---
title: "Define seasoning, need, methods"
subject: "Civil Engineering Materials"
chapter: 7
key: "semester_3/civil_engineering_materials:seasoning-defined-seasoning-s"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/seasoning-defined-seasoning-s
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Define seasoning, need, methods

Civil Engineering Materials · Chapter 7: Timber

- Asked in: 2068 Baisakh, 5 marks
- Video: [Seasoning of timber types of seasoning](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veD-xtLdDpU) — Architects Academy
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/seasoning-defined-seasoning-s
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/chapter-7

## Question

Define seasoning of timber. Why is it required for good timber? Describe the methods of seasoning.

## Short answer

Seasoning is controlled drying of freshly felled timber to 10-15% moisture content. It reduces weight, increases strength, prevents shrinkage, warping and decay, and improves workability. Natural methods include air and water seasoning; artificial methods include kiln, chemical, electrical and boiling.

## Answer

**Seasoning** is the process of drying freshly felled timber in a controlled manner to reduce its moisture content to about 10-15%, near the moisture of the surrounding air in use.

#### Why it is needed
- Reduces weight and increases strength and hardness.
- Prevents shrinkage, warping and cracking after fixing.
- Prevents decay by fungi and insects (need moisture above 20%).
- Makes timber easy to treat with paint, polish, and preservatives, and to join with nails and glue.

#### Methods
**1. Natural seasoning**
- *Air seasoning:* planks are stacked on raised platforms under cover, with spacers for air circulation. It takes months to years; cheap and uniform.
- *Water seasoning:* logs are immersed in running water for 2-4 weeks, the sap is washed out, and then dried in air.

**2. Artificial seasoning**
- *Kiln seasoning:* timber is stacked in a closed chamber and dried by hot air of controlled humidity and temperature in 4-10 days.
- *Chemical seasoning:* soaking in a salt or urea solution to reduce surface cracks.
- *Electrical seasoning:* high-frequency current heats the timber; very fast but costly.
- *Boiling:* timber is boiled in water or steamed, then air dried.

## Check yourself

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

1. Seasoning reduces moisture to about
   A. 30%
   B. 50%
   C. 10-15%
   D. 0%
   Answer: C. Near air-dry moisture. (Key point: Definition)

2. Why is seasoning required?
   A. To make timber wetter
   B. To soften it
   C. To remove strength
   D. Prevents shrinkage, warping, decay and improves strength
   Answer: D. Several benefits. (Key point: Need)

3. Water seasoning is
   A. Logs in running water for 2-4 weeks then air dried
   B. Hot air chamber
   C. Electric heating
   D. Burning
   Answer: A. Sap washed out. (Key point: Water seasoning)

4. Electrical seasoning is
   A. Slow and cheap
   B. Very fast but costly, using high-frequency current
   C. Using salt
   D. Using running water
   Answer: B. High frequency heating. (Key point: Electrical seasoning)

## 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
- [Characteristics of good timber](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Acharacteristics-good-timber) — Civil Engineering Materials, chapter 7, asked 3×
- [Natural versus artificial seasoning](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fcivil_engineering_materials%3Anatural-artificial-seasoning) — 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

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