A new drying process dehydration by cyclical pressure drops (Deshydratation par Detentes Successives: DDS), was devised and developed for drying waterlogged and fresh woods. This study examines the effectiveness of this drying process compared with the standard drying processes such as hot air, continuous vacuum and freeze-drying. For archaeological specimens, parameters such as dimensional stability (directional, S-d, or volumetric, S-v, shrinkage) and colour stability are important, as well as subjective parameters such as cracks, splits and distortions. The DDS process gave satisfactory results coupled with a high drying rate. Small values of shrinkage were obtained with DDS; S-v values were in the range of 7-13% compared with 11-17% with continuous vacuum drying, 18-36% with hot air, and 8-11% for freeze-drying. It is concluded that DDS IS suitable and fast way of drying waterlogged and fresh wood.