How to use a wood moisture meter

Getting prepped to set up a cosy, crackly fire? It’s important that you only use wood with a moisture content of 20% or less for an efficient, cleaner burn. But how can you know your wood contains the ideal moisture content? By using a wood moisture meter!

In this article, we’ll talk you through the steps to take the reading and discuss factors which affect wood moisture meter readings.

 

Steps for using a wood moisture meter

These are the easy steps for testing wood with a wood moisture meter:

 

Set up your moisture meter properly

Every moisture meter is different, so make sure that your meter is the correct one for the type of wood you are measuring. Check the user manual to see how to calibrate it and select the correct wood species setting for the best readings. Ensure it has fresh batteries too!

 

Pick and prepare your wood

Select 3 logs from different areas in your log pile (top, middle, and bottom). Split them down the middle and wipe off excess moisture. Make sure to take your readings immediately after splitting the wood for the best reading.

 

Insert the pins firmly and against the grain

Press the pins as deep as you can into the wood, and make sure you take the reading against the grain, as this is more conductive than with the grain of the wood. Don’t measure over knots or irregular grains as this will give a poor quality reading. Consult your user manual to see how much pressure to apply to the meter when taking the reading.

 

Repeat and calculate the average reading

Repeat these steps for all the pieces of wood you are testing. Find the average reading to get an idea of the average moisture content of your entire log pile.

 

Factors that affect your wood moisture meter readings

Before we talk through the steps of how to use a wood moisture meter, it’s important to know which factors affect the accuracy of the reading you take so you can take steps to rectify this.

 

Wood species

Different species of wood have different densities, salt contents, conductivity, and extractives in the wood that affect the moisture reading. Your meter may have a “species correction” feature to help to get a more accurate reading.

 

Measurement depth

Different moisture meters have different length pins. The depth of the measurement you’re able to take affects the accuracy of the reading.

 

Moisture meter battery

If your moisture meter battery is running on the low side, you’ll get a less accurate reading. Make sure to put in fresh batteries for the best results.

 

Moisture meter calibration

If you have not used your moisture meter in a while or have dropped it, it may affect the accuracy of the reading. Follow the user manual to recalibrate it.

 

Proximity to metal

Don’t test your wood on a metal surface. This will affect the conductivity of the wood so your reading is not as trustworthy.

 

Temperature of the wood

Bring your wood inside to get to room temperature before you take a reading. You can’t test frozen wood and you won’t get an accurate reading from wood that is chilly from being stored in an outdoor log store.

 

Fungus and mould

If the wood is decaying, the wood’s conductivity will not be as strong, so you’ll have a less accurate reading. Dispose of any decaying wood you find and check the rest of your log store for other affected pieces.

 

Sourcing ready to burn firewood

If you live in Glasgow, Edinburgh, or other areas across Central Scotland, let Stewart Timber become your new go-to for firewood. Our firewood is kiln-dried to 20% moisture content or less, and is “Ready to Burn” certified and Woodsure approved, so you can be confident it is the best quality!