---
title: "Natural versus artificial seasoning"
subject: "Civil Engineering Materials"
chapter: 7
key: "semester_3/civil_engineering_materials:natural-artificial-seasoning"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/natural-artificial-seasoning
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Natural versus artificial seasoning

Civil Engineering Materials · Chapter 7: Timber

- Asked in: 2079 Bhadra, 2 marks
- Video: [Seasoning of Timber | Natural & Artificial Methods Explained | PYQ Quiz for JE/AE/SSC | By Akash Sir](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=za3v7u6wIQE) — Akash Verma 
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/natural-artificial-seasoning
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/chapter-7

## Question

Differentiate between natural and artificial seasoning of timber.

## Short answer

Natural seasoning (air or water) is slow, cheap, and achieves 15–20% moisture with little control. Artificial seasoning (kiln, chemical, electrical) is fast, costly, and reaches 4–10% moisture under controlled conditions, yielding more uniform timber.

## Answer

| Point | Natural (air/water) seasoning | Artificial (kiln etc.) seasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Air-drying in shade or soaking in running water | Kiln, chemical, electrical, boiling |
| Time | Slow: months to years | Fast: a few days to weeks |
| Control | Little control over the drying rate | Temperature and humidity controlled |
| Cost | Cheap, no equipment | Costly, needs plant and fuel |
| Space | Large yard and storage | Small space |
| Quality | Less uniform; defects such as cracks and warping may occur | Uniform; case hardening may occur if done wrongly |
| Moisture reached | About 15-20% | Down to 4-10% |
| Suited to | Large quantities, low cost | Urgent work, high-grade timber |

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Natural seasoning compared with artificial takes
   A. A few days
   B. The same time
   C. Hours
   D. Months to years, much longer
   Answer: D. Natural is slow. (Key point: Time)

2. Which is costly and needs plant and fuel?
   A. Artificial seasoning
   B. Natural seasoning
   C. Both are free
   D. Neither
   Answer: A. Kilns need plant. (Key point: Cost)

3. Which gives control over drying rate?
   A. Air seasoning
   B. Artificial seasoning with controlled temperature and humidity
   C. Water seasoning
   D. None
   Answer: B. Kiln controls conditions. (Key point: Control)

## Related in Civil Engineering Materials

- [Seasoning of timber and its necessity](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Aseasoning-meaning-necessity) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 7, asked 8×
- [Methods of seasoning timber](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Amethods-of-seasoning-timber) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 7, asked 2×
- [Why timber is used; seasoning method](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Aseasoning-method-and-timber-use) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 7
- [Defects of timber by natural forces](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Atimber-defects-natural-forces) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 7
- [Defects caused by seasoning](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Aseasoning-defects-timber) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 7
- [Define seasoning, need, methods](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Aseasoning-defined-seasoning-s) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 7

## Related in other subjects

- [Natural vs artificial convection; heating curve](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Felectric_machine_design%3Anatural-artificial-convection) — Electric Machine Design, chapter 2
- [Natural/artificial lighting, daylight factor numerical](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Adaylight-numerical-062p) — Building Technology, chapter 1
- [Steel trusses versus timber; triple timber roof](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Asteel-truss-triple-roof) — Building Technology, chapter 4
- [Steel versus timber structures](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fdesign_of_steel_and_timber_structure%3Asteel-vs-timber-advantages) — Design of Steel and Timber Structure, chapter 1