TS EN 844-4

TS EN 844-4 is a terminology standard within the round and sawn timber series, providing definitions for terms related to moisture content. It supports a common and consistent understanding of moisture-related language in wood technology, sawmilling and timber grading, where precise use of terms matters for communication and documentation.

Why moisture content has its own terminology set

Wood is a hygroscopic material, so it can absorb or release water depending on its surroundings. Moisture content therefore influences dimensional stability, machinability, strength-related behaviour and storage performance. Terminology standards do not prescribe a test method; instead, they clarify the concepts used in a technical field so that producers, traders and specialists use the same words with the same meaning.

What this part covers, and what it does not

• This standard covers definitions of terms relating to moisture content only.
• It belongs to the terminology family for round and sawn timber.
• It provides conceptual definitions rather than measurement procedures, acceptance limits or numerical thresholds.
• TS EN 844-4 was published from EN 844-4:1997 and is now withdrawn.

In practice, moisture content is closely linked to drying, storage, transport and processing of timber. Standards of this kind are especially useful where different organisations need to rely on the same technical vocabulary, because distinctions between terms such as moisture content and equilibrium moisture content affect the clarity of technical reports and trade documents. By defining the vocabulary, this standard supports a shared language for the timber sector.