How to cure wood

If you’re planning on working with wood, it’s important to know how to cure it. Curing wood is the process of removing moisture from the wood to make it stable and suitable for woodworking. In this article, we’ll explore the different methods of drying timber, what the best way to cure wood is, and how long it takes for wood to fully cure.

Methods of Drying Timber

There are two main methods of drying timber: air drying and kiln drying.

Air Drying

Air drying is the traditional method of drying wood, and it involves stacking the wood in a dry, well-ventilated area and allowing the natural air circulation to remove the moisture from the wood. This method is slow, but it produces high-quality wood that is less likely to warp or crack.

Kiln Drying

Kiln drying, is a much faster method of drying wood. In this process, the wood is placed in a special kiln where it is subjected to high temperatures and low humidity. The heat and air circulation in the kiln remove the moisture from the wood much faster than air drying. While this method is faster, it can also result in wood that is more likely to warp or crack.

What is the Best Way to Cure Wood?

The best way to cure wood depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you have the time and space, air drying is the preferred method because it produces high-quality wood that is less likely to warp or crack. However, if you need wood quickly or you don’t have the time or space to air dry it, kiln drying is a good option.

Another option is to use a combination of air drying and kiln drying. This method involves air drying the wood until it reaches a certain moisture content, and then finishing the drying process in a kiln. This method can produce high-quality wood that is dried faster than air drying alone.

>>MORE: Drying Wood: Kiln Vs Air Drying

How Long Does it Take for Wood to Fully Cure?

The amount of time it takes for wood to fully cure depends on a variety of factors, including the type of wood, the thickness of the wood, and the humidity and temperature of the drying environment. In general, it can take anywhere from several months to several years for wood to fully cure.

If you’re air drying wood, it’s important to keep it stacked properly and protected from the elements. The wood should be stacked with spacers between the boards to allow for air circulation, and it should be covered with a tarp or other protective covering to keep it dry. It’s also important to periodically check the moisture content of the wood to ensure that it’s drying properly.

>>MORE: How To Tell If Wood Is Dry Enough For Woodworking

How Long Does Kiln Drying Take?

If you’re kiln drying wood, the process typically takes a few days to a week, depending on the thickness of the wood and the desired moisture content. Kiln drying is a more controlled process than air drying, so it’s easier to achieve a consistent moisture content throughout the wood.

Once the wood is fully cured, it’s considered “seasoned” and is ready to be used for woodworking projects. Seasoned wood is much more stable and less likely to warp or crack than green lumber, which is wood that has not been dried or cured.

Using seasoned wood for furniture and other woodworking projects is important because it ensures that the wood will remain stable over time. If you use green lumber or wood that is not fully cured, it can warp or crack as it dries, which can ruin your project.

In conclusion, curing wood is an essential step in woodworking. Whether you choose to air dry, kiln dry, or use a combination of both, it’s important to give the wood enough time to fully cure before using it for your projects. By using seasoned wood, you’ll ensure that your projects will remain stable and beautiful for years to come.