A wood moisture meter is an invaluable tool when working with different types of lumber and construction products. A moisture meter measures the moisture levels of items such as firewood, furniture wood and wood flooring. Wood craftsmen, furniture makers, cabinetmakers and woodworkers all find a wood moisture meter an essential tool in woodworking.

Excess moisture can make wood difficult to work with and unstable to use in a project. Even do-it-yourself woodworkers are advised to test the moisture of wood, before using it, to ensure top quality.

Wood moisture meters come in two types, pin and pinless. Learn more information about the differences between Pin and Pinless meters by reading our blog  Pin vs. Pinless Moisture Meters. A pin model uses an electric current and has a pin that is used to insert into the timber. A pinless model uses an electromagnetic field to measure moisture content and does not have a pin to insert. While both types are accurate for measuring moisture levels in wood, there are advantages and disadvantages to both models.

Pin models work well on both rough and smooth wood. The main disadvantage is that it leaves two small holes behind when using the meter to test. By leaving two smalls holes, wood cannot be tested before purchasing.

Pinless models can be used on wood prior to purchase as they leave no holes behind after testing. The disadvantage is that pinless meters work only on smooth wood surfaces. A rough surface cannot accurately be tested using a pinless meter.

Wood moisture meters are also used for a variety of other materials such as carpet, drywall and concrete floors. Many use these meters to test for moisture before applying a floor over a subfloor or sealing a surface. Using a meter on drywall before painting will ensure that paint is not being used to seal walls with a high moisture content. There are many moisture meters that are reasonably priced for all needs. It is recommended that one is used in most building projects.

It is important to read the instructions that come with a wood moisture meter to ensure the proper usage and how to interpret results. Know what to expect when testing a surface and what the accepted parameters are to ensure accuracy. A wood moisture meter is a tool that will help keep quality levels high on a building project.

Sonin’s intuitive moisture meters help trace and locate moisture problems. With over 25 years of engineering innovative tools, including moisture meters, Sonin offers a variety of moisture detector, electronic measuring tools, and construction calculators.