• Wood below 10% is generally considered suitable
for painting indoors. (Always check coating manu-
facturers recommendations).
c. The following moisture content levels are used
in the wood industry but as a guide only. Contact
industry associations and manufacturers for their
specifications.
• Furniture: 5% to 6% in areas of low relative humid-
ity and up to 10% to 11% may be acceptable where
the relative humidity is higher.
• Indoors wood: 6% in low humidity areas. Up to 12%
in higher humidity locations.
• Exterior wood: 10% to 15% depending on local
humidity levels.
• Generally, wood moisture content in excess of 23%-
25% is susceptible to rot.
• Wood moisture content in excess of 18% - 20%
may provide an environment for termite and wood-
boring insects to thrive and multiply. Wood at these
high levels can also support mold and biological
growth.
• Wood at 28% moisture content is considered to
have reached fiber saturation point.
d. Avoid taking readings on wood from the top of a
stack stored outside as these may be affected by
surface moisture from recent rain fall.
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MOISTURE ENCOUNTER 5 USER GUIDE
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