Checking the moisture content of wood is crucial to prevent problems, such as shrinkage, warping, or decay.

Visual Inspection

• Check for discolouration: Moist wood may exhibit darker or discoloured patches.
• Look for cracks or splits: Excessive moisture can cause wood to crack or split.

Touch Test

• Touch the wood surface: Moist wood will feel cold and damp to the touch.
• Scratch the surface: If the surface can be scratched easily, it could indicate high moisture content.

Weighted Test

• Use a weight or heavy object: Place a weighted object on the wood. If the object sinks into the wood, it may be moist.

Coin Toss Test

• Toss a coin on the wood: If the coin produces a muffled sound, the wood could be moist.

Weighing the Wood

• Weigh the wood: Obtain the weight of the wood when it is dry.
• Soak the wood in water for a few days: Ensure it is fully saturated.
• Weigh the wood again: The difference in weight represents the amount of moisture absorbed.

Note: These methods provide an approximation of moisture content and should not be relied upon as a definitive measure. For accurate results, it is recommended to use a moisture meter.