Precision Moisture Testing in Engineered Oak Flooring: Our Method

Helen Clark
Jun 20
2 min read

Why Moisture Testing Matters

When working with engineered oak flooring—especially custom-finished products like ours—accurate moisture control is essential.

Moisture affects everything: stability, performance, and the longevity of the floor. Excess moisture can lead to cupping, warping, or delamination, while overly dry boards can shrink or split post-installation.

At JS Woodcraft, we go beyond surface-level checks. We’ve developed a precise and repeatable method using an Moisture Analyzer giving us reliable moisture readings for every flooring batch that leaves our facility.

The process

We use a bench-top drill press to extract small core samples from the center of the board. The modification allows for consistent drilling depth and clean extraction.

We then use a moisture analyzer which is a high-precision micro-weighing solution designed for moisture testing in wood. The machine takes an initial weight reading, then heats the sample at a controlled temperature (usually 100–117°C) until it reaches a consistent final weight.

The machine calculates the percentage of moisture loss, giving a precise reading. We aim for a moisture content between 6–9%—the sweet spot for engineered oak flooring that’s stable and installation-ready.

If readings fall outside the acceptable range, the batch is flagged for further drying in our dedicated drying room, then retested before it is approved for shipping. During the finishing process, certain techniques—such as grain popping using water, or the application and removal of pigment pastes and washes—can cause temporary swelling in the wood. This makes accurate post-finish moisture testing essential to ensure the flooring remains stable and installation-ready.