How to check the moisture content of wood without a meter

Determining the moisture content of wood is crucial for various reasons, including its effect on strength, stability, and susceptibility to decay. While moisture meters provide accurate readings, they may not always be readily available or affordable. Fortunately, there are simple and effective methods to check the moisture content of wood without using a meter.

Visual Inspection

• Color: Dry wood tends to be lighter in color than moist wood.
• Warpage: Moisture can cause wood to warp or buckle. Flat and straight wood indicates lower moisture.
• Checks and Cracks: As wood dries, it shrinks and can develop cracks or checks. More checks and cracks indicate higher moisture.

Touch Test

Touch the wood with your hand. Dry wood will feel cool to the touch, while moist wood will feel warm or damp.

Breath Test

Hold your breath and exhale onto the surface of the wood. If the breath condenses and forms water droplets, the wood is likely moist.

Weight Test

Weigh a small piece of the wood and measure its dimensions. Calculate the mass per unit volume. Heavier wood with the same dimensions indicates higher moisture.

Equilibrium Moisture Content

In equilibrium, wood's moisture content matches the surrounding environment. Check local weather data and measure the temperature and relative humidity. Based on charts, estimate the equilibrium moisture content of wood. Compare it to the expected moisture content for your application.

Additional Tips

• Check the wood from several different areas to get a more representative sample.
• Avoid using these methods on painted or treated wood, as they can affect the results.
• If you are unsure about the moisture content of the wood, it is always best to err on the side of caution and assume it is higher than expected.

Remember, these methods provide an approximate estimate of the moisture content of wood. While they may not be as precise as a moisture meter, they can still help you assess the moisture level and make informed decisions about wood use and storage.