Getting ready to install solid 3/4 in prefinished Maple. When I put in an oak floor a few years ago, I took my moisture readings on the bottom of the 3/4 boards and everything worked out fine. I had no problems. Not that maple is that much different, but just to be sure, where is the best spot to take the readings from the boards with a pin meter? Top, bottom, side or end? Of course measuring on top mars the finish. I just purchased one of the Mini Lignomat meters and was also wondering if I should use the long or the short pins.

Thanks!

You're looking for repeatable readings so if you check a few spots on various boards, you can take an average reading off of that . Also, if you use long or short pins, simply make sure to use the same pins on both the sub floor and flooring.Also try to penetrate the flooring and sub floor at about the same depth.

So it really doesn't matter where on the board you take the measurement? I prefer the bottom as that is not seen. I'll also gladly use the short pin if it makes no difference.

I like to break out the hammer probe for getting moisture gradients. I broke my meter once trying to get to depths with just little pins.