Methods of Seasoning

Methods of seasoning can broadly be divided into the following two categories: 

1. Natural  seasoning. 
2. Artificial  seasoning. 

 Natural Seasoning 

In this method, seasoning of timber is carried out by natural air and hence, it is also sometimes referred to as air seasoning.  Following procedure is adopted in air seasoning: 

1. Timber in log form is not usually fit for the process of seasoning.  Hence, it is cut and swan into suitable sections of planks or scanning. 
2. Timber pieces can either be stacked horizontally or vertically, the former arrangement being very common.  Figure 5.1 below shows a typical horizontal stack for air seasoning. 
3. The ground, where stack is to be constructed, is cleared and it is leveled for good drainage. 
4. The platform of stack is made slightly higher, about 30cm, than the ground level. For this purpose, rows of brick or concrete pillars are constructed. The pillars may also be made of creosote wood or wood coated with coal tar.  I'he tops of pillars should be in the same horizontal/plane. The pillars should be durable. 
5. The timber pieces are sorted out according to lengths and thicknesses. They are then arranged in layers, one above the other. Care should be taken to see that all members in a particular layer are of the same thickness. If this precaution is not taken, there are chances for timber to become warped or cracked.