Wood Moisture Guides & Articles

Find Expert Knowledge on Moisture Management for Your Industry

Explore practical articles on moisture testing, wood construction, installing wood flooring, woodworking, home moisture inspection, and moisture meter best practices to help prevent moisture-related problems and improve your project results.

Home Moisture Inspection

Moisture Problems, Signs & Mold Risk

What Moisture Level Does Mold Grow At?

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280What Moisture Level Does Mold Grow At?You might see it dotting the ceiling of your bathroom or creeping around your window sill. Or maybe you won’t see it. Your only clue of its existence might be your lingering headache or cough, only...

Can a Moisture Meter Detect Mold?

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Can a Moisture Meter Detect Mold?No, a moisture meter can’t detect mold directly. But it can help you find areas with higher moisture levels, meaning that mold could develop in those areas if it hasn’t already. Because of this, a...

Inspection Guides & Processes

Write a Moisture Inspection Report with This Free Guide

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Write a Moisture Inspection Report with This Free GuidePaperwork. With every job, every moisture inspection, there’s always paperwork looming over your head. And the blank page is the worst part. How do you start your report? And once...

How to Check for High Moisture Levels in Your Walls

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280How to Check for High Moisture Levels in Your WallsAs a homeowner, it’s a sinking feeling when you realize there could be moisture in your wall. You wonder… How far does the moisture go? What will you have to do to stop it? What will you...

Step Up Your Moisture Inspection Game

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Step Up Your Moisture Inspection GameWhether it’s water coming through damaged shingles on a roof or a humid bathroom with an exhaust fan that doesn’t work, moisture has the potential to wreak havoc on a home. As a home inspector, your...

A Home Inspector’s Guide to Moisture Testing

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280A Home Inspector’s Guide to Moisture TestingDo you want to learn how to perform moisture testing for a home inspection? Whether you’re a licensed home inspector or a concerned homeowner wondering whether your basement walls are a mold...

A Beginner’s Guide to Fixing and Preventing Water Intrusion

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280A Beginner’s Guide to Fixing and Preventing Water IntrusionWhile serious water intrusion is something we hope you never encounter, it’s likely that, sooner or later, you’ll experience it in some way. This is especially true if you are a...

7 Warning Signs of a Home Moisture Problem [+ Causes]

info@bessemeter.com844-888-52807 Warning Signs of a Home Moisture Problem [+ Possible Causes]Worried that your home or a potential rental might have a moisture problem? With all the hassle that these problems can cause, it’s no wonder! Who wants to spend time moving...

Moisture Meter Use & Tools

17 Tools for the Home Inspector’s Tool Kit

info@bessemeter.com844-888-528017 Tools for the Home Inspector’s Tool KitWhether you’ve done home inspections for a day or a decade, you’ve surely picked up several great tools of the trade. But it seems like the home inspector’s tool kit never stops changing or...

Can Wood Moisture Meters Help Detect Leaks?

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Can Wood Moisture Meters Help Detect Leaks?Absolutely! Whether you’re a building inspector, plumber, builder, flooring installer, woodworker, or homeowner, a wood moisture meter is a powerful tool for leak detection, uncovering water...

Do I Have to Use a Moisture Meter for Home Inspections?

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Do I Have to Use a Moisture Meter for Home Inspections?Though moisture meters are not required for home inspections, many home inspectors go the extra mile and use a moisture meter to help their clients know of any possibilities for...

The Tool Every Home Inspector Needs

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280The Tool Every Home Inspector NeedsWhat does it take to have a happy customer? How about a quality moisture meter? Let’s say you notice a water stain in a customer’s home. Since you don’t use a moisture meter, you recommend evaluation by...

Wood Construction Moisture

Best Moisture Meter for Home Construction: What to Consider

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Best Moisture Meter for Home Construction: What to ConsiderIf you’ve worked in construction for more than a minute, you’ve probably noticed that many professional teams use moisture meters. But they’re not one size fits all. When...

What’s the Right Moisture Content for Wood Framing?

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280What’s the Right Moisture Content for Wood Framing?Wood framing in construction isn’t as precise and detailed as woodworking projects are. After all, you’re not carving scrolls and fine curves into it like you would for furniture or...

How to Prevent Moisture Damage to OSB

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280How to Prevent Moisture Damage to OSBOriented strand board (OSB) is a popular engineered wood product in North America.1 This may be because OSB offers greater moisture resistance than building materials like plywood, and at a lower...

Prevent These 4 Common Problems with Wood Construction

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Prevent These 4 Common Problems with Wood ConstructionWondering why the wooden boards in your construction project are swelling? Getting calls from clients about damage to their homes? It’s frustrating to work hard on a wood construction...

Why Moisture Testing Matters in Wood Construction

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Why Moisture Testing Matters in Wood ConstructionWhat if there was a crucial aspect of construction that you, as a general contractor or builder, were neglecting? Don’t let it be moisture content. The amount of moisture in your...

What Builders Should Know About Moisture in Wood Framing

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280What Builders Should Know About Moisture in Wood FramingWhen a moisture failure happens on a construction site, whose fault is it? Whether warped door openings, loose joints and fastenings, or mold, the construction business is often...

Wood Drying

Build Your Own Wood-Drying Kiln: A Complete Guide

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Build Your Own Wood-Drying Kiln: A Complete GuideWhen it comes to drying wood, using a kiln is the fastest, most common, and most convenient way to do it. Often, woodworkers will find someone with a kiln and hire them to dry their wood....

Why Kiln-Dried Wood Is Better Than Air-Dried Wood

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Why Kiln-Dried Wood Is Better Than Air-Dried WoodTrying to decide whether to use kiln-dried wood? It might feel like a tough call. Yes, air-dried wood has been around for centuries, and there’s something romantic about the idea of using...

Air Drying and Kiln Drying—How Long Do They Take?

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Air Drying and Kiln Drying: How Long Do They Take?The process of drying wood can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of years. Talk about a wide range of time! It really depends on how you dry it, what kind of wood it is, and many...

What Every Woodworker Should Know About Kiln Drying Wood

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280What Every Woodworker Should Know About Kiln Drying WoodAir drying or kiln drying—which one? Perhaps you have some beautiful walnut wood you’d like to have dried for your next woodworking project. But the question is, How should you dry...

What Every Woodworker Should Know About Air Drying Wood

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280What Every Woodworker Should Know About Air Drying WoodNew to woodworking? Or maybe you’re an expert in the field who has decided to start drying your own lumber. You may be wondering whether to air dry your wood or choose an...

Wood Drying Process Essentials for Woodworking Projects

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Wood Drying Process Essentials for Woodworking ProjectsDid you know that most of the wood that you’re buying, whether from a lumber yard or home improvement store, has probably been through some kind of drying process? And knowing the...

Wood Flooring

Subfloors & Concrete Moisture

Wood Subfloor Moisture Issues: How to Fix and Prevent Them

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Wood Subfloor Moisture Issues: How to Fix Them and How to Prevent ThemWhen you look at a beautiful floor, you might not realize that in order for that floor to be installed, several layers need to come before it, including the subfloor....

Don’t Let Moisture Sabotage Your Concrete Subfloor

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Don’t Let Moisture Sabotage Your Concrete SubfloorYou’ve put in a beautiful hardwood floor, following proper procedures. Not long after the flooring installation, however, you notice the boards have begun twisting upward and cupping....

How to Fix and Prevent Subfloor Moisture Problems

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280How to Fix and Prevent Subfloor Moisture ProblemsImagine this: you install a gorgeous hardwood floor. Your client is so happy with the new flooring, and so are you. Sounds great, right? But imagine that a few months later, the homeowners...

Maintenance of Flooring

How to Clean Hardwood Floors

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280How to Clean Hardwood FloorsYour hardwood floor is finally in, and it’s everything you’ve been waiting for. But if this is your first time (or your client’s first time) having one, you might not know exactly what’s involved in caring for...

How to Maintain a Hardwood Floor

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280How to Maintain a Hardwood FloorDoes your home or business feature a beautiful wood floor? Whether you’ve got a solid hardwood floor or an engineered hardwood floor like laminate flooring or vinyl flooring, you’ll be able to enjoy your...

Hardwood, Engineered & Laminate Flooring Issues

Can Cupping in Hardwood Floors Be Fixed?

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Can Cupping in Hardwood Floors Be Fixed?The tell-tale rise of floorboard edges across a brand-new white oak floor is enough to send any homeowner into a panic. What do I do? Can it be fixed? What about all that money I just spent on the...

Laminate Flooring Problems and How to Avoid Them

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Laminate Flooring Problems and How to Avoid ThemYou’ve heard the stories before. Laminate floor boards bounce when walked on. The living room floor has gaps in the laminate. Or after a home improvement streak, the neighbor’s new floor is...

Floating Floor Woes and What to Do About Them

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Floating Floor Woes and What to Do About ThemAre you a homeowner trying to decide on new flooring in your kitchen or another part of your home? Or are you a flooring installer wanting to keep up with trends? If you answered yes to either...

Can You Repair Water-Damaged Hardwood Flooring?

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Can You Repair Water-Damaged Hardwood Flooring?Are you dealing with warping, water stains, or swollen floorboards? While you may already be worried that this means replacing the flooring, there may still be hope. Many types of water...

How to Fix and Prevent These 5 Problems in Hardwood Floors

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280How to Fix and Prevent These 5 Problems in Hardwood FloorsHardwood floors are gorgeous, sturdy, and timeless. But one of their greatest enemies is water. It can cause damage like: The warping you noticed on your new floor when winter...

7 Common Hardwood Flooring Problems and How To Prevent Them

info@bessemeter.com844-888-52807 Common Hardwood Flooring Problems and How To Prevent ThemRoger stepped back and sighed with a sense of accomplishment. His brand new white oak floor and kitchen cabinets glistened. The remodel was nearly complete. Or so Roger thought....

Flooring Moisture & Installation Best Practices

Every Tool You’ll Need For a Hardwood Flooring Installation

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Every Tool You’ll Need For a Hardwood Flooring InstallationIf you’re installing your own hardwood flooring for the first time, all the tutorials and instructions could be a bit overwhelming. What does that tool look like? What does it...

DIY Tips for Installing Engineered Hardwood Flooring

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280DIY Tips for Installing Engineered Hardwood FlooringMany people choose engineered wood flooring for its durability, lower cost, relative ease of installation, or as an environmentally-friendly alternative to solid wood flooring. It can...

Quality Control Made Simple: Tips for a Quality Floor Installation

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Quality Control Made Simple: Tips for a Quality Floor InstallationQuality management is one of the most important things any hardwood flooring professional can do. Without a quality assurance process, you risk making mistakes or missing...

What’s the Ideal Moisture Content for Hardwood Floors?

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Identifying Ideal MC for Hardwood Floors (and Next Steps)The ideal moisture content (MC) of your hardwood floors will depend on the ambient conditions (or relative humidity and temperature) of the wood flooring installation area. To...

The Why, When, and How of Measuring Moisture in Wood Flooring

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280How to Measure Moisture in Hardwood FlooringTo prevent moisture-related damage or warping, it’s best to use a reliable moisture meter to detect the amount of moisture in wood flooring materials before beginning the installation. You’ll...

How to Acclimate Wood Flooring

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280How to Acclimate Wood FlooringWhether you’re a DIY homeowner, contractor, or flooring pro, it pays to know the ins and outs of hardwood floor acclimation. Wood is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs or releases moisture to stay in...

Flooring Materials & Comparisons

Hardwood Vs. Engineered Wood Flooring: Which Is Better?

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Hardwood Vs. Engineered Wood Flooring: Which Is Better?Whether you’re designing your dream house or looking to remodel, picking the right flooring material can feel overwhelming. There are so many factors to consider from price to...

What You Need to Know About Eco-Friendly Wood Flooring

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280What You Need to Know About Eco-Friendly Wood FlooringEco-friendly wood flooring may make less of a difference for the environment than you’d think. Here’s why. Out of the many construction materials available, wood is already a...

Can Hardwood Flooring Increase Home Value?

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Can Hardwood Flooring Increase Home Value?In many situations, hardwood floors can boost the value of your home when it comes time to put it up for sale. Not only are they what many home buyers are looking for. They’re also easier to...

The Pros and Cons of Engineered Hardwood Flooring

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280The Pros and Cons of Engineered Hardwood FlooringTrying to decide whether engineered wood is for your home? Or wondering how to advise your customer? Engineered hardwood flooring is a popular alternative to solid wood because it has the...

4 Reasons Why Hardwood is the Best Flooring Choice

info@bessemeter.com844-888-52804 Reasons Hardwood Is the Best Flooring ChoiceWhether you’re a homeowner looking to install a new floor in your home, or a flooring contractor trying to find the right floor for your clients, you’re probably looking for a versatile floor...

Wood Moisture

How to Predict Lumber Shrinkage

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280How to Predict Lumber ShrinkageMost woodworkers know that changes in temperature and relative humidity (RH) cause wood to shrink and expand, and moisture in wood (whether too much or too little) can be public enemy number one when it...

How to Make Moisture Testing Part of Your Woodworking Workflow

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280How to Make Moisture Testing Part of Your Woodworking WorkflowMoisture testing protects your woodworking projects from moisture damage. Without it, you could end up with sagging bookshelves, cracked tabletops, and ill-fitting kitchen...

Don’t Let Moisture Ruin Your Wood Project

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Don’t Let Moisture Ruin Your Wood ProjectThere’s nothing like the satisfaction of finishing a project, stepping back, and observing your handiwork. But imagine the disappointment if, weeks later, those beautiful oak floorboards start...

How Do I Calculate Wood Movement for My Project?

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280How Do I Calculate Wood Movement for My Project?Wood movement due to moisture is a risk when you’re working with wood. Trying to stop it is usually pointless. But you can minimize that risk by understanding wood movement and taking it...

How Does Moisture Affect Wood?

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280How Does Moisture Affect Wood?Noticing gaps in a hardwood floor you installed? Have a wooden cabinet with a door that won’t quite shut anymore? You may be dealing with the effects of moisture on wood. With more than ⅔ of the weight of a...

The Fastest Way to Measure the Moisture Content of Wood

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280The Fastest Way to Measure the Moisture Content of WoodConcerned about improper moisture levels destroying your woodworking project? Wondering how to test the moisture content of your wood and set your mind at ease? You’ve come to the...

What is Wood Acclimation and Do I Really Need to Do It?

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280What is Wood Acclimation and Do I Really Need to Do It?In this post, you’re going to learn exactly what you need to know about wood acclimation in order to keep your projects and floors safe from moisture-related failure. This guide will...

EMC—what is it and why does it matter?

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280EMC: what is it and why does it matter?What is equilibrium moisture content, and how could ignoring it potentially ruin your wood projects? If you want the answer, keep reading. What is EMC? Equilibrium moisture content is the point at...

Wood Moisture Meters

Types, Usage & Readings

How to Use Bessemeter Products: Do’s, Don’ts, & Tips

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280How to Use Bessemeter Products: Do’s, Don’ts, and TipsWhen you’re dealing with moisture testing, accuracy means everything, and that doesn’t just apply to the accuracy of the moisture meter you’re using, but how you put that moisture...

How Deep Should Pins be Driven into Wood? (And Other Tips)

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280How Deep Should Pins Be Driven into Wood? (And Other Tips)When you use a pin moisture meter, the way you insert the pins makes all the difference. Let’s say you’re planning to make a wooden chair. And let’s say you use a pin meter to...

Does Climate Affect Moisture Meter Readings?

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Does Climate Affect Moisture Meter Readings?When it comes to moisture content readings, accuracy is the obvious goal. You need accurate readings to know that your wood has reached the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of its environment...

Everything You Need to Know about Pin Moisture Meters

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Everything You Need to Know about Pin Moisture MetersIf you’ve browsed through the Bessemeter website, you may have noticed that we talked about different types of meters. Some have pins, and some don’t. You might be wondering… “What’s a...

Is My Moisture Meter Just for Wood?

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Is My Moisture Meter Just for Wood?If it was made for use with wood materials, then the short answer is yes. Wood moisture meters are designed and calibrated to indicate the moisture content of all types and species of wood and won’t...

How to Care for Your Wood Moisture Meter

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280How to Care for Your Wood Moisture MeterScott hopped out of his car, grabbed his toolbox, and rushed to the job site. He was on a tight deadline with this hardwood floor installation, and every minute counted. At the site, the building...

11 Tips for Using a Wood Moisture Meter

info@bessemeter.com844-888-528011 Tips for Using a Wood Moisture MeterWhether you’re a woodworker, hobbyist, or another individual who works with wood, you want to improve your craft. How can you become more accurate and efficient in the way you do your work? How do...

Does Wood Species Affect Your Moisture Meter Readings?

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Does Wood Species Affect Your Moisture Meter Readings?If you take a walk in the woods, you’ll see different kinds of trees. And naturally, each tree species (whether pine, fir, cedar, oak, cherry, etc.) has a different type of wood. Some...

What’s a Good Moisture Meter Reading Based On Your Project?

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280What’s a Good Moisture Meter Reading Based on Your Project?So you want your next wood project to be successful. And you know how important measuring and monitoring wood moisture content is. Your moisture meter, of course, will tell you...

Pinless Moisture Meters: A Beginner’s Guide

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Pinless Moisture Meters: A Beginner’s GuideA pinless moisture meter could be exactly what you need to make your woodworking or flooring projects successful. By using a pinless meter, you can avoid moisture-related failures like warping,...

Why You Need a Moisture Meter

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Why You Need a Moisture MeterMoisture meters test the moisture (water) content in a piece of wood or other types of material. They are a common tool for professional woodworkers and hobbyists alike. But you may be wondering: Do I really...

How to Read a Wood Moisture Meter

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280How to Read a Wood Moisture MeterYou’ve measured the moisture content of your wood using a moisture meter, and you’re looking at the number on the screen. Now what? What does the number mean? And how does it make a difference in your...

Errors, Problems & Alternatives

How to Check the Calibration of a Wood Moisture Meter

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280How to Check the Calibration of a Wood Moisture MeterHave you noticed that your moisture meter has been showing higher or lower readings than you expect? Are you getting clearly inaccurate readings, like a dry piece of wood reading as...

How to Measure Moisture in Wood Without a Moisture Meter

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280How to Measure Moisture in Wood Without a Moisture MeterImagine that you’re about to start a new woodworking project: it might be a handcrafted table or another piece of furniture. You’re excited as you anticipate what your slab will...

How to Troubleshoot Wood Moisture Meter Issues

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280How to Troubleshoot Wood Moisture Meter IssuesIf you take a moment to think about all the things in your life that are made easier because of technology, you could probably come up with a pretty hefty list. A reliable, high-quality...

Common Moisture Meter Errors and Solutions

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Common Moisture Meter Errors and SolutionsImagine that you are in the middle of a woodworking project and all of a sudden, you start getting moisture readings that seem “not quite right.” Maybe, the reading seems too high, maybe too low,...

How to Avoid Common Mistakes with a Moisture Meter

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280How to Avoid Common Mistakes with a Moisture MeterGetting ready to use your wood moisture meter for the first time? Or perhaps you’ve been using one and running into problems. You’re not alone! That’s why we want to equip you with the...

Buying, Features & Comparisons

Secrets to Finding the Best Pin Meters on the Market

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Secrets to Finding the Best Pin Meters on the MarketIf you’re looking for pin moisture meters, you won’t have to look very hard. There’s no shortage of options out there, from new meters on Amazon or manufacturer websites to second-hand...

Moisture Meters: The Essential Tool for Water Damage Restoration

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Moisture Meters: The Essential Tool for Water Damage RestorationDid you know that water damage is one of the most expensive insurance claims in the U.S., costing up to $13 billion per year?1 What starts as a leak under your sink,...

A Sawmill’s Guide to Using Moisture Meters

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280A Sawmill’s Guide to Using Moisture MetersMoisture meters are a must for any sawmill that dries its lumber. While the drying end of large sawmills might use an in-line moisture meter that sorts wet and dry wood after it’s been...

Are Pinless Wood Moisture Meters Accurate?

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Are Pinless Wood Moisture Meters Accurate?Yes, multiple studies1 have confirmed the accuracy of top-performing pinless moisture meters. Unlike pin meters, they don’t use pin electrodes. Instead, a well-made pinless meter can get accurate...

What Features Should You Look for in a Moisture Meter?

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280What Features Should You Look for in a Moisture Meter?Looking for a moisture meter but don’t know which one to choose? If you want to narrow down your options, it helps to start by looking for meters with features that meet your specific...

A Century of Innovation: The History of Wood Moisture Meters

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280A Century of Innovation: The History of Wood Moisture MetersWood moisture meters are an indispensable tool for woodworkers, floor installers, cabinetmakers, home inspectors, sawmill owners, really, anyone who wants to avoid...

How to Choose a Professional Wood Moisture Meter

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280How to Choose a Professional Wood Moisture MeterIf you search for “wood moisture meter” online, you’ll come up with dozens of options, with a variety of features, brands, prices, and so on. How on earth do you know which one is for you?...

How Much Should I Spend on a Moisture Meter?

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280How Much Should I Spend on a Moisture Meter?How much you should spend on a moisture meter depends on the level of quality you’re looking for. The higher the quality, the more expensive that meter will be, running you anywhere from $300...

Which Wood Moisture Meter Is Better: Shallow or Deep Scan?

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Which Wood Moisture Meter Is Better: Shallow or Deep Scan?When you’re picking a moisture meter for woodworking, you’re already thinking about factors like accuracy, cost, invasiveness (whether you want holes in your wood), and so on. And...

What Makes a Good Wood Moisture Meter for Woodworking?

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280What Makes a Good Wood Moisture Meter for Woodworking?If you Google “good wood moisture meter,” you’ll get pages of results, listing different meters that are all hailed as “the best.” So how do you know what the best wood moisture meter...

Depth Difference: Which Bessemeter Meter Is Right for You?

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Depth Difference: Which Bessemeter Meter Is Right for You?When it comes to taking moisture measurements, your ability to determine the moisture in your woodworking projects is only as good as the tools you use. This means you’ll want an...

Cheap Moisture Meters Vs. High-Quality Moisture Meters

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Cheap Moisture Meters vs. High-Quality Moisture MetersYou want to save money. But you don’t want to cut corners, so you’re left with a dilemma: How much should you spend on a tool like a wood moisture meter? Moisture meters come in a...

The Ultimate Guide to Buying the Best Moisture Meter for You

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280The Ultimate Guide to Buying the Best Moisture Meter for YouSo you’re considering buying a wood moisture meter. You know that in order to avoid moisture-related failures, you need a reliable one. Well, you’ve come to the right place. A...

Woodworking

Choosing & Evaluating Wood

How to Choose High-Quality Wood Using a Moisture Meter

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280How to Choose High-Quality Wood Using a Moisture MeterEvery woodworker wants to avoid the sinking feeling of a project ruined by wood moisture issues. We’re talking about warping, cracking, adhesive failures, and so on. And if it hasn’t...

What’s the Best Wood Species for my Musical Instrument?

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280What’s the Best Wood Species for My Musical Instrument?Whether you're a musician or luthier, there’s an abundance of wood species to choose from to craft into guitars, ukuleles, flutes, pianos, and more! But with that in mind, how do you...

What Are the Best Wood Types for Furniture?

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280What Are the Best Wood Types for Furniture?There’s no shortage of wood to choose from when crafting your own furniture. There are all different kinds of wood, from light to dark, hardwoods to softwoods, processed lumber to salvaged...

Reclaimed Wood: Where to Find It and How to Use It

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Reclaimed Wood: Where to Find It and How to Use ItReclaimed wood (salvaged wood from barns, pallets, buildings, and other projects) has a lot of uses in DIY woodworking projects and home decor. Aside from adding a rustic look to your...

The Benefits of Eco-friendly Wood

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280The Benefits of Eco-Friendly Wood (And How You Can Get It)Whether you’re a woodworker, DIYer, or home improvement aficionado, you’ll want to consider the ecological impact of your project. One way people do this is by using eco-friendly...

What You Should Know Before Buying Wood

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280What You Should Know Before Buying WoodBuying lumber can be a complicated process. How do you know which kind to buy? How much? Do you need to bring tools? And what do those stamps on the wood mean? It can be a bit bewildering to walk...

Hardwood Vs. Softwood—Which Should I Use?

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Hardwood Vs. Softwood: Which Should I Use?The short answer is, it depends on the species of hardwood or softwood. Both hardwood and softwood work for many types of projects, from furniture to musical instruments to cabinetry. The reason...

How to Choose the Right Type of Wood for a DIY Project

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280How to Choose the Right Type of Wood for a DIY ProjectYou’re new to DIY woodworking but eager to get started. You’ve sourced all the needed tools and can’t wait to put them to use. All that’s left to do is get some wood for your project!...

Repair, Defects & Moisture Damage

What Causes Wood Finish Bubbles? (and How to Fix it)

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280What Causes Wood Finish Bubbles? (and How to Fix It)Wood finish failure has to be one of the most aggravating things a woodworker can experience. They take special care to craft a breathtaking project and painstakingly apply the wood...

5 Secrets for Minimizing Wood Movement Damage in Large Furniture

info@bessemeter.com844-888-52805 Secrets for Minimizing Wood Movement Damage in Large FurnitureWood movement can’t be stopped when the humidity changes. It’s nature. From season to season, your solid wood furniture will be exposed to different environmental conditions...

Why is My Lumber Warping After Delivery?

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Why is My Lumber Warping After Delivery?You receive a beautiful load of lumber. But a few days later, you notice something odd. The wood that once seemed straight and even now appears warped and won’t lay flat. What happened? Is it worth...

Wood Defects and How To Prevent Them

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Wood Defects and How To Prevent ThemIf you’ve ever bought wood and discovered it had some serious issues with its shape or appearance, you’ve probably stumbled across a defect. Both hardwood and softwood can contain many defects, either...

How to Repair and Prevent Moisture Damage to Wood Cabinets

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280How to Repair and Prevent Moisture Damage to Wood CabinetsThose kitchen cabinet doors don’t seem to fit together quite as smoothly as they did before. And is the wood starting to swell a bit in that one spot? You might be a homeowner, or...

How to Repair and Prevent Moisture Damage in Furniture

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280How to Prevent Moisture Damage to Wood FurnitureBeautifully made wooden furniture can easily become an heirloom piece that is passed down from generation to generation. No doubt, your clients want to be able to treasure their pieces for...

Beginner Woodworking & General Education

Woodworkers’ Cheat Sheet for Drying Live-Edge Wood

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Woodworkers’ Cheat Sheet for Drying Live-Edge WoodIn recent years, live-edge wood furniture has been incredibly popular. Customers appreciate its unique, rustic design, while woodworkers enjoy making these works of art and their high...

33 of the Best Woodworking YouTube Channels to Follow

info@bessemeter.com844-888-528033 of the Best Woodworking YouTube Channels to FollowYouTube is often known as a DIYer’s best friend. Many content creators are respected professionals in their fields and can give you pro tips for your own related endeavors. But there...

Protect Projects from Moisture with This Guide for Woodworkers

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Protect Projects from Moisture with This Guide for WoodworkersAs a woodworker, you spend hours selecting, carving, and fastening wood together to create beautiful chairs, cabinets, and tabletops. But even after spending so much time...

Protect Projects from Moisture with This Guide for Woodworkers

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Protect Projects from Moisture with This Guide for WoodworkersAs a woodworker, you spend hours selecting, carving, and fastening wood together to create beautiful chairs, cabinets, and tabletops. But even after spending so much time...

Do Hobbyists Need Moisture Meters For Woodworking?

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Do Hobbyists Need Moisture Meters for Woodworking?You might have heard different reports: some people say moisture meters are a waste of time and money. Others swear by them. Others aren’t sure. That’s probably why you’re here. Do...

The Beginner’s Guide to Making Furniture: Ideas, Tools, and Tips

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280A Beginner’s Guide to Making Furniture: Ideas, Tools, and TipsDoes the idea of building a piece of furniture make you nervous? You may wonder, Are my skills sufficient? Will the furniture turn out decent? Some furniture projects require...

Tips and Tricks For Woodworking Beginners

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Tips and Tricks for Woodworking BeginnersThere’s a lot to learn when it comes to woodworking. If you’re relatively new to the skill, you probably still have a lot of questions about it. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of those...

Beginner’s Guide to Start Woodworking

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280A Beginner’s Guide to Start WoodworkingAre you interested in starting a hobby in woodworking but don’t know where to begin? We’ve got you covered! This comprehensive guide will teach you what you need to know to start your projects on...

A Luthier’s Guide to the Moisture Content of Tonewood

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280A Luthier’s Guide to the Moisture Content of TonewoodHandcrafted wooden musical instruments are works of art. And like art, they need special care and attention to keep their beautiful sound and stand the test of time. But there’s one...

10 Tools That Your Woodworking Tool Box Needs

info@bessemeter.com844-888-528010 Tools That Your Woodworking Tool Box NeedsWhenever you start a new hobby or project, there’s a learning curve. It takes time to figure out the tools and supplies you need and how to use them. Woodworking is no different. If you’re...

Woodworking Projects & Planning

How Moisture Testing Can Save Woodworkers Time, Money, & Resources

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280How Moisture Testing Can Save Woodworkers Time, Money, & ResourcesEvery business faces the challenge of how to maximize profit and minimize waste. Many woodworking businesses address this issue by upping their prices to raise their...

Free Guide: Tools Every Woodworker Needs for Their Wood Shop

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Free Guide: Tools Every Woodworker Needs for Their Wood ShopIf you’re overwhelmed by the number of woodworking tools out there on the market, wondering which ones you actually need to get your small woodworking shop open, then you’re in...

Eco-Friendly Products for the Eco-Conscious Woodworker

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Eco-Friendly Products for the Eco-Conscious WoodworkerHave you ever been surprised at the ingredients in your wood stains? Or wondered whether the wood you bought from Home Depot contributed to harmful logging practices? As it turns out,...

Go Green with Eco-Friendly DIY Woodworking Projects

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Go Green with Eco-Friendly DIY Woodworking Projects“Eco-friendly” is becoming more popular today as people are realizing the need to care for the natural resources available to us. Because woodworkers work with so many natural materials,...

35 DIY Woodworking Projects To Try

info@bessemeter.com844-888-528035 DIY Woodworking Projects to TryMaybe you just learned some basic woodworking skills and are eager to try your hand at something. You could also have just finished another project and are looking for something new. Whatever the case,...

Top 10 Wood Furniture Projects Plus Tips to Sell Them

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Top 10 Wood Furniture Projects [Plus Tips to Sell Them]With springtime and warm weather, you might be itching to get out in your shop and work on a new furniture project. After all, there’s nothing more satisfying than turning out...

Plan Your Woodworking Project 101

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Plan Your Woodworking Project 101Having a plan is a big part of a successful project. In fact, without a plan, you can count on running into issues that either greatly hinder or completely stop your project. What’s more, without a plan,...

Lumber Preparation for a Successful Woodworking Project

info@bessemeter.com844-888-5280Lumber Preparation for a Successful Woodworking ProjectPreparing your lumber before you start a new woodworking project is probably one of the best ways you can set yourself up for success. But knowing exactly how to prepare the lumber...