This study was performed for a better understanding of water effect on welded wood and improving its water resistance. In this article, we have also attempted to demonstrate the feasibility of using Magnetic Resonance Imaging technology to study water movement in welded woods. Water distribution in welded woods of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and beech (Fagus sylvatica) was investigated by Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Axial specimens were cut from beech and sapwood of Scots pine in longitudinal direction of wood grain. Two pieces of each wood species were welded together by a linear vibration machine. Sub-samples measuring 30 mm x 20 mm x 100 mm were cut from the welded specimens for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The results showed that weldline of Scots pine was more resistant to water than weldline of beech. Pine joint was still holding after 40 h immersion in water, while a rapid wetting of the beech joint resulted in breakage of the joint in even less than an hour. This preliminary study also showed that MRI is a powerful tool to measure water distribution in welded woods and highlighted the potential of this technique to enhance understanding of wood welding. (C) Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2011