Natural Seasoning Of Wood Jun 2026

Natural seasoning isn't perfect. It takes up a lot of real estate, and because it only dries to the ambient humidity of the outdoors (12-15%), it might still shrink slightly if moved into a bone-dry, climate-controlled home (which usually sits at 6-8%). Many furniture makers will air-dry their wood for years and then bring it into a heated shop for a few weeks of "acclimation" before starting a build.

By embracing the slow, natural process of seasoning wood, Emma was able to create pieces that were not only beautiful, but also told a story of the natural world and the passage of time. natural seasoning of wood

(also known as air drying) is the oldest and most traditional method of reducing the moisture content (MC) of freshly felled (green) wood. The process involves stacking sawn timber in the open air, allowing atmospheric air to circulate around each piece, gradually evaporating its internal water. The goal of seasoning any wood is to bring its moisture content into equilibrium with the surrounding environment (typically 12–15% for outdoor use or 6–8% for indoor use), thereby improving its stability, strength, and workability. Natural seasoning isn't perfect

Kiln drying can sometimes "cook" the wood, bleaching out the vibrant minerals and deep pigments. Air-dried walnut, for example, retains beautiful purples and browns that a kiln often turns to a uniform greyish-tan. By embracing the slow, natural process of seasoning

The top of the stack is covered with a waterproof, sloped roof (e.g., corrugated metal or plywood) that overhangs the sides to shield from rain and direct sun, while still allowing air circulation from the sides.

Some benefits of natural seasoning of wood: