Take appropriate measures to control or adjust the moisture content

How to Check the Moisture Content of Wood Without a Meter?

Knowing the moisture content of wood is essential for various woodworking projects. While moisture meters are commonly used, there are several reliable methods to determine wood's moisture content without one.

Visual Inspection

Check for Cupping and Bowing: Cupping refers to the warping of wood, causing it to curl upwards at the edges. Bowing is the bending of wood along its length or width. These defects often indicate high moisture content.
Examine Grain Patterns: When wood dries, its grain pattern becomes more pronounced. If the grain is very faint or hard to see, the wood likely has a higher moisture content.
Look for Mold or Mildew: Mold and mildew growth are strong signs of excessive moisture in wood.

Weighing and Drying

Weigh the wood: Accurately weigh the wood using a scale.
Dry the wood: Dry the wood in an oven at 212°F (100°C) for 24 hours.
Weigh the wood again: Once dry, weigh the wood again.
Calculate moisture content: The moisture content is the weight loss divided by the original weight multiplied by 100.

Pin-Type Moisture Tester

Insert the pin: Insert the pointed pins of the moisture tester into the wood.
Read the scale: The tester will display a number on a scale, indicating the wood's moisture content.

Equilibrium Moisture Content

Monitor the environment: Use a humidity meter to determine the relative humidity (RH) of the environment where the wood is stored.
Use a chart: Consult a chart or online resource that provides the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) for wood at various RH levels.
Estimate moisture content: The wood will eventually reach an EMC that matches the RH of its surroundings.