How do I measure the moisture content of wood for a home improvement project?
Rather than spending hours carefully drying and weighing wood samples to check their original moisture content, many DIY enthusiasts now use modern technology that allows them to quickly and accurately read wood %MC on the move.
There are many types of material moisture meters, each with many different characteristics. These instruments can be divided into two broad categories by measurement method:
Needle meter. These devices use two or more electrodes to measure the moisture content of a wood sample. Since wood is a natural insulator and water is a conductor, the greater the resistance to electrical current, the drier the wood and vice versa.
Needleless moisture meter. Also referred to by some as "non-destructive" meters, these moisture meters use a specialized scanning plate to pass electromagnetic waves through a material sample and create a reading of the average moisture content in the scanned area.
These DIY moisture meter types have both advantages and disadvantages.
For example, needle meters will leave tiny holes in the materials they test because you need to use electrodes to penetrate the surface to get a reading. Pinless meters, on the other hand, require full contact between the scanning plate and the material being scanned to obtain accurate measurements.
In most cases, using these meters is very simple.
To use a pin wood moisture meter, simply insert the pin into the material you want to test and activate the meter. Current will pass from one pin to the other and the meter will give a reading based on the resistance of the current.
With a pinless meter, you simply press the base of the scanning plate firmly against the wood you are inspecting and activate the meter. Again, the meter will run a scan and give you a reading that you can use.
Pinless meters are faster at scanning large areas than pin meters because they can measure a larger area. Plus, they don't leave pinholes in the wood being measured - making them ideal for measuring moisture in beautiful hardwood floors.
Some meters may have more advanced features based on their manufacturer, such as built-in temperature or wood species correction. To use these features, you may want to consult your hygrometer's personal user manual.
All in all, a moisture meter is a quick, accurate, and convenient way for DIY enthusiasts to check the moisture content of wood on the go.
