Write brief notes on TWO methods of seasoning timber. – NABTEB QUESTION

Natural method of air season: This is the method whereby the timber is stacked in the open air, where it is dried by the prevailing weather conditions, the temperature, the humidity of the air, and the speed of air circulation govern the rate of drying.

The stack is laid on bearers to keep it clear of the ground strips of wood, called stickers are placed between the layers of boards to allow the air to circulate. A waterproof covering should be placed over the stack to protect the timber from the sun and the weather.

Accelerated method of Kiln seasoning:  Also called artificial seasoning. In the method, the timber is stacked as for air drying, and placed in special drying rooms or ovens called kilns where the temperature, humidity and air circulation can be carefully controlled either manually or automatically from outside the kiln.