Check the woods grain pattern

The moisture content of wood can be estimated without a meter by checking its grain pattern. Wood with a straight grain is generally drier than wood with a wavy or twisted grain. Here's how to check the grain pattern:

Methods:

• Examine the End Grain: Look at the cut end of the wood. If the growth rings are evenly spaced and parallel, the wood is likely to be dry.
• Check the Surface Grain: Run your hand along the surface of the wood in the direction of the grain. If it feels smooth and uniform, the wood is likely to be drier than wood with a rough or uneven surface.
• Tap the Wood: Tap the wood with a hammer or your knuckles. Listen for a clear, ringing sound. Drier wood will produce a higher-pitched sound than wet wood.
• Inspect the Splitting: Examine any cracks or splits in the wood. If the splits are clean and straight, the wood may be drier than wood with irregular or jagged splits.

It's important to note that these methods are subjective and can only provide an estimate of the moisture content of wood. For a more accurate measurement, it is recommended to use a moisture meter.