Tips on Checking the Moisture Level of Wood

Use this advice to learn how to check the moisture content of wood before choosing pieces for your next project.

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Photo 3 of 4

Photo 3 of 4Quarter-sawn wood shows tangential grain running across the wood and shrinks evenly.

- Measure Moisture
- Check Shrinkage
- Avoid Cupping
- Cut Wood

Avoid Cupping(3 of 4)

Quarter-sawn wood will not cup or warp and as a result, is more expensive than flat-sawn wood. Flat-sawn wood shows roundness on the end grain.

Moisture evaporates at a different rate in different parts of flat-sawn wood, causing the wood to cup as it dries. If you get flat-sawn wood milled into thick pieces and plane it down after it reaches a 7 percent moisture level, you will have fewer problems with cupping.

Next Photo: Cut Wood