In article .com, wrote:
As I understand it the wood will over a period of time come to the same
moisture content as its environment.

You understand it incorrectly. Over time, the moisture content in wood will
reach an equilibrium with its environment; that is, the wood no longer absorbs
moisture from the environment, nor does the environment absorb moisture from
the wood. This is NOT the same as the moisture content being the same in each.

So if your normal humidity is 14-16% the wood will absorb moisture
until it is also 14-16%.

Not correct. Not even *close* to correct. If your normal humidity is 14-16%,
then you live in the Atacama Desert -- and wood will have a moisture content
close to zero. Conversely, at room temperature, wood will have a moisture
content of 14-16% at humidity of approximately 75 to 80%.

Google "moisture content" wood equilibrium to learn about this.

Obviously wood in direct contact with water will absorb more so timber
in exterior jobs should be kept from direct ground contact.

"Direct contact with water" and "direct ground contact" are not the same.

--
Regards,
Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com)

It's time to throw all their damned tea in the harbor again.