Never let wood touch the ground. This is the golden rule. Use concrete blocks, old railroad ties, or pressure-treated 4x4s to create a level base. This prevents wicking moisture from the earth and provides a foundation for airflow.
If you are a woodworker, a homesteader, or a DIY enthusiast who has just slabbed a fallen oak from your property or bought green lumber from a local sawyer, understanding air seasoning is essential. Let's walk through the science, the art, and the necessary patience of turning wet, heavy timber into a workable, beautiful material. Simply put, air seasoning (or air drying) is the process of reducing the moisture content of wood by exposing it to natural atmospheric conditions—wind, sun, humidity, and temperature. The goal is to bring the wood’s moisture content down from its fresh-cut state (often over 50-60% of the wood’s weight) to a level in equilibrium with its surrounding environment (typically 12-18%, depending on your climate). air seasoning of wood
Choose the highest, driest, most well-ventilated spot you have. North or east sides of a building are ideal to avoid the harsh afternoon sun (which causes rapid, uneven drying and surface checking). The ground should be gravel or packed earth that drains well—never low grass or mud. Never let wood touch the ground