The wood will often fade from a vibrant hue to a duller grey or yellowish tone.
Wood is placed in "stacks" or "ricks," separated by small strips of wood called "stickers." These stickers create gaps for airflow.
Seasoning is a test of patience, but it is the most critical step in timber preparation. Whether you are building a dining table or stocking up for winter, ensuring your wood is properly seasoned guarantees a safer, more beautiful, and longer-lasting result.
When free water is gone but bound water remains, the wood is at the (~28–30% moisture). Below this point, seasoning truly begins: for every 1% drop in moisture, the wood shrinks about 0.2–0.3% across the grain.
It is fast, kills any existing pests or larvae within the wood, and allows for much lower moisture levels than air seasoning can achieve.