CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING DATE SUBMITTED: JAN.

24, 2020
BSCE 2A ASSIGNMENT NO.: 2
DIFFERENT METHODS OF WOOD SEASONING
What is wood seasoning?
o Also known as wood drying
o It is the process removing sap or moisture in the wood
Objectives of Seasoning
o To reduce weight
o To avoid seasoning defects like shakes, splits and cracks
o To make wood more secure for proper penetration of preservatives like painting and
polishing
o To increase dimensional stability
o To increase the strength
o To reduce or eliminate attack by decay or stain
Methods of Wood Seasoning
A. Natural Seasoning of Timber

o the process in which timber is seasoned by subjecting it to the natural elements such as air
or water

1. Natural or Air Seasoning

o traditional method for drying wood
o also the longest, taking six to nine months
o air is the only medium
o timber in properly cut forms is stacked in a proper manner
in the open air for losing moisture by process of
evaporation
To make the drying of timber uniform, in ordinary air seasoning practice two important
points should be kept in mind:
1. Piling or Stacking of timber
o is very important, as poor, uneven piling results in crooked and twisted pieces
The timber is stacked either in:
a. Horizontal Stacking
o most common method of stacking timber for air
seasoning
o is suitable for all forms of sawn material
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING DATE SUBMITTED: JAN. 24, 2020
BSCE 2A ASSIGNMENT NO.: 2
b. Vertical Stacking
o used only for the rapid surface drying of certain
species of non-refractory woods or those that
are capable of withstanding rapid seasoning
o may develop mold and discoloration
c. Close Crib Method
o are stacked in alternate layers placed in crisscross
manner without leaving gaps
o rate of seasoning is slow as the circulation of air is
reduced

d. Open Crib Method

o the modification of close crib method
o in this method gaps are allowed which
gives more air circulation
o effect of drying in this method resembles
the one in nine method
e. One in Nine Method
o Nine sleepers (timber in horizontal position) are laid
and each one having gap between adjacent sleepers
o rate of seasoning is faster in contrast to Close Crib
o best suited for moderately heavy coniferous timbers
in hot climate and for heavy timbers in moist climates

2. Protection of the Stack

o is required for protection of the
stack from hot, dry prevailing
winds, the blazing sun and rain
o to control over the elements of
nature
o the mean for controlling the rate of
drying within certain limits
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING DATE SUBMITTED: JAN. 24, 2020
BSCE 2A ASSIGNMENT NO.: 2
2. Water-Seasoning
o the process in which timber is immersed in water flow
o will take 2 to 4 weeks of time and after that the timber is
allowed to dry
B. Artificial Seasoning of Timber
1. Seasoning by Boiling in Water
o seasoning by boiling wood logs in hot water
o drying is done after proper boiling
Advantages
o It takes a short amount of time. Generally, 3-4 hours
is good enough.
o develops the strength and elasticity
Disadvantages
o It is serviceable basically for a small quantity of
wood, not convenient for a large amount.
o The cost is high.
2. Seasoning by Steaming

o for a large amount of wood

o done in an enclosed place where hot steam is
passed

3. Chemical Seasoning
o reduction of moisture using salt solution
o After the absorption of water by the solution logs
are let to dry.
Advantage
o It increases the strength of the timber.
o It is less time-consuming.
Disadvantage
o Chemical reagents can sometimes reduce strength.
o It can cause a problem in gluing or finishing or corrosion while using.
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING DATE SUBMITTED: JAN. 24, 2020
BSCE 2A ASSIGNMENT NO.: 2

4. Hot Air-Seasoning, Desiccation or Kiln-Seasoning

o uses a large chamber or oven where there is a good

process for the circulation of hot air

Kiln seasoning can be done by 2 processes such as:

a. Progressive Kiln Seasoning
o 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.
b. Compartmental Seasoning
o It’s maintained by enclosed container or
buildings.
o Advantage: It accelerates the process because
external energy is used
5. Electrical Seasoning

o Dry wood is non-conductor of electricity while green

timber is a conductor, so, can pass alternating current
o Electricity is used—creating heat for drying the cells
of wood
o Used in manufacturing of plywood

Advantage:
o Using this method quick drying is obtained. A French electrical seasoning method is used
to season overnight.
Disadvantages:
o The equipment required is very costly.
o It is an uneconomic process as a high rate of electricity is consumed.
o During heating the cells of wood or timber they lose their strength and become weak.
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING DATE SUBMITTED: JAN. 24, 2020
BSCE 2A ASSIGNMENT NO.: 2
6. Smoke Drying
o to prevent the timber from splitting and to
ensure the moisture drying out from the interior
o heat should be applied gradually
o timber is smoke-dried over a bonfire or furze,
straw or shavings
o will render harder, more durable, and proof
against the attack of worms

7. M’Neile’s Process
o Consists in exposing the wood to a moderate
heat in a moist atmosphere charged with various
gases produced by combustion of fuel
o The wood is placed in a brick chamber, in
which there is large surface of water to produce vapor
o The timber should be stacked in the usual
way, with free air-space round every piece
o The time required varies with the nature of
the wood

REFERENCES

Anupoju, S. (n.d.). The Constructor. Retrieved January 21, 2020, from The Constructor: Civil
Engineering Home: https://theconstructor.org/building/seasoning-of-timber-
methods/14699/
Civil Seek. (n.d.). Retrieved January 21, 2020, from C Seek: https://civilseek.com/seasoning-of-
timber/
Jamal, H. (2016, February 26). About Civil. Retrieved January 22, 2020, from ABOUT CIVIL
ENGINEERING: https://www.aboutcivil.org/Seasoning%20of%20Wood.html
Jamal, H. (2017, October 22). About Civil. Retrieved January 22, 2020, from About Civil
Engineering: https://www.aboutcivil.org/natural-air-seasoning-advantages
Miles, A. (2018, December 14). homeguides. Retrieved January 21, 2020, from SF Gate:
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/different-ways-seasoning-wood-35487.html
Moran, A. (2016, March 26). Slideshare. Retrieved January 22, 2020, from Slideshare:
https://www.slideshare.net/AnkushMoran/wood-seasoning-60056293
Mou, S. U. (n.d.). Civil Today. Retrieved January 22, 2020, from https://civiltoday.com/civil-
engineering-materials/timber/160-seasoning-of-timber-methods-benefits
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING DATE SUBMITTED: JAN. 24, 2020
BSCE 2A ASSIGNMENT NO.: 2
Palapparambil, S. (2015, July 26). Slideshare. Retrieved January 22, 2020, from Slideshare:
https://www.slideshare.net/SachinPalapparambil/timbre-seasoning
Smith, P. M. (2013, February 6). Retrieved January 21, 2020, from
https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=tSvtCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA1882-
IA7&lpg=PA1882-
IA7&dq=consists+in+exposing+the+timber+to+a+moderate+heat+in+a+moist+chamber
+charges+with+various+gases+produced+by+the+combustion+of+fuel&source=bl&ots=
5NkkExlec0&sig=ACfU3U0iAbLb
https://slideplayer.com/slide/5898456/19/images/9/Air+Seasoning.jpg
http://homepage.eircom.net/~woodworkwebsite/timind/tigraphs/season/airdry.gif
https://i0.wp.com/civilengineering.blog/wp-
content/uploads/2017/09/92.jpg?resize=400%2C284&ssl=1
https://images.squarespace-
cdn.com/content/53407b1de4b05fdb12d8f4a7/1400340975586-
XHMCXHPXONWETJ1R7RAD/drying-bamboo.jpeg?format=1000w&content-
type=image%2Fjpeg
https://civilengineering.blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/89.jpg
https://i0.wp.com/civilengineering.blog/wp-
content/uploads/2017/09/90.jpg?resize=400%2C289&ssl=1
https://i1.wp.com/civilengineering.blog/wp-
content/uploads/2017/09/91.jpg?resize=400%2C298&ssl=1
https://theconstructor.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/water-seasoning-of-timber.jpg
https://image.slidesharecdn.com/timber-171108094407/95/timberii-41-
638.jpg?cb=1510135000
https://theconstructor.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/chemical-seasoning-of-timber.jpg
http://homepage.eircom.net/~woodworkwebsite/timind/tigraphs/season/kiln.gif
https://theconstructor.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/kiln-seasoning-of-timber.jpg
https://theconstructor.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/electrical-seasoning-of-timber.jpg
https://www.firewood-for-life.com/images/91M8xNUfnBL._SL1500.jpg
https://www.baschild.com/images/pages/wood-steaming-chamber-direct-vaporization-
baschild-dvk-d_1-L.jpg
https://5.imimg.com/data5/BT/KA/MY-41676418/wood-seasoning-plant-500x500.jpg