All wood sold in lumber yards or hardware stores has been cured and sometimes treated prior to sale. The curing process for lumberyard wood involves industrial kiln drying for large amounts of wood. If you have recently cut down a cedar tree and want to use it for a home or woodworking project, you'll have to cure the wood the old-fashioned way. Fortunately, cedar cures on its own and about a year faster than other wood. This airflow method is basically a process of moisture evaporation, drying the cedar out over time by exposing it to air after cutting.
Step 1
Cut the cedar tree trunk into sections using a chain saw. Cut your sections as long as you need for your project.
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Step 2
Place the cedar logs in a cool, dry area with frequent airflow. An open barn or ventilated garage or workshop is ideal.
Step 3
Leave the cedar logs in place for 18 months to cure. Mark and measure any cracks in the wood on the individual sections. Over time, the crack will widen slightly, and new cracks will form. Keep note of the width and depth of the cracks during the curing process. After a year and a half, the cracks should not widen anymore, and curing will be complete.
Tip
Choose an area with ample sunlight and airflow for faster curing.
Warning
Wear proper safety glasses and gloves when operating a chain saw.
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