Whether you’re a contractor or just a novice carpenter, you work with wood. But one of the key aspects of working with wood is ensuring that the wood you’re working with is up to snuff.
That’s to say, it’s important to considerwhether or not your wood is dry enoughfor use.
Fortunately, there are devices available on the market which allow you to measure the moisture content of various pieces of wood.
These electronic devices use electromagnetic fields to measure the moisture in wood without having to do any damage to the wood whatsoever.
Not measuring the moisture content in a piece of wood can come back to haunt you down the line after an established piece of woodwork begins to deteriorate.
Don’t let your woodwork masterpieces lose their beauty and functionality prematurely. Use this guide to find yourself a top-notchwood moisture meter.
Top 10 Best Wood Moisture Meter Comparison Table
| Picture | Name | Features | Rating (1-5) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Dr.meter Digital Wood Moisture Meter,Wood Water Moisture Tester with HD Digital LCD Display | Fairly simple interface Good precision Well-lit screen | 2.5 | $ |
 | Digital Moisture Meter with LCD Display, 2 Pin Moisture Sensor Detector with 6 Modes | Very accurate for its price Bright, visible LCD screen Offers good precision Auto shutoff feature | 3 | $ |
 | Wood Moisture Meter, Digital 4 Calibrated wood groups Wood Moisture Detector, 2 pins Wood Portable | Brightly lit screen Auto shutoff feature Fairly precise | 3 | $ |
 | Calculated Industries 7440 AccuMASTER XT Digital Moisture Meter | Handheld |Pin Type | Backlit LCD Display | Extremely consistent Good accuracy Easy to read screen Auto shutoff | 3 | $ |
 | Meterk Handheld Mini Wood Moisture Meter Digital LCD Lumber Damp Meter Detector Tester 2 Pin | Very consistent Easy to read screen Has different wood modes Auto off feature | 3 | $ |
 | Digital Moisture Meter, LIUMY ± 0.5% Accuracy Wood Moisture Meter with 2 Pins / 4 Types of Wood Species | Priced very reasonably Very accurate Auto shutoff feature Easy to read screen | 3.5 | $ |
 | Professional TDS ppm Meter | Digital Test Pen Combines EC, TDS Quick and Easy Testing | Fairly consistent Brightly lit screen Portable construction | 3.5 | $ |
 | General Tools MMD7NP Moisture Meter, Pinless, Digital LCD with Tricolor Bar Graph | Doesn’t penetrate wood Very accurate Brightly lit screen Auto off function | 4 | $ |
 | Extech MO55 Combination Pin/Pinless Moisture Meter | Very solid construction Easy to read screen Pinned and pinless | 4.5 | $$ |
 | General Tools MMD4E Moisture Meter, Pin Type, Digital LCD | Very accurate Brightly lit screen Solid construction Auto off function | 5 | $ |
What Type of Wood Moisture Meters are There?
In general, there are two different types of wood moisture meters: pin meters and pinless meters. Both types of meters are useful, but function in just slightly different ways.
Pin meters contain a metal pin which is to be inserted into a piece of wood. After the pin has been inserted, it will send an electric current through the wood. This electric current will come back to the meter and tell it how much moisture is present within the wood.
Pinless meters are a little different in that they are completely non-invasive. They don’t have to penetrate the wood to measure its moisture; they instead send out electromagnetic fields across the wood in order to secure its moisture content.
The advantage of the pinless meter is that it won’t leave any holes in your wood. The advantage of the pin meter is that it’s typically a little more consistent and accurate.
Benefits of Best Wood Moisture Meter
There are a number of benefits that come with a high-quality wood moisture meter. By being able to detect just how much moisture is in a given piece of wood, you can determine whether or not that piece of wood is equipped to be used for carpentry.
The optimal moisture content for a piece of wood is usually around 7 or 8. You can go a little higher than this, but should never use a piece of wood that exceeds 10. A piece of wood with this much moisture in it is bound to meet a premature demise.
Without a moisture meter, you’ll have to decide the moisture content of a piece of wood by giving it the eye test. This is unreliable to say the least. In essence, if you’re a woodworker, you need a moisture meter. It will ensure that you creations last over a decent lifespan.
Downsides of Wood Moisture Meter
While wood moisture meters can be very beneficial for carpenters and contractors, they aren’t perfect. Many moisture meters are still fairly inaccurate, only providing you with ballpark moisture figures.
Many meters also tend to have trouble with consistency, showing different moisture contents for the same pieces of wood.
If you’re going to get the most out of a wood moisture meter, you’d be best served by purchasing the best one you can find. Middle of the road meters are typically not well enough equipped to handle consistent and accurate readings.
10. Dr.meter Digital Wood Moisture Meter,Wood Water Moisture Tester with HD Digital LCD Display ,2 Spare Sensor Pins and 4 modes for different materials, Range 2% – 70%,Accuracy: +/-0.5%, MD912
The first wood moisture meter we’ll review is this one from Dr.meter. Available for a mid-level price, it’s not the greatest moisture meter you’re going to find, but it isn’t the worst either.
This meter makes use of pins, penetrating wood and sending electrical currents through it to make measurements. With an accuracy margin of 0.5%, it displays fairly precise readings. However, its accuracy is questionable. Its readings are inconsistent, and sometimes even outrageous.
But, if you use it enough times on a single piece of wood, you should be able to get a ballpark number. There are better moisture meters, but it’s alright for those who aren’t serious carpenters or contractors.
Pros:
- Fairly simple interface
- Good precision
- Well-lit screen
Cons:
- Some accuracy issues
- Must penetrate wood
9. Digital Moisture Meter with LCD Display, 2 Pin Moisture Sensor Detector with 6 Modes, Tester for Wood, Drywall, Building Materials
Next up is this moisture meter from Fetanden. While it’s around the same price as the Dr.meter meter reviewed above, it’s a little more accurate and consistent overall.
It makes use of two pins which must penetrate wood in order to make readings.In addition to working on wood, it can also work on cement, brick, and concrete. With a bright, easy to read LCD screen, you won’t have any trouble seeing readings whether it’s dark or bright.
It makes measurements at increments of 0.5%, offering fairly good precision. For its price, it’s very accurate. If you’re looking for something solid to use in the workshop or at the construction zone, this will suit you well.
Pros:
- Very accurate for its price
- Bright, visible LCD screen
- Offers good precision
- Auto shutoff feature
Cons:
- Must penetrate wood
8. Wood Moisture Meter, Digital 4 Calibrated wood groups Wood Moisture Detector, 2 pins Wood Portable Moisture Tester Water, HD Digital LCD Display with one 9V Battery(Included) Range 0% – 99.9%
A reasonably functional budget wood moisture meter is this one from GoerTek. This meter isn’t quite as accurate as some, but will still give you general, ballpark figures on a fairly consistent basis.
It gauges the moisture in wood with the use of two penetrative pins. These pins are pretty narrow, and won’t do too much damage to the wood you’re gauging. Sporting an easy to read LCD screen, it can be used in both dark and bright atmospheres.
This meter is precise to every 0.5%. It doesn’t always provide the same readings for the same pieces of wood, but you should be able to get a general idea from it. Overall, this is a good budget moisture meter.
Pros:
- Brightly lit screen
- Auto shutoff feature
- Fairly precise
Cons:
- Slightly inconsistent readings
- Must penetrate wood
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7. Calculated Industries 7440 AccuMASTER XT Digital Moisture Meter | Handheld |Pin Type | Backlit LCD Display | Detects Leaks, Damp and Moisture in Wood, Walls, Ceilings, Carpet and Firewood
This next moisture meter packs terrific construction quality to go with very accurate readings. Available for a mid-level price, it excels in almost all areas.
Like the previously reviewed meters, this one makes use of penetrative pins. These pins will leave some marks in your wood, but they will be barely noticeable after your woodwork has been completely assembled.
With a brightly lit screen, it can be seen in all environments. It posts accurate, precise, and consistent measurements, and tells you whether or not a moisture content is low, standard, or high. Aside from its need to penetrate wood, there is no reason not to buy this moisture meter.
Pros:
- Extremely consistent
- Good accuracy
- Easy to read screen
- Auto shutoff
Cons:
- Must penetrate wood
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6. Meterk Handheld Mini Wood Moisture Meter Digital LCD Lumber Damp Meter Detector Tester 2 Pin Probe Range 2%～70%
The Meterk Handheld Mini is another solid middle of the road product which will produce fairly consistent readings overall. Available for an average price, it leaves no legitimate reason not to be purchased.
It’s precise to within every 0.5%, giving you a good idea as to whether your moisture content is too low or too high.
With a wood type button, it allows you to choose one of four different wood types for gauging purposes. This enables you to get as accurate readings as possible. Sporting an easy to read and brightly lit screen, it can be easily used in all different lights.
Pros:
- Very consistent
- Easy to read screen
- Has different wood modes
- Auto off feature
Cons:
- Must penetrate wood
5. Digital Moisture Meter, LIUMY ± 0.5% Accuracy Wood Moisture Meter with 2 Pins / 4 Types of Wood Species / Portable LCD Display Moisture Detector (ABS plastic)
Another very reasonably priced moisture meter is this one from LIUMY. This meter is equipped to handle four different types of wood, and offers very accurate readings for its price.
It’s equipped with two sharp pins so that it can penetrate wood and make readings. These will leave slight damage marks on your wood, but nothing too extreme.
Precise to within 0.5%, it gives very nuanced and detailed readings regardless of what it’s gauging. In addition to wood, it can also gauge the moisture content of concrete, drywall, and brick. Overall, it’s a very good moisture meter for its price.
Pros:
- Priced very reasonably
- Very accurate
- Auto shutoff feature
- Easy to read screen
Cons:
- Penetrative metal pins
4. Professional TDS ppm Meter | Digital Test Pen Combines EC, TDS & Temp (3-in-1) | 0-9999 ppm & ± 2% Accuracy | Quick and Easy Testing For Hydroponics, Ro System, Pool, Aquarium, Spa and Water Hardness
This next moisture meter is fairly accurate, but it not precise as some others. Its readings can only be gauged to within every 2%. This is a far cry from the 0.5% of most moisture meters on this list.
It possesses a fairly easy to read screen, enabling you to use it in all different environments. With a narrow, skinny construction style, it can be fit into your pocket with great ease.
While it’s designed to be used in water, it can also make reasonable readings on wood. It’s equipped with two ejectable metal pins, allowing you to penetrate your wood for accurate readings.
Pros:
- Fairly consistent
- Brightly lit screen
- Portable construction
Cons:
- Must penetrate wood
- Designed for water gauging
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3. General Tools MMD7NP Moisture Meter, Pinless, Digital LCD with Tricolor Bar Graph
If you’re looking for a pinless moisture meter, you might very well be interested in this one from General Tools. Though it’s a little more expensive than the other meters on our list, it’s worth its weight in gold.
Because it doesn’t need to use pins, it won’t do any damage to your wood. Despite the fact that it doesn’t use pins, it’s still very accurate. It will provide you with some of the most precise readings on the market today.
Overall, this is a terrific meter. With a brightly lit screen, it can be used in any and all conditions.
Pros:
- Doesn’t penetrate wood
- Very accurate
- Brightly lit screen
- Auto off function
Cons:
- A little expensive
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2. Extech MO55 Combination Pin/Pinless Moisture Meter
The Extech MO55 is a more expensive meter compared to the others on our list, but doesn’t really much to separate itself from the others in terms of quality.
It can make both pinned and pinless readings, allowing you to treat your wood in whatever manner you prefer. The problem is that its readings are widely inconsistent. While it can provide ballpark figures, it won’t give you nuanced readings.
It does deserve some credit for an easy to read screen and some very solid construction, however. But unfortunately, its price is not justified by its functionality.
Pros:
- Very solid construction
- Easy to read screen
- Pinned and pinless
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Inconsistent readings
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1. General Tools MMD4E Moisture Meter, Pin Type, Digital LCD
Rounding out our list is the General Tools MMD4E. This pinned moisture meter is available for a mid-level price, and offers quite a bit in the ways of accuracy and consistency.
Because it has pins, it must penetrate wood. This is its one legitimate downside. With accurate, consistent, and precise readings, it won’t do much to let you down besides that.
Sporting a brightly lit screen and easy to use buttons, it’s extremely user intuitive. If you’re looking for the best, you won’t be disappointed MMD4E.
Pros:
- Very accurate
- Brightly lit screen
- Solid construction
- Auto off function
Cons:
- Must be penetrate wood
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Editor’s Choice of Best Wood Moisture Meter
After quite a bit of review, we’ve made our choice for the best moisture meter on the market today: the General Tools MMD4E. Available for a reasonable price, it offers very consistent and accurate readings. Not only will it provide you with exact moisture percentages, but will tell you whether those percentages are too low, too high, or just right as well.
With a brightly lit LED screen, it offers extremely clear readings. Sporting an easy to use interface, you shouldn’t have any trouble using it. If you’re looking for the best, you’ve found it here in the MMD4E.
If you’re into construction, DIY or generally want to improve your home, why not take a look at this review to spark up your bathroom.
FAQs
Which moisture meter is most accurate? ›
Teledyne Flir Extech MO55 Pin/Pinless Moisture Meter
This meter offers accurate pinless readings between 0 percent to 99 percent in both wood and other building materials, as well as a 5 percent to 50 percent range in wood and 1.5 percent to 33 percent range in building materials when using the pins.
It's important to burn only wood with moisture content below 20%. Burning wood with higher moisture content creates more smoke, which contains harmful chemicals and particulates and forms creosote on your chimney. It also gives you less heat, because it takes energy to boil off the excess water.
Are cheap moisture meters any good? ›An inexpensive $25-50 pin type meter is good for measuring firewood. If you're willing to accept a moisture reading with +/- 5% accuracy, you can probably get away with buying a cheap meter in the $25-50 range.
Which is better pin or pinless moisture meter? ›Moisture meters come in two varieties: pin and pinless, but what is the difference? A pin moisture meter is both destructive and quantifiable, where as a pinless moisture meter is faster, but provides a relative reading.
How do I know if my moisture meter is accurate? ›The golden standard for checking a moisture meter's accuracy is verifying its readings by testing the same material multiple times. If the meter is functioning as it should, moisture level readings taken in succession from the same material will have virtually no difference.
Can you trust a moisture meter? ›A high-quality moisture meter used on the right material can be accurate to within less than 0.1% of the material's moisture content by weight. However, a low-end moisture meter can be wildly inaccurate.
How accurate are wood moisture meters? ›Yes, wood moisture meters can be accurate within 0.1% of the wood's moisture content. Most digital moisture meters will only show readings with one decimal place. Lower-grade meters are very inaccurate.
How do you know when wood is fully dry? ›SMELL it – fresh wood has a strong smell, dry wood barely any. LISTEN to it – dangle a piece of firewood in each hand, then smack the lower ends together. Wood with high moisture will 'thud' while dry wood will 'bonk' or ring. Radial cracks spread out from the centre of the wood, and only form when it's dry enough.
Can you burn 30% moisture wood? ›All wood burns, but wood that's cut green (between 50 and more than 100 percent moisture content) burns with more difficulty, because the water in the wood must be boiled off before the actual wood fiber can burn. Air-dried ("seasoned") wood is generally around 30 percent.
How do you dry firewood quickly? ›Stack firewood in a single row up off the ground so the sun and breeze can draw the moisture out the cut ends – most wood has a 30-50% moisture content when cut and you'll need to get it down to around 15-20% before you can burn it efficiently.
What are the two main types of moisture meters? ›
- Pin-Type Moisture Meter. Pin-type moisture meters have two pins on the instrument, which are used to penetrate into the test surface at a desired depth. ...
- Pinless Moisture Meter. ...
- Pin/Pinless/All-in-One Moisture Meter.
Place the sensor, located in the tip of the Moisture Meter, into the soil. If the plants are in a shallow planter, try to place the tip two thirds of the way down. Same if the plant is in a small pot. For deep pots, plants in landscape beds or lawn areas, push the sensor down into the soil as far as possible.
Do home inspectors use moisture meters? ›Before a home is purchased, an inspector can use a moisture meter to determine if the house has leaks. A moisture meter can assist a homeowner in determining whether wood is dry enough to be painted or stained. Wood installers use moisture meters to make sure that wood is dry enough to be installed.
How far do you push in pins on moisture meter? ›If you are using non-insulated pins, push the pins just about 1/16" into the surface, read the meter, and then push the pins to their full depth. For kiln-dried stock, the final reading should be between 6 and 12 percent; with your first reading about 1 percent lower.
Why do moisture meters not work? ›One of the most common reasons a moisture meter isn't “working” is that the user doesn't have the meter in the correct reading mode—they're hitting the right button but moisture meter accuracy suffers because the user is testing wood moisture content with the meter in a drywall scale mode (or vice versa).
What percentage should a moisture meter read? ›High-quality moisture meters are accurate to within less than 0.1%. Low-end moisture meters can be very inaccurate, so multiple points of examination maybe needed to confirm your findings. Readings of 5 to 12% are considered normal, and up to 17% is considered acceptable.
What is the maximum moisture content of wood for painting? ›Wood: Interior wood should contain no more than 12% moisture prior to painting. Exterior wood may be allowed to contain no more than 15% moisture. When it comes to wood furniture or cabinetry, the moisture content must be as low as 6%.
Are digital moisture meters accurate? ›A high-quality moisture meter used on the right material can be accurate to within less than 0.1% of the material's moisture content by weight. However, a low-end moisture meter can be wildly inaccurate.
How do you calibrate a wood moisture meter? ›Pin-Type Meter Calibration
To check the calibration of your pin-type meter, simply touch its pins to the contact points on the MCS and wait a few seconds. Your meter should display a reading for a wood moisture equivalency of +/- 18% (in Protimeter Instruments).
All surveyors and contractors use a 'damp meter'. These are claimed to 'measure' damp walls and timbers and are a commonly used device. Unfortunately, they are mis-used and it is important to point out that they don't actually measure anything at all. They are a resistance meter.
Can moisture meters give false readings? ›
Moisture meters are subject to false positive readings for a number of reasons that are well documented in the industry. Non-invasive meters have more false positives than penetrating meters. The most common cause is metal hidden in or behind the material being checked.
How do you know if wood is too wet? ›If the ends of the wood pieces are moist, and don't have cracks or checking, that is a sure sign of green or damp wood. A smoldering fire is another sign you are burning wet wood.
What is ideal wood moisture content? ›The acceptable moisture levels of wood and lumber are in the range of 6% to 8% for interior and 9% to 14% for exterior wood or for building envelope components within constructed assemblies.
Can you dry wood too much? ›Overly dry wood can be more brittle, meaning nailing, sawing, or other aspects of installing or woodworking can lead to splits, cracks, knot loss and other damage, particularly if working across the grain. Trying to carve or turn overly dry wood can also lead to more splintering on the surface.
At what temperature do you dry wood? ›Most softwood lumber kilns operate below 115 °C (239 °F) temperature. Hardwood lumber kiln drying schedules typically keep the dry bulb temperature below 80 °C (176 °F). Difficult-to-dry species might not exceed 60 °C (140 °F).
Can firewood be too old? ›Can Wood Be Too Old to Burn? Firewood that's properly stored should be good for use for about 3-4 years. After that, you'll want to invest in some new wood, as old wood will not burn well for you.
What burns faster wet or dry wood? ›1. Less heat than dry wood. Wet wood can have up to 100% moisture in it, which means your wood is more water than wood. Heating up all the water before your wood starts to burn is not the idea way to get a fire going, it takes a lot longer to get that fire box up to a decent temperature.
What is best to split wood green or dry? ›Green firewood is for the most part easier to split than dry, so try to split the wood as soon as possible after felling trees. And splitting the green wood speeds the process of “seasoning” (drying out) the firewood, which ensures more efficient burning. Green wood is also easier to saw.
Does firewood dry better stacked or piled? ›There is less effort in stacking because you do it right where you split the wood. One of the biggest benefits of this method is that the wood dries faster. This is because of the chimney effect that is created within the pile.
Can you burn fresh cut wood in fireplace? ›Freshly cut wood has far too much moisture in it to be able to burn it properly. It is best to cut the wood into smaller rings and then chop into the logs.
Does firewood dry faster covered or uncovered? ›
Ideally, firewood should remain uncovered so it can be properly dried, but this is not practical when rain, snow and ice can quickly coat winter firewood. A good cover over the top of your woodpile will protect it, and be sure the cover is slanted to shed moisture away from the pile's base.
How accurate is a wood moisture meter test? ›Yes, wood moisture meters can be accurate within 0.1% of the wood's moisture content. Most digital moisture meters will only show readings with one decimal place.
What is a good moisture content for wood? ›Somewhere between 10% and 20% is ideal. Once the moisture content gets less than 10% then the wood quickly burns away, sucking in too much air and cooling the flue gases as it does this, which in turn increases unwanted emissions. A little moisture is good for moderating the burn rate.
Can a moisture meter be wrong? ›But sometimes, no matter how well you've taken care of the device, a moisture meter's accuracy may be noticeably askew. Like any other measurement tool, professional moisture meters (albeit, rarely) can fall victim to issues that impact their ability to take readings.
What is a normal moisture reading in a house? ›An acceptable level of indoor humidity is generally 30 to 50%, which prevents the growth of microorganisms, such as mold. Excess moisture promotes mold, mildew, fungi, bacterial growth, and possibly viruses. Contaminants can degrade the indoor air quality and cause health problems.
How do you dry wood fast? ›Stack firewood in a single row up off the ground so the sun and breeze can draw the moisture out the cut ends – most wood has a 30-50% moisture content when cut and you'll need to get it down to around 15-20% before you can burn it efficiently.
At what moisture content does wood rot? ›About 35 to 50 per cent moisture is required for wood rotting fungi to flourish, the actual moisture content depending on the species of fungi and the kind of wood. Fungal spores do not germinate readily on wood that has a moisture content below the fibre saturation point, commonly reached at around 25 to 30 per cent.