Seasoning (lumber)
The process of reducing the moisture content of freshly cut lumber to a suitable level through air drying or kiln drying to prevent warping, cracking, and shrinkage.
In-Depth Explanation
Seasoning transforms green wood with moisture content often above 50 percent into stable material dried to 6-19 percent depending on the application. Air drying is the traditional method, stacking lumber with spacer sticks outdoors under cover for months or years. Kiln drying accelerates the process using controlled heat and humidity, reducing drying time to days or weeks while killing insects and mold. Improperly seasoned lumber can develop checking, warping, and splitting as it continues losing moisture after installation. For interior woodworking, lumber should be seasoned to 6-8 percent moisture content.
Usage Example
The woodworker let the cherry air dry for a full year before kiln drying it to 7 percent moisture content for furniture.