Seasoned versus wet wood

So I recently split this Cedar that has been down for 2 years. At first look at that bright pink wood, you would think that is very wet wood. Two different moisture meters confirmed it is at 16% freshly split. So is it ready to burn or not? This is the first time I've come across wood that was under the 20% level fresh split, so it got me thinking about wet versus season. Is the moisture reading the last word, or are there other factors in play? I have no intentions about tossing this into the stove any time soon, but would like to hear other's thoughts on how to interpret this.

 

Did you give the wood a good 'stick' with the meter? just touching the outside will not be accurate. I am interested on other's thoughts, too.

 

I would go with the meter. It happens, fairly rare but it happens.

 

A slightly firm prick is all you really need. A fresh split will read the same. Easiest way to make sure your meter becomes unreliable is jam those pins in hard. They’re just not designed to handle that type of abuse.
Force is such a subjective thing tho. Hard to define. Never seen a manufacturer give an actual number on that. Maybe they should

 

I stabbed quite a few splits all with the same reading. The more expensive meter has pretty sharp pins, so they stuck in there pretty good without much effort.

I'm pretty sure both meters are accurate since they also told me the Oak was at 37% and the Hickory was 28% which sounds about right for both freshly split.

Considering how much creosote Cedar can produce, I want to make sure this stuff is safe to burn. I'll be splitting into much smaller pieces to use it for kindling since it'll be great for starting nice hot fires.

 

It was probably ready a year and a half ago.

 

Sounds like your meters are accurate to me so I would have no problem whatsoever burning that wood.

 

I'd trust the meter.

 

What was the temperature of the wood when you checked it ?? That makes a difference !!

 

Cedar dries very quick in my experience.

 

Well it sat uncovered with no bark on Sunday in snow and I split it Monday still damp in 38 degree weather. So maybe it's even more dry than 16%.

 

No comment!

 

Probably accurate. That cedar dries fast. Seasoned wet wood will dry faster then fresh cut green wood.
I split cedar like that for kindling. Store it near the furnace to dry and it smalls great in there.

 

Not sure how I didn’t catch that one myself

 

a little Freudian slip there Joe???

 

Trim a couple small strips off and put a flame to it. If it lights like a candle it's dry, and I'm betting it is.

 

Good idea.

 

Probably closer to an Alzheimers slip LOL

 

I'm not sure that stuff ever completely dries. Was doing repairs on a cover at our hunting camp that has cedar poles on the corners. They have been in the elements longer than the 14 years I have been on the lease and the logs inside look just like your photo