Mastering Moisture Mapping Understanding Wood Moisture Content

Moisture Mapping – A Comprehensive Guide

Moisture Mapping is a crucial technique in woodworking, construction, and restoration projects. It involves measuring and analyzing the moisture content of wood to determine its suitability for various applications. Moisture content plays a significant role in wood's structural integrity, durability, and susceptibility to decay.

Understanding Wood Moisture Content

Wood moisture content is the ratio of the mass of water in wood to the mass of the dry wood substance. It is typically expressed as a percentage. Wood moisture content is a complex property influenced by several factors, including environmental conditions, wood species, and wood density.

Can Wood Contain Over 100% Moisture Content?

Surprisingly, yes. Wood can contain over 100% moisture content when the mass of water it holds exceeds the mass of the dry wood substance. This condition is known as "above-fiber saturation point" (AFSP). In AFSP, the cell walls (fiber) of the wood are saturated with water, and additional water is held in the cell cavities. However, it is important to note that wood in this state is considered "wet" or "soaked" rather than "moist."