Chemicals modify the cell wall or reduce surface tension, allowing water to escape faster and more evenly.
Wood is stacked inside a transparent-roofed chamber. Sun heats the air; vents allow hot, moist air to escape.
Hours to 2 days.
Low cost, no energy input, minimal residual stress. Disadvantages: Slow, final MC limited by humidity (cannot go below ~12–15% in humid areas), risk of insect/fungal attack. 2. Solar Drying (Greenhouse Drying) A hybrid of air and kiln seasoning using solar energy.
Faster than air drying, low operating cost, reduces MC to 8–10%. Disadvantages: Weather-dependent, requires large floor area, initial construction cost. II. Artificial (Accelerated) Methods 3. Kiln Seasoning (Industrial Drying) Wood is placed in an insulated chamber (kiln) with controlled temperature, humidity, and air circulation.