Simply theory

[Big J]

The above statements, whilst they might reflect the individual experiences of the posters, are false.

 

Drying timber is a fairly simple scientific process. You put the wood in an environment where it will be exposed to a relative humidity that will lower the moisture content (equilibrium moisture content of 18% at 5 celcius is achieved at 84% RH for example). Wood will obviously soak up significant amounts of water if rained on, inhibiting any release of free water in the cells. Additionally, if there is water lying on the surface of the timber, it's not going to dry either. You can create an environment under cover with plenty of air flow easily enough.

 

The best non-heated/ventilated environment for drying firewood is an open ended poly tunnel. Not everyone is going to want that though, so the next best option is a clear roofed woodshed/barn. This is what I will build at home as soon as my existing woodstores are empty and can be removed.

[richardwale]

That's fine. However, my wood, uncovered, left to the elements, is superb. Split and mc measured after one day indoors, is 20%

[Big J]

That's fine. However, my wood, uncovered, left to the elements, is superb. Split and mc measured after one day indoors, is 20%

 

I don't dispute that at all, only that it's a superior method of drying firewood. Firewood stored in a barn with good airflow will dry far quicker than outside.

[richardwale]

Reckon a test is due. In early spring, put 20 split oak billets on a pallet outside and 20 in the barn. Wait until end of July and measure MC. If no rain the day before, reckon outside would win hands down......

[Woodworks]

I think there maybe some big regional differences. I tried drying outside during the summer a couple of years back and when I came to process the wood in the Autumn much of it was starting to rot so now all our wood is cut and split straight away then stored undercover but well ventilated.

[pro bros]

years ago the old guys on the estate put the oak in a burn for months then took out to dry they said it dried quicker ?any one got knowledge of this .

[richardwale]

Good point there. We are in Surrey so not as much rain. Still, a good hardwood shouldn't rot that quickly. Was it birch you found rotted quickly?

[Woodworks]

Good point there. We are in Surrey so not as much rain. Still, a good hardwood shouldn't rot that quickly. Was it birch you found rotted quickly?

 

It was mainly sycamore but the beech was not looking that good either.