Seasoning timber: why natural air drying takes 6–24 months
How natural seasoning of sawn timber works in a covered seasoning shed, how it differs from kiln drying and why patience pays off in joinery.
A freshly sawn board is full of water. If it went straight from the saw to the workshop, after a few weeks in a dry interior it would start to warp and crack. That is why our sawn timber sits first. For a long time. From 6 to 24 months, depending on the species and the thickness.
Why wait all those months?
Seasoning is a controlled release of moisture. Slow enough for no internal stresses to build up in the wood. Pine dries relatively quickly. Oak can take two years, and there are no shortcuts here. We sometimes say that our material "is in no hurry, so that it does not spoil".
How it works in practice with us
In a covered, year-round seasoning shed, the sawn timber sits on stickers aligned in a single line. That way every layer is evenly supported and the boards do not bend under their own weight. Air circulates between the layers and draws moisture evenly from the whole stack. We protect the ends with wax, because that is where a board cracks most easily.
Seasoning is not everything
For window or furniture joinery, seasoned sawn timber alone is not enough. A specific final moisture content is needed, one figure for furniture in a heated house, another for external joinery. That is why we also carry out drying for joinery and release material that is ready to work. Tell us when asking for a quote what the wood is destined for, and we will match the moisture content to it.
Frequently asked questions
How long does natural seasoning of sawn timber take?+
At the Drewno Pilarscy sawmill, sawn timber is air dried naturally for 6 to 24 months, depending on the species and the thickness. Oak needs the most time.
How does natural seasoning differ from kiln drying?+
Natural seasoning is a slow release of moisture in a well-ventilated space, which minimises internal stresses in the wood. Kiln drying is faster, but it requires precise control so as not to introduce checks and stresses.
How should sawn timber be stored after purchase?+
Under a roof, away from direct sunlight, on even stickers aligned in a single line, with airflow between the layers.