Species and wood science
Moisture content
Moisture content is the percentage of water in wood compared with its oven-dry weight.
What it means#
Moisture content tells you how much water remains in the wood. It is measured as a percentage and should be interpreted with drying method, storage conditions, and intended indoor climate.
Why buyers care#
Wood keeps moving after sale. If a slab is too wet for the room where it will live, it can cup, twist, shrink, or open checks after fabrication.
What to check#
Ask for the reading, drying method, capture date, and storage notes. For furniture, the design also needs fastening methods that allow normal seasonal movement.
Related reading