What to look for when purchasing firewood?
Buying firewood may seem like a simple task, but there are many factors that can impact the quality of the fire you create, the efficiency of your burn, and even the overall safety of your home. Whether you're looking to stay warm in winter, cook over an open flame, or simply enjoy the ambiance of a cozy fire, choosing the right firewood is crucial. I hope to provide basic information here so you can be prepared the next time you are looking to purchase firewood for your campfires or for heating your home.
Why Quality Firewood Matters
Before diving into the specifics of what to look for in firewood, it's important to understand why quality matters. Firewood that is not properly dried or that is of poor quality can cause a range of problems. These issues can include inefficient burning, excess smoke, creosote buildup in your chimney (a fire hazard), and poor heat output. Buying firewood of high quality ensures cleaner, longer-lasting burns and a more enjoyable experience, whether you are heating your home, cooking, or just relaxing by the fire.
1. Seasoned vs. Unseasoned Wood
One of the first things you need to understand when purchasing firewood is whether the wood is seasoned or unseasoned. This distinction is vital for ensuring a clean, hot, and efficient burn.
Seasoned Firewood: Seasoning is the process of drying the wood out after it’s been cut. Properly seasoned wood typically has a moisture content of less than 20%. Wet or "green" wood burns poorly, creating excess smoke, and can contribute to dangerous creosote buildup in your chimney. Many advertisers and firewood producers in Northern Wisconsin and Minocqua areas say their firewood is seasoned. But many times, that does not mean it is dry!
Unseasoned or Green Firewood: Freshly cut wood is loaded with moisture and can be difficult to burn efficiently. When you burn unseasoned wood, it will produce more smoke, burn less efficiently, and create more creosote in your chimney, which could lead to a fire hazard.
How to tell if the wood is seasoned and dried:
- Look for cracks: Dried wood typically has cracks at the ends, which indicate moisture loss.
- Sound: Seasoned wood will make a hollow sound when knocked together. Green wood sounds dull and solid.
- Color: Seasoned wood often has a grayish or brown hue on the outside, while fresh wood is lighter and more vibrant.
- Moisture: Consider purchasing a moisture meter. Split open a larger chunk of wood and measure the internal moisture of that piece. The moisture should be less than 20% to be in excellent burning condition!
When purchasing firewood, ask the supplier if the wood has been properly dried. The best firewood is often dried for 12-24 months, depending on the type of wood and the climate.
2. Types of Firewood
Different types of wood have varying burn characteristics, and understanding these differences can help you choose the best firewood for your needs.
Hardwoods: These are denser, slower-burning woods that produce more heat. They are generally considered the best option for heating your home because they burn longer and more efficiently. They also make really great firewood for camp firees and cooking!
- Oak: Known for its long burn time and high heat output. It’s one of the most sought-after hardwoods for heating. Oak typically takes a long time to properly dry - usually at least two years - closer to three years.
- Maple: Burns moderately hot, producing a clean flame. It’s easy to split and perfect for fireplaces or wood stoves. Hard/Sugar Maple has the most BTU's whereas red maple is lighter and will burn faster.
- Ash: Burns hot and dries quickly. White Ash has a BTU value close to Oak and is a really good firewood.
- Birch: White Birch firewood is often sought after for its snap-crackle-pop burn and aroma. It's an excellent choice!
Softwoods: These woods burn faster and are typically used for kindling or quick, high-heat fires. While they may not produce as much heat as hardwoods, they ignite quickly and are perfect for getting a fire started.
- Pine: A softwood that burns quickly but can produce a lot of smoke. It’s often used for kindling or for a quick fire in a campfire pit. Pine can have a lot of popping and cracking, often times shooting out hot embers.
- Spruce: Similar to pine, spruce burns fast and hot, but with a lot of popping and cracking. It's best for short-term fires.
If you’re purchasing firewood for heating, hardwoods are generally the best option, while softwoods are great for kindling or occasional fires. Some people prefer a mix of both, especially for recreational fires or camping.
3. Size of the Wood
The size of the firewood you purchase is another critical consideration. Firewood is typically sold in cords or face cords (1/3 of a cord), but the individual pieces within a cord can vary in size. A standard cord of firewood measures 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long, totaling 128 cubic feet of wood. A standard face cord measures 4 feet high, 8 feet long, and 16 inches deep, totaling 42.333 cubic feet of wood.
When selecting firewood, ensure that the logs are the appropriate length for your stove, fireplace, or fire pit. Most wood burning appliances require logs to be between 14-18 inches in length, but it’s always a good idea to measure the size of your firebox before purchasing.
If you are burning recreationally while camping or having a cooking fire, smaller diameter (2-5") chunks of wood are typically better, allowing more flame production and cleaner, hotter burns. Heating firewood will typically be best in the larger 4-8" diameter range.
4. Kiln Dried vs Air Dried
Many commercial firewood producers utilize kilns for several reasons, including but not limited to:
- Faster production of finished firewood.
- Heat treatment to kill bugs and pests and meet state and national certification requirements
Be very careful when purchasing kiln dried firewood. In the State of Wisconsin, to be certified for sale and transfer around the state, firewood must be heat treated to 140 deg F for 60 minutes. Firewood does not dry in a kiln in 60 minutes, instead it actually takes many hours. You may buy bundled kiln heated firewood, but it may not be completely dry.
On the other hand, in the State of Wisconsin, firewood can also be certified by air drying. In this case, the firewood must be dried on premise at the producer's location for at least two years. With respect to the firewood, in most cases, firewood that is air dried for two years will always be in excellent condition to burn.
5. Delivery and Storage
When purchasing firewood, think about how the wood will be delivered and where it will be stored. Firewood can be delivered by the cord or face cord, and many firewood companies offer stacking services for an additional fee.
Storage Tips: To ensure your firewood stays dry and ready for use, store it in a dry, well-ventilated area. Keep the wood off the ground using a raised platform or pallet to prevent moisture from being absorbed. Do not cover the wood with a tarp as the tarp can hold in moisture. It is best to cover the wood with a scrap piece of plywood, steel roof, or in a woodshed to protect it from rain or snow.
6. Pricing and Value
The price of firewood can vary depending on the type, quality, and quantity, so it's essential to compare prices from different suppliers while also considering the quality of the firewood and online reviews. Most firewood is sold by the cord or face cord, but some companies sell it in smaller quantities (Us).
Things to keep in mind when considering price:
- Quality over quantity: While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, it's important to consider the quality of the wood. Wet or poorly seasoned wood may seem like a bargain, but it will cost you more in the long run due to inefficiency. Do not always trust the companies word that it is dry.
Remember that investing in good-quality firewood will ensure you have an efficient, safe, and enjoyable experience.
7. Customer Reviews and Reputation
Finally, always consider the reputation of the firewood supplier. A company with good reviews is more likely to deliver high-quality, well-dried wood that meets your expectations. Look for suppliers that provide clear information about their products, including the type of wood, seasoning process, and delivery options. Check online reviews and ask for recommendations from friends and family.
A reliable supplier will be willing to answer all your questions and provide you with the best firewood for your needs.
Conclusion
Purchasing firewood involves much more than simply picking up a pile of wood. To be safe, don't purchase firewood from a supplier the year you need it. Purchase firewood, stack and dry it for a year to make sure it is ready for your usage.
Remember, high-quality firewood is an investment in both your home’s heating efficiency and your enjoyment, so take the time to choose wisely.
Check out our firewood products here. We offer many options to make your burning experience perfect!