WOOD MOISTURE CONTENT
When wood is freshly cut, it contains
roughly 50% moisture. If properly
air dried for several months, it will
reach 20 %.
Properly dried wood will have
darkened end grain, with deep splits
in the ends that radiate all the way to
the outsides of the log. In addition,
when you sharply bang two pieces of
properly dried wood together, they
will "ring" with a slightly hollow
sound. Wet wood will produce a dull
"thunk" when banged together.
However, the only certain method for
determining moisture content is to
use a moisture meter, available
through gardening shops.
Freshly-cut wood should be split and
stacked in alternate layers, so that
air can circulate easily around every
piece. The wood should have a roof
over it, overhanging the stack by at
least 2 feet all around. The sides
should be left open to the air, except
that the side exposed to the
prevailing winds can have a roll-up
plastic sheet in case of rain. (A well
ventilated open wood shed is a good
choice.)
WOOD STORAGE
Many people are under the mistaken
impression that if wood is split and
stored for 1 year or more, it will
automatically be dry enough to burn
properly.
We do not recommend indoor wood
storage, since the dormant insects
living in it may decide to make your
home part of their diet. In addition, if
the wood contains excess moisture,
increased indoor humidity will result.
(A good compromise is a large
indoor wood box which can hold
several days wood supply, and which
allows you to inspect for unwanted
guests on a regular basis.)
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