It's getting hard because the water goes away. It means the wood shrinks, warps and cracks as fibers get closer to one another.
In the case of Oak, the wood is pretty dense already. The shrinkage stills happens, but less than green pine for example.
Also, green Oak has some pliability to it and is much easier to work on than seasoned Oak. Carpenters will use green Oak as much as possible and let it finish to dry on site, so joins are perfectly held in place and the overall fit is tighter. Of course, proper craftsmanship would have built the right tolerances for wood drying up directly in the work piece. So, you know, I think the carpenters there have some experience.
Using seasoned Oak - like what you would find in dead trees that are still standing - can be super unproductive. It is so hard that it will break your chainsaw / chisel if you're not careful and be otherwise full of pest / mushrooms.
In the case of Oak, the wood is pretty dense already. The shrinkage stills happens, but less than green pine for example.
Also, green Oak has some pliability to it and is much easier to work on than seasoned Oak. Carpenters will use green Oak as much as possible and let it finish to dry on site, so joins are perfectly held in place and the overall fit is tighter. Of course, proper craftsmanship would have built the right tolerances for wood drying up directly in the work piece. So, you know, I think the carpenters there have some experience.
Using seasoned Oak - like what you would find in dead trees that are still standing - can be super unproductive. It is so hard that it will break your chainsaw / chisel if you're not careful and be otherwise full of pest / mushrooms.
That's why I think the Canard Enchainé is trying to spread some shit, just because they like the smell.
PS: you can find more about the process here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CO0PgfCZHtw (in french)