Wood moisture content

The amount of water contained in wood materials. The effect of wood moisture on the size and physical characteristics of the wood. Suitable moisture contents for different uses.

timber moisture content
lumber moisture content
moisture content of wood
wood moistness
wood moisture level

knowledge

cross-sector

Wood moisture content is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Wood technology engineer: Wood technology engineers develop materials and components made of wood, construct production facilities and control and monitor the production. They also examine products and materials and advise customers.
Wood drying kiln operator: Wood drying kiln operators control the process of applying heat to moist or ‘green’ wood in order to obtain usable dry wood. Depending on the type of kiln, the drying operator will be responsible for moving the wood into and out of the kiln, temperature control, and ventilation.
Cooper: Coopers build barrels and related products made of segments of wood, like wooden buckets. They shape the wood, fit hoops around them, and shape the barrel to hold the product, which contemporarily is usually premium alcoholic beverages.
Wood fuel pelletiser: Wood fuel pelletisers operate a hammer mill to turn wood waste products into pellets for use as fuel. The milled product is afterward pressed through a die, producing the standardised shape and size of a pellet.
Wood treater: Wood treaters apply treatments to wood to make it resistant to environmental factors like mould, cold, moisture, or staining. Treatments may also contribute to the colour of the wood. Wood treaters may use chemicals, heat, gasses, UV light, or a combination of these to treat wood.

Wood moisture content is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Hardwood floor layer: Hardwood floor layers install floors made of solid wood. They prepare the surface, cut parquet or board elements to size, and lay them in a predetermined pattern, straight and flush.
Civil engineer: Civil engineers design, plan, and develop technical and engineering specifications for infrastructure and construction projects. They apply engineering knowledge in a vast array of projects, from the construction of infrastructure for transportation, housing projects, and luxury buildings, to the construction of natural sites. They design plans that seek to optimise materials and integrate specifications and resource allocation within the time constraints.

References

1. Wood moisture content – ESCO