Good Colour
By far, the most critical factor determining the colour or discolouration of the wood is log freshness. Old logs have 20 times or more risk of forming stain-fungal stains, sticker stains, browning, pinking and greying. Freshly sawn timber requires low humidities, low temperatures and brisk velocities immediately after stacking, and until the wood is under 30% moisture, it will be content to control stain. Narrow loads and partially-filled dryers will help. Poor stacking and exposure to rain will increase the risk of stain.