Moisture content of wood from a flooring installer s perspective. Since the average relative humidity of north america is 35 a moisture content of 6 to 7 is good.
Wood that is too dry can produce more smoke than wood with a slightly higher moisture content of between 15 and 20 which is regarded as the target moisture content for all firewood.
Ideal moisture content for woodworking. Be sure to acclimate the wood to desired emc of the interior environment before you use it. The moisture content of wood dried out through the seasoning process will also never go below a certain level. It is easy to check with a moisture meter available at many places.
The moisture content of properly seasoned firewood will also be around 15 20 in line with guidelines for burning wood but the time it takes for wood to reach this level can vary. For woodworkers who construct fine furniture cabinets musical instruments toys dishes decorative art and other wood products the ideal moisture content ranges between 5 percent and 9 percent. Thing is i wish to use hardwoods to make furniture.
The higher the relative humidity the higher moisture content you want your lumber to have. However this range may vary depending on the geographic region due to varying relative humidity levels. It is typical of much of the lumber that carpenters use to build homes which is fine for houses but sucks for furniture.
What is the right moisture content in wood for making furniture. I shoot for 7 to 8 percent mc. The other factor you need to consider is the moisture content of our lumber.
Wood won t naturally dry out so much that is becomes too dry as the humidity will always mean that there s moisture within the air and prevent firewood from drying out too much. And the best moisture content for lumber for furniture projects. The target is a moisture content that places the lumber in balance with the relative humidity in my home or the location in which the furniture will eventually be placed.
I have a 14 foot x 28 foot shop in which i only run the ac or heater when i m using it for woodworking. I have worked in the hardwood flooring industry for over ten years and from what i have learned 6 to 8 is considered ideal. Drying the lumber to a level that s in balance with the home minimizes the shrinking and warping that occurs after the piece of furniture is constructed.
What i have is currently at 14 percent. What is a good moisture content for working wood. Normal moisture content of wood ranges from 7 to 19.
Wood for furniture making should be in the region of 6 to 8 percent moisture content depending on the area you live and your local humidity conditions your wood is too wet. Acceptable wood moisture readings on a meter normally range from 6 to 8 for woodworking. That is what we strive for.
So what can i do to keep my lumber moisture content right so that it is workable. Best moisture content for furniture projects. Moisture content of wood.