Fresh-cut firewood simply won't burn the way you want it to. Recently split or cut firewood, typically features a moisture content of about 100%. This means half the wood's weight is from water.
As you may have experienced or can imagine, wet wood won't burn. Therefore, your firewood needs to be seasoned and dry before using it.
While seasoned firewood is easier to ignite, that's not the only benefit. Properly seasoned firewood is much lighter to carry, produces a cleaner burn, and is simply safer overall.
First, let's explore what seasoned firewood looks like so you'll know when your wood is ready.
There are quite a few factors to look at when analyzing if your firewood is ready for burning. Properties of seasoned include:
The type of wood you use matters. You may not have a ton of options when it comes to what type of wood you want to season, but some firewood is better than others.
How long you need to season the wood will depend on the type of wood it is. For example, pine and other softwoods might only need 6 months to be properly seasoned, while hardwoods will require at least a year.
The ideal time of year for gathering and preparing firewood for seasoning is during the summer months. The more presence of the sun and the warmer the weather, the better.
Be sure to properly time out the seasoning process depending on your wood type. For example, if you're using softwood and you want it ready by October, you should begin preparing it during early spring.
When chopping wood for seasoning, you want to ensure that the pieces are all similar in size. This will make stacking and storing your wood much easier.
We recommend cutting your logs to the standard face cord size–16 inches long. It will fit better in your fire pit and will be easier to stack on smaller log racks.
After cutting the wood, be sure to split it into a manageable shape and size. The general rule of thumb is to split the wood into quarters.
Note: Never use wood from a dying or dead tree–the wood will not burn properly.
The best place for seasoning your firewood is outdoors in the sunlight. Firewood that is stored inside will not season properly. If you live in a particularly rainy area, storing your firewood in an open-air storage space such as a shed or barn is another option. It's just important that the wood gets quality airflow.
Correctly stacking your firewood is essential to quickly seasoning your firewood. When stacking your firewood, ensure that it's elevated enough that no wood is touching the ground. Wood pieces that are left touching the ground will remain wet and can cause uneven fires.
Select a stacking area that gets plenty of sunlight and is way from any structures. Airflow is extremely important. An easy and effective place to stack your firewood is on a firewood log rack. This will keep the wood off the ground and allow for plenty of air and sunlight.
You'll also want to make sure your firewood is protected with a cover. This will help rain or snow run off your stack. However, be sure to leave the ends of your stack uncovered to allow for maximum air circulation and moisture to escape.
Seasoning your firewood is a major way to ensure your fire will be clean, safe, and last all evening long. To elevate your bonfire experience in every way, shop Walden Backyards superior products.
Have questions about seasoning firewood or general fire pit safety? Contact Walden Backyards by calling 800-977-0034 or visiting our website.
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