Air Drying When Temps Are Freezing

[GF]

Are there any problems or concerns air drying newly sawn red oak when temperatures go below freezing?   ???

[Den Socling]

The Red Oak will dry but very, very slowly. The area that dries the most will be the ends. I have never air-dried Red Oak but I would guess that you could see some end checks.

[chet]

GF,
I have found that I actually get better results with red oak if the drying process is started in cold temps, thus slowing the initial drying rate.  As Den stated, you can air dry red oak too fast, causing surface and end checks.

[tomtom]

I cut in freezing temperatures , the comment that air drying red oak in frosty weather will bring your moisture down slow is correct. My understanding is that most damage occurs above 20% moisture. Most end checking has already started in the log unless it has been end coated fresh cut. I cut pine and hard maple an air dry under cover in a shed. I still like to have it kiln dryed before the summer heat hits. This reduces sticker stain , and fugus stains. Hope this helps . MC&AHNY      TOM  

[GF]

I just was not sure if there would be a problem with the moisture in the boards freezing, and causing more problems.

[JohnnyF]

You will also get some drying effect from sublimation.  It is still slower but some is better than none.  Good luck!

[Norm]

I wondered the same thing too GF the first year I tried it. I've done it for two years now and have not noticed any difference from wood air dried during the rest of the year.  

I'm thinking of marketing it as freeze dried lumber. ;D

[woodmills1]

You won't get the surface checks that happen in the hot sun of summer.  Oak doesn't like direct sun at all.  In winter it is important to keep the top of the pile covered to keep the rain and snow off.