It's commonly stated that softwood can be properly seasoned in "half the time" that hardwood requires, but perhaps the difference is even more extreme.
For example, chunky Douglas fir splits, springtime-stacked in a good sun/wind exposure, can easily reach the 'teens moisture-wise in four or five months, here in the PNW. However, I've observed that similarly split and stacked oak might very well still register mid-twenties -- or higher -- after a full year!
Sure, oak is a notorious example, but other dense hardwoods I've checked aren't much faster, and even a relatively soft hardwood such as our local bigleaf maple (which has a seasoned density very close to that of Doug fir), takes much more than "twice as long" to reach suitable moisture content.
First thing I'd tell a noob trying to accumulate a stash is to get a year's worth of softies first, then work long-term after that.
For example, chunky Douglas fir splits, springtime-stacked in a good sun/wind exposure, can easily reach the 'teens moisture-wise in four or five months, here in the PNW. However, I've observed that similarly split and stacked oak might very well still register mid-twenties -- or higher -- after a full year!
Sure, oak is a notorious example, but other dense hardwoods I've checked aren't much faster, and even a relatively soft hardwood such as our local bigleaf maple (which has a seasoned density very close to that of Doug fir), takes much more than "twice as long" to reach suitable moisture content.
First thing I'd tell a noob trying to accumulate a stash is to get a year's worth of softies first, then work long-term after that.
