houtrijping
Houtrijping, literally “wood ripening” in Dutch, is a timber processing practice in which freshly sawn or milled wood is allowed to rest and mature under controlled conditions to improve its dimensional stability, moisture content, and workability. The aim is to reduce internal stresses created during cutting and to bring the wood to a stable state suitable for its intended use.
The process typically involves two stages: drying and conditioning. In air drying, boards are stacked with spacers
Benefits of houtrijping include reduced risk of dimensional change after installation, improved glue adhesion and finishing,
Risks and management considerations include the possibility of surface checks, warp, or case hardening if logs
Note: The term is used in Dutch-speaking timber industries to describe the traditional practice of seasoning