Bessemeter Blog

Looking for a moisture meter but don’t know which one to choose? To help you get this all figured out, download our PDF to learn exactly what you need to look for in a wood moisture meter.

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 moisture issues. The meter gives extra insight that might not be noticeable to the naked eye or touch.

We’ll look at the industry standards and see what certified home inspectors have to say.

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.

Wood moisture meters are an indispensable tool for woodworkers, floor installers, cabinetmakers, home inspectors, sawmill owners—really, anyone who wants to avoid moisture-related damage to their work.

Moisture testing protects your woodworking projects from moisture damage.

The tell-tale rise of floorboard edges across a brand-new white oak floor is enough to send any homeowner into a panic.

We know what it’s like to scour page after page on Amazon looking for the perfect gift for the man in your life only to give up and buy a gift card instead.

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 and won’t continue to shrink or swell.

If 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 do? Do I really need this tool? Does this set of instructions cover all the tools I’ll need?

Many people choose engineered wood flooring for its durability, lower cost, relative ease of installation, or as an environmentally-friendly alternative to solid wood flooring.

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 appearance to durability.

If 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.

Paperwork. With every job, every moisture inspection, there’s always the paperwork looming over your head.

Your 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 this investment.

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 to $600.

Your hard work could be ruined if you miss one crucial step—checking the wood for moisture.

Don’t let this happen to your projects! Learn how to protect your wood by reading The Woodworkers’ Ultimate Guide to Moisture Content.

As 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 have to replace?

What if you could put yourself a step above the competition? What if you could build a reputation as someone who thoroughly inspects and detects potential moisture problems? Download this FREE guide now.

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 instruments. Most of the time, you don’t even see it in a finished building.

There’s nothing like the satisfaction of finishing a project, stepping back, and observing your handiwork.

Wood movement due to moisture is a risk when you’re working with wood.

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 when you’re choosing a pinless meter, you also have to consider the thickness of the wood you’ll be working with.

Oriented strand board (OSB) is a popular engineered wood product in North America.

If 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 the right place. We get it—there are more tools to choose from than you could think possible!

If you Google “good wood moisture meter,” you’ll get pages of results, listing different meters that are all hailed as “the best.”

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 accurate moisture meter.

Have you ever been surprised at the ingredients in your wood stains?

“Eco-friendly” is becoming more popular today as people are realizing the need to care for the natural resources available to us.

Wondering why the wooden boards in your construction project are swelling? Getting calls from clients about damage to their homes?

Eco-friendly wood flooring may make less of a difference for the environment than you’d think.

If you’ve ever bought wood and discovered it had some serious issues with its shape or appearance, you’ve probably stumbled across a defect.

Does your home or business feature a beautiful wood floor?

Whether you’re a licensed home inspector or a concerned homeowner wondering whether your basement walls are a mold risk, we’ve got you covered.

Noticing gaps in a hardwood floor you installed? Have a wooden cabinet with a door that won’t quite shut anymore?

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 clean and last much longer than other flooring.

Quality management is one of the most important things any hardwood flooring professional can do.

Reclaimed wood—salvaged wood from barns, pallets, buildings, and other projects—has a lot of uses in DIY woodworking projects and home decor.

You’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 already buckling.

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.

Maybe you just learned some basic woodworking skills and are eager to try your hand at something.

Whether you’re a flooring contractor or a homeowner looking to install new floors in your home, there’s something you have to have before you get started.

Whether you’re a woodworker, DIYer, or home improvement aficionado, you’ll want to consider the ecological impact of your project.

Like every trade, woodworkers have certain items they go through all the time, and lucky for gift-givers, there is always a tool they’ve got their sights on.

Does the idea of building a piece of furniture make you nervous? You may wonder, Are my skills sufficient? Will the furniture turn out decent?

With springtime and warm weather, you might be itching to get out in your shop and work on a new furniture project.

Engineered hardwood flooring is a popular alternative to solid wood because it has the same beautiful appearance—but often with a lower price tag. However, this flooring material also has disadvantages you’ll want to consider: limited refinishing options, less durability in the long run, and potential off-gassing, to name a few.

When it comes to drying wood, using a kiln is the fastest, most common, and most convenient way to do it.

Whether 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 material that will stand the test of time and never go out of style.

Buying 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?

There’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.