Ideal conditions for long-lasting timber harvesting using the natural drying method

Ideal conditions for long-lasting timber harvesting using the natural drying method

Natural drying— the safest method for preparing wood for long-term storage and high-quality processing. When properly organized, it ensures minimal internal stress, reduces the risk of cracking, and preserves the natural structure of the wood.

For the systemDREVO Timber ReserveNatural drying is considered a separate approach, along with anaerobic "marination." Each method has its advantages, and the choice depends on the intended use of the material.

The main task is not to dry the wood as quickly as possible, but to preserve its internal structure as much as possible.

1. Best time for harvesting

Top priority

late autumn;

winter;

the beginning of spring before active sap flow.

Advantages:

minimum wood moisture content;

less sugar;

lower fungal activity;

there are practically no insects;

less internal stress;

heartwood is better preserved.

2. Air temperature

Most favorable:

5–15 °C

Acceptable:

0–20 °C

Unwanted:

above 25–30 °C;

prolonged frosts below –20 °C immediately after felling;

sudden changes in temperature.

Too high a temperature causes water to evaporate quickly from the surface, causing the outer layers to dry out faster than the inner ones and causing cracks to appear.

3. Relative air humidity

Ideal:

60–80 %

Acceptable:

50–85 %

Dangerous:

less than 40% - drying too quickly;

more than 90% - risk of fungi and mold development.

4. Air speed

Best conditions:

constant natural ventilation;

light breeze;

absence of drafts.

Optimum air speed:

0.2–1 m/s

Not allowed:

strong wind;

directed flow of hot air;

intensive forced ventilation in the early stages.

5. Sun protection

Direct sunlight is one of the main causes of cracks.

Correct conditions:

constant shadow;

diffused light;

shed;

open sides for ventilation.

The roof must protect:

from the rain;

snow;

direct sun.

6. Precipitation

Wood must be protected:

from the rain;

wet snow;

melt water.

However, you cannot completely cover the stack with airtight film.

It is necessary to ensure free air circulation.

7. Base of the stack

The stack must not be placed on the ground.

Minimum height:

40–60 cm

Better:

60–100 cm

Reason:

concrete blocks;

stone supports;

metal racks;

wooden beams with moisture protection.

8. Gaskets

Dry slats of the same thickness are used.

Recommended thickness:

20–30 mm

Distance between gaskets:

40–80 cm

All gaskets are placed strictly one above the other.

This prevents:

warping;

bend;

internal stresses.

9. End protection

The ends dry several times faster than the side surface.

Therefore, it is advisable to protect them immediately after harvesting.

Suitable for:

special wax compositions;

paraffin;

latex coatings;

special sealants for ends.

This significantly reduces the likelihood of deep end cracks.

10. Bark

There is no single universal solution.

Full bark

Pros:

slow drying;

surface protection.

Cons:

insect risk;

risk of mushrooms.

Partial debarking

Often the best option.

Full debarking

Pros:

fewer pests;

easier control.

Cons:

cracks appear faster.

Different schemes should be used for different breeds.

11. Optimal duration

When drying naturally, a simple rule applies:

the slower the better, if fungal infection does not develop.

Approximate dates:

For particularly valuable wood, long-term aging is permissible.

12. Optimum final moisture content

It is not recommended to dry wood significantly below its future working moisture content.

13. Best storage conditions after drying

Temperature:

10–18 °C

Air humidity:

50–65 %

Absence:

sunlight;

condensate;

insects;

sudden changes in temperature.

14. Periodic inspection

The following are checked:

humidity;

the appearance of cracks;

warping;

insects;

mushrooms;

color change;

condition of gaskets;

stack condition.

15. The perfect place

The most favorable are:

northern slope;

natural shade;

good ventilation;

absence of stagnant dampness;

no overheating in summer.

Almost ideal is:

open canopy;

high roof;

free air circulation;

protection from sun and rain.

16. Best Breeds for Natural Aging

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

oak;

larch;

chestnut;

walnut.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

ash tree;

elm;

maple;

pear;

merry.

⭐⭐⭐

beech;

pine;

ale;

fir.

17. What you absolutely must not do

Not recommended:

dry in the open sun;

lay wood directly on the ground;

cover with airtight film;

accelerate drying with hot air immediately after sawing;

fold the material without interlining;

Store wood in standing water when using the air drying method;

leaving the ends of particularly valuable logs unprotected;

Mix fresh and fully dried wood in one tight pile.

18. DREVO Air Reserve

For the most valuable wood, it is recommended to create a separate program:

DREVO Air Reserve

It includes wood that passes:

winter preparation;

slow natural drying;

aging under a canopy;

long-term storage in a stable climate.

This material is intended for:

restoration of monuments;

construction of temples;

bridges;

shipbuilding;

premium furniture;

musical instruments;

artistic carving;

museum collections.

19. Combined technology

The most promising for the projectDREVO Timber Reservemay be a combination of several methods.

This approach will allow you to select the optimal mode for each type of wood.

The main principle

The most valuable wood is born not in a kiln, but in patience.

Slow natural drying at moderate temperatures, stable humidity, good ventilation, and reliable protection from the sun ensures maximum preservation of the wood structure. In combination with the systemDREVO Timber ReserveThis makes it possible to create a material that can retain its properties for decades and even centuries.

DREVO Air Reserve