We want to help you get the answers you need quickly! That’s why we’ve put together this firewood FAQ to address the topics people ask about most.

What is kiln-dried firewood?

Kiln-dried firewood is like the luxury sports car of firewood. It is the easiest to ignite, creates the hottest fires and cuts down on harmful emissions. The wood is also completely free of insects, mold and chemicals. It doesn’t get any better than that!

How do you make kiln-dried firewood?

At Lumberjacks, we have the process of making amazing kiln-dried wood down to a science. First, we purchase quality wood from trusted local harvesters. We then cut the wood to length and split it to a standard size, discarding substandard pieces. Finally, we heat and dry the wood in one of our seven cutting edge dry kilns for high-quality lumber that is ready to burn immediately!

Is Lumberjacks firewood seasoned?

No. While some firewood providers season their wood, we have decided against it for one very good reason: Kiln-dried wood is much better!

The problem with seasoning is it’s not worth it for the wood it produces. The process takes two years, and at the end of it, the wood still contains 24% moisture on a good day. Kiln drying, on the other hand, is a quicker process and produces a moisture level of 10-15%, which is ideal for burning.

Can I cook on Lumberjacks firewood?

Yes! Not only can you cook on it, but over 600 of the finest restaurants in the country prefer to cook on our kiln-dried wood. Our product is USDA certified for restaurant use. So, chances are, your cookout will be the talk of the neighborhood when you grill on our wood!

What type of wood should I choose?

The answer to this question depends on what you are going to use the wood for. If you are looking for wood for an indoor fireplace, then we’d recommend ash, oak or birch. These woods usually burn hotter and are cleaner to use. Oak and ash are also great choices for outdoor fires because they don’t produce much smoke.

If you are looking to cook with your wood, then we’d recommend apple, cherry, hickory, pecan or walnut wood. These options produce a variety of delicious flavors that are sure to enhance your meals.

Do I need to dry my firewood?

No! One of the perks of purchasing firewood from Lumberjacks is it already comes kiln-dried. Our kiln-dried wood always has a moisture content below 20%, which means it’s ready to burn right away!

Where should I store my firewood?

We would recommend storing your wood in an indoor, low humidity environment, such as a garage or basement. If you don’t have any indoor space for your wood, then an outdoor wood store is also a good option. By doing this, you will ensure that it stays in its perfect kiln-dried state.

How do I protect my firewood from insects?

The good news is, when you purchase firewood from Lumberjacks, it already comes free of insects since it’s kiln-dried. But to keep your wood in an insect-free state, you should be sure to store it at least six inches off the ground. You can also consider storing it away from your home if you know you typically have a lot of insects in your house.

How do I light my kiln-dried firewood?

To light your kiln-dried firewood, you will need a couple of other supplies first: newspaper and kindling. You should place a few pieces of newspaper into your firepit or fireplace first. Then you should top it with the kindling and surround it with a few pieces of firewood. However you choose to stack the wood, make sure to leave plenty of air between the pieces. You can then use a lighter to ignite the newspaper and kindling, and before too long, the wood will light right up. Then sit back and enjoy the flames!

What is a face cord?

A face cord is a stack of wood that measures 4’ high by 8’ wide by 16” deep. At Lumberjacks, we always use these exact measurements for every face cord we deliver. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for all firewood companies. Since there is no officially recognized measurement for a face cord, some companies try to shortchange customers with their face cords. So, be careful not to get ripped off!

How can I avoid getting ripped off when buying firewood?

The best way to thwart the firewood scammers out there is keeping this mantra in mind: If a low price seems too good to be true, then it probably is! A lot of the cheap firewood out there is freshly split, meaning it won’t be dry enough to burn for quite a while. A lot of dealers also try to push muddy pieces, stumps or large unsplit pieces. Remember, you should never settle for anything less than clean uniform wood that you can pick up with one hand.

Why do you charge for stacking, while others do it for free?

The reason we charge for stacking is simple: because it creates extra labor on our end. We feel the optional extra fee is reasonable and worth it for the awesome job our workers do at neatly stacking it.

The truth is it would be a red flag if we didn’t charge for stacking. After all, companies that offer free stacking often do so because they don’t want you to stack it yourself. If you did, you could discover that there’s less wood in your delivery than you paid for. But when they stack it, they can use crisscross stacking methods to make it look like there’s more wood there than there is.

How far does Lumberjacks deliver?

We deliver throughout the Greater Chicagoland and Southern Wisconsin regions. So, if you live anywhere in or between Chicago, Rockford, and Milwaukee, we can come to you! Contact us today to schedule a delivery.

Have More Questions?

If your question isn’t on this list—or it is, but you need more information—then please call us today at (815) 337-1451. Our team will answer all of your questions and help you get the premium wood you need for great fires all summer long!