HOW TO TAKE SAMPLES of Timber Flooring
for OVEN-DRY Moisture Content Testing
After the timber flooring packs are delivered, they should be checked for:-
Cupped boards.
Varying cover widths.
Cupped boards (A sign of possible moisture content variations within the board at the time of machining).
Variation in cover width
Cover widths varying by more than 1mm between boards. (A sign of possible differences in moisture content between boards at the time of machining).
Boards on the top, bottom and edges of a pack may not be indicative of the material within the pack. If these outside boards have become wet and swollen they may affect the appearance of the floor. It is therefore important to check for variations between this material and boards from within the pack.
Selecting Samples
When providing samples for oven dry testing, the following should be adhered to:-
Select samples that are representative of the pack(s) and that show any variations there may be. (Include some outside boards and some from within the pack.)
If cupping is present or cover widths vary by more than 1 mm, samples should be provided which include 3 cupped boards, 3 of wider cover width and 3 with narrower cover width. Take test samples not less than 400 mm from the end of a board. Each sample should be 300 mm long. Mark all samples with where they were taken from the pack(s).
Individually wrap test samples in plastic wrap (“Glad wrap”) or similar to protect them from moisture content changes.
Store samples in a cool place and have delivered within 24 hours.
Send samples via Courier or by Express Post as shown below.
To send samples via
Carry out the same procedure as above, however cut 2 (two) 15 mm samples from each location as shown.
Place each pair of samples in separate 'Snap Lock' plastic bags. Mark bags with where they were taken from the pack(s).
Note: 12 pairs of (hardwood) samples prepared as above should weigh approx. 3.0kgs. and for Express Post cost $11.30.
(If you exceed 3.0kgs the Express Post 5.0kg satchels cost $18.50)
