Among the many considerations for timber processing, moisture content is one of those that is both easiest to overlook and most highly influential on project success and longevity. Moisture content: Whether you are building a deck around your garden, laying an interior floor or making furniture – knowing something about the moisture content of timber could just save you time and money; as well as avoid potential headaches.
The quantity of water present in timber, expressed as a percentage when compared to the wood’s dry weight. The range that you will see in green timber can be more than 50%, while properly kiln dried wood suitable for interior use should show values between 8 and 12%. Outdoor timber is typically acceptable at 15% to 19%, the lower end for exposed use.
Why Does It Matter?
While it is aesthetically-pleasing, wood will also shrink and swell as the moisture content fluctuates – something that happens naturally. If it dries out after being milled, then wood that is too wet will shrink and move which can set you up for warping and cracking. Instead, if wood is too dry it will tend to draw moisture from the air and result in swelling and other weird distortion. This action can lead to flooring gaps, sticking doors, warped decking or possibly even entire structural difficulties.
How to Measure Moisture Content
If you want to know the moisture content of timber, a reliable way is with a hand held device called a moisture meter. Most reputable timber merchants will carry either kiln-dried or air-dried material at a moisture content suitable for your project, but still confirm before you leave if the wood has been sitting on their shelves. For Timber Merchants Portsmouth, consider https://www.timbco.co.uk/timber-merchants-portsmouth
Tips for Success
Cure timber: Some time, before you get installing the wood, let it lie around in the atmosphere where they are definitely going to be used for a number of days. This allows the wood to adapt with local humidity levels and helps to prevent movement after installation.
Timber storage: Store your timber off the ground, covered and in a well-ventilated space so it doesn’t absorb potential excess moisture or dry out too quickly.
Select the right wood: For indoor projects kiln-dried timber should be used, and air- dried or pressure-treated timbers for outdoor use.
To summarise: Moisture content is a key factor in the performance and longevity of timber. Learn about how it behaves and deal with common problems associated with timber, such as warping, splitting or movement so that your building projects look good long after completion.