used for building works. The process of removing this water content or drying the timber is called the seasoning of timber.

Moisture should be removed from all sections of the timber consistently and under regulated conditions. Irregular shrinkage occurs as a result of irregular drying, causing internal tensions to form between the fibers. Timber may warp if these stresses become too great. As a result, uniform drying is essential.

Purpose Of Seasoning Of Timber

1) To make it easier for timber to burn when used as a fuel.

2) Lower the cost of shipping and handling by reducing the weight of the timber.

3) To protect the timber from fungal and insect infestations.

4) To lessen the likelihood of wood cracking, shrinking, or warping.

5) To prepare timber for painting, preservation, and varnish treatments, among other things.

Methods Of Seasoning Of Timber

There are two methods of seasoning.They are

1. Natural seasoning

2. Artificial seasoning

1. Natural Seasoning

Natural seasoning of timber is carried out by normal air, and therefore it is also called air seasoning. In this process, the timber pieces are either stacked horizontally or vertically.

The horizontal stakes are common and better. The ground on which the stacks are built should be precisely leveled. The platform should be above 30-50 cm above the ground.

Sometimes rows of bricks or concrete pillars are constructed. The timber pieces are placed horizontally in layers one above the other. Dry wood spacers are used to divide each layer.

They are protected from blowing wind, rain, and extreme heat of the sun. Therefore, a suitable roof cover is very essential for this type of seasoning.

Advantages

1) Depending on the climatic condition, the moisture content can be brought down to about 10-20%.

2) It does not require skilled supervision.

3) This method of seasoning is both inexpensive and simple.

4) Artificial seasoning of timber parts thicker than 100 mm is uneconomical since such sections take a longer time to dry.

Disadvantages

1) Because the process is dependent on natural air, it can be difficult to control.

2) If ends of thick sections of timbers are not projected by suitable moisture-proof coating, then there are chances for end splitting because the end of such timber dries rapidly in comparison to the central portion.

2. Artificial Seasoning

Chemical, electrical, kiln, and water seasoning are all examples of artificial seasoning. The following are the reasons for switching from natural to artificial seasoning:

1) Shrinkage, cracking, and warping are all reduced to a minimum.

2) The drying process is controlled, and fungi and insects have almost no opportunity of invading.

3) The drying of various surfaces is even and consistent.

4) It considerably reduces the period of seasoning.

5) There is better control on the circulation of air, humidity, and temperature.

6) The timber becomes more suitable for painting and gluing.