The effect of presteaming on native oak specimens(Quercus serrata) of 2.5cm thick were investigated by measuring specific gravities, internal moisture gradients, residual extractives, and transport rates of free and bound water. The specific gravities and internal moisture gradients of the presteamed samples did not much deviate from those of the controls, but after presteaming discrepancy in moisture content between specimens lessened. The amount of residual hot-water extractives of the presteamed samples were less than those of the controls by 25%. The transport rates of bound water were determined by measuring steady-state diffusion coefficients with a vapormeter cup. After presteaming the diffusion coefficients in radial direction increased by 35%, but decreased those in the tangential direction.