How to Properly Season and Store Firewood
One of the perks of owning a wood insert, fireplace, or stove is that wood is always available, especially if you have your own property from which to cut from. Even if you can’t cut your own wood, you can still find a local source of wood.
Type of Wood
The type of wood you choose for firewood will affect the type of fire you have. Hard woods like oak, maple, and beech have a longer, more consistent burn. Softer woods like pine, fir, and spruce burn faster. Choosing softer woods means you will run through twice as much wood to achieve the same kind of fire. Once you find the best trees for the job, it’s time to cut and split the wood.
Properly Seasoned Firewood
A live tree can contain up to 100% moisture when it’s cut and needs to be about 20% before it’s burned. Whether you cut your own wood or buy it, it should be adequately dried, or seasoned before it’s burned. This process can take about about six months, though especially hard woods can take longer. The way your firewood is stored can also help it dry properly.
Tips for Buying Firewood
- Visit the supplier before you pay. Make sure the wood is properly seasoned and that the stack is tight and measures correctly for the price you’re paying. For instance, a cord of wood is 128 cubic feet. If you’re purchasing your firewood, you want to get all you pay for.
- Buy local firewood. It is best to not transport wood across county and state lines due to to invasive species that are affecting forests. Also, buying local allows you to go and see the supplier and the wood before making your purchase.
- Ask if the wood is “ready to burn.” Be specific with your questions before making your purchase. This is also a good reason to go to the source yourself and check the wood for signs it is seasoned.
Tips for Storing Firewood
- Cover your firewood. It isn’t a requirement, but it does help the process. You can build a roof over your stack or even throw a tarp over it. Some homeowners prefer a woodshed, but it would have to be quite large to hold all of the winter’s wood while it seasons.
- Stack it. When wood is stacked properly it should allow free air flow to assist the drying process. You can even stack it with the bark side up to avoid water penetration in wet climates.
- Stack it on dry land. You can place a strip of pallets, gravel, or sand on the ground to allow runoff while your wood is drying, instead of allowing water to pool around your stack of firewood.
- Check it. You can check your wood periodically to determine if it’s ready for burning. It should be grayed in color, crack at the ends, and pull away from the bark. When wood is dry it should also produce a hollow sound when hit together.
A Tip From Beach Stove and Fireplace
Whether buying or cutting, NEVER BURN WET WOOD. It’s bad for the fireplace and it’s bad for you. It’s our goal to keep you safe. To find out more about firewood selection, air quality, and chimney safety, contact Beach Stove & Fireplace today!