Which type of lumber has the largest natural moisture content?

Green lumber refers to wood that has been freshly cut and has not undergone any drying process. As a result, it retains a significant amount of moisture from the living tree. The moisture content in green lumber can often exceed 30% or even 100% in extreme cases, which varies based on the species and the conditions in which it was harvested. This high moisture content is a natural characteristic of wood right after it has been sawn.

In contrast, air-dried lumber has been exposed to natural air conditions, allowing it to lose some of its moisture over time, though it may still contain more moisture than kiln-dried options. Dried lumber typically refers to wood that has been processed in a kiln or through another drying method, resulting in a moisture content typically less than 20%. Pressure-treated lumber involves treating the wood with preservatives to protect it from decay and insect damage, which can also decrease its moisture content compared to green lumber.

Understanding the moisture content of different types of lumber is crucial for various applications in construction and woodworking, as it affects the wood's weight, dimensional stability, and how it will behave over time during usage.