### Wood Moisture Content: A Crucial Element in Wood Preservation

Moisture content plays a pivotal role in preserving wood’s structural integrity and preventing degradation. It is defined as the percentage of water weight present in wood compared to its dry weight. Accurately measuring and understanding wood’s moisture content is essential to develop effective treatment strategies.

### What is the Preferred Moisture Content for Treating Wood?

The optimal moisture content for treating wood with preservatives varies depending on several factors, including:

**Type of Wood:** Different wood species exhibit varying degrees of absorbency and require specific moisture levels for effective treatment.

**Preservative Used:** Preservatives interact differently with wood at different moisture levels. Copper azole preservatives, for example, perform best when wood moisture content is below 25%.

**Intended Use:** The purpose for which the treated wood will be used also influences the desired moisture content. Wood intended for exterior applications should have a lower moisture content to reduce the likelihood of decay and warping.

### General Recommendations for Optimal Moisture Content

As a general rule of thumb, wood should be dried to a moisture content of:

* **12-15%:** For interior wood applications (furniture, flooring)
* **15-20%:** For exterior wood applications (decking, siding)

### Benefits of Moisture Mapping

**Effective Preservative Penetration:** Accurately determining wood’s moisture content allows for optimized preservative application, ensuring deep penetration and long-term protection.

**Prevention of Preservative Leaching:** Preservatives can leach out of wood that is too wet, reducing their effectiveness and potentially compromising the wood’s structural integrity.

**Improved Wood Stability:** Treated wood with appropriate moisture content is less susceptible to warping, shrinkage, and cracking, ensuring durability and longevity.