Wood seasoned machine plant

Seasoning of timber is the process of reducing its moisture content so that it becomes stronger, lighter, and easier to work with. Proper seasoning helps in preventing shrinkage, warping, splitting, and fungal attack. Timber has a property called Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC), which means it absorbs or releases moisture until it balances with the surrounding atmosphere.

There are two common methods of seasoning. In air seasoning, timber is stacked with spacers to allow air circulation and protected from rain. This method is simple and produces timber suitable for outdoor use, but it is very slow and makes the wood more vulnerable to insect and fungal attack. In kiln seasoning, timber is dried in a controlled chamber with regulated temperature, humidity, and airflow.