The wood drying process is a key factor influencing the quality and durability of furniture. There are two main types of wood in this regard: kiln-dried wood and undried wood. Understanding their differences and consequences is essential to ensuring the stability and durability of any wood product.
What is Stoved Wood?
Kiln-dried wood is wood that has been kiln-dried (oven-dried) to reduce its moisture content to controlled levels, typically between 6% and 12%, depending on its end use.
Advantages of Stoved Wood:
MGreater dimensional stability: By eliminating excessive moisture, the possibility of deformation, shrinkage and expansion is reduced.
Lower risk of pests: The drying process eliminates insects and fungi present in the wood.
Better adhesion and finish: Dry wood absorbs varnishes, glues, and sealants better, ensuring a better finish.
Greater mechanical resistance: By eliminating excess water, its structural resistance is increased.
Applications:
High-end furniture and fine woodworking.
Floors and interior coverings.
Structures that require long-term stability.
What is Unseasoned Wood?
Undried wood, also called "green" or "raw," is wood that has not undergone an artificial drying process and retains a high percentage of moisture, which can exceed 30%.
Consequences of Using Undried Wood:
Warping and cracking: As wood naturally loses moisture, it can shrink and crack, affecting the stability of the furniture.
Greater susceptibility to pests and fungi: Humidity encourages the growth of microorganisms and the appearance of insects.
Reduced adhesion of adhesives and finishes: The presence of water prevents the proper absorption of dyes, glues and varnishes.
Difficulty in carpentry work: It is more difficult to cut and assemble, since the dimensions can change with drying.
Applications:
Temporary structures and formwork.
Woodworking projects where stability is not critical.
Rustic or artisanal use with prolonged natural drying.
Why is it important to choose the right wood?
The use of kiln-dried wood is essential for the manufacture of high-quality, long-lasting furniture. Working with unseasoned wood can cause structural, aesthetic, and functional problems in the medium and long term. While unseasoned wood may be more economical, the risk of defects makes it unsuitable for projects requiring stability and durability.
To ensure the best choice in furniture and woodwork, it is always advisable to check the moisture content of the wood and opt for materials that have undergone controlled drying.
Sources:
INIFAP (Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias).
Manual de Tecnología de la Madera, CONAFOR.
Estudios sobre estabilidad dimensional en maderas tropicales y templadas.