Timber Season

Wood from freshly cut trees cannot be used in construction because it has high moisture content and is undesirable in many accounts. Before wood can be used for any engineering purpose the water has to be extracted. This process of drying wood is known as wood seasoning and the moisture must be removed from all parts of the wood at a uniform rate under controlled conditions. The remaining moisture, which cannot be extracted, must be evenly distributed throughout the mass. The main purposes of spices are as follows:

1. To reduce the weight of the timber.
2. To increase the strength, stiffness and durability of the timber.
3. To make the timber easily workable.
4. To reduce the tendency of timber to crack, shrink and warp.
5. To allow the timber to burn readily if used as a fuel.
6. To make the timber fit for receiving treatment of paints, varnishes, etc.
7. To make the timber safe from the attack of fungi and insects.