Nothing beats the warm, comfy glow of a roaring fire on a chilly evening. And if you’ve been searching for things like “seasoned firewood near me,” you’re already on the right track to fuel those perfect moments. But for those that aren’t, you may not even know what seasoned firewood even is, let alone how to find the best options nearby.
Luckily, the following guide will walk you through everything you need to know about seasoned firewood, including its benefits and where to find it. Let’s dive in and get your fire pit ready to go!
What Is Seasoned Wood?
Anytime you see the word “seasoned” as it pertains to firewood, know that they mean “dried.” Seasoned firewood is that which has dried for anywhere between six months and a year, and the eponymous “seasoning” reduces the wood’s moisture content to around 20% or less.
That provides for better burning. In particular, seasoned wood burns hotter, cleaner, and more efficiently than green, freshly cut wood, and you’ll notice less smoke and a brighter flame to boot.
Typically, seasoning wood involves allowing it to dry naturally by cutting it and splitting logs into usable pieces. The rate at which it dries will vary based on several factors, such as:
- The size of the wood
- The climate where the logs are stored
- The type of wood
- Exposure to sunlight
- How the wood is stacked
Indeed, even something as simple as the way you stack your firewood can impact seasoning time. Nevertheless, even under the most ideal conditions, seasoning wood takes several months.
Providers will generally stock firewood on a rotating basis, allowing them to continually replenish their supplies. Not everyone is so proactive, though, which is why you have to be wary of partially dried wood when looking for logs to buy near you. Wood that is holding too much moisture will produce a lot more smoke and not burn as cleanly.
Why Buy Seasoned Firewood Near Me?
As touched upon, seasoned logs are significantly better than freshly cut wood because they ignite more easily and produce consistent heat. Choosing seasoned oak firewood, for example, ensures a long-lasting burn due to the oak’s density. That, in turn, creates less creosote buildup in your chimney, and the fire will burn with less smoke overall, making it more enjoyable.
You don’t have to wait until winter to purchase seasoned wood, either. Properly stored firewood can last for months, so if you can find a reliable local source, snag up as much wood as you need to last all season long. You may also want to do so early so you can avoid competing with everyone else during the cooler months. Just make sure you stack your firewood properly so it doesn’t rot and stays dry.
Not sure how to stack your logs? Check out our stacking guide! [Insert link once blog is live]
The Downsides of Using Unseasoned Logs
Unseasoned or green wood often holds high moisture, often at levels over 50%. That’s a recipe for a smoldering fire that takes a long time to get going and struggles to stay lit. You’ll also deal with more ash, increased creosote, and a weaker flame altogether.
As such, if you’ve been searching for a place to “buy seasoned firewood near me,” make sure to check out the logs and verify that they are properly dried. If the wood looks damp or seems unusually heavy, keep searching.
Where to Find Seasoned Firewood Near Me
Tracking down seasoned logs for your pit or fireplace isn’t all that difficult. Start with local hardware stores or garden centers, as many will stock seasoned firewood for sale during the fall and winter. Make sure to check big retailers for a consistent supply, too.
If you are after top-tier quality, Lumberjacks offers premium kiln-dried firewood as an alternative to seasoned logs. Roadside stands are another great spot to find wood in a pinch.
Here’s a closer look at some different ways to fuel your fire:
Exploring Local and Free Options
It can be easy to just let your search for “seasoned wood near me” take you to a standard retail site, but don’t overlook community resources.
Your neighbors may offer free wood from fallen trees or yard cleanups, and online groups, like Facebook Marketplace, might have free or cheap seasoned logs available as well. Some tree-trimming services may even give away wood after jobs. And though these logs are likely fresh-cut, you can always season them yourself; just split them and stack them so they can dry for several months.
All of these options can save you money, but the downside is that you may not always know what type of wood you are getting. Additionally, some logs, such as in the tree-trimming company example, won’t be ready to use right away. It can be worth the effort to look offline, but make sure you verify that the wood suits your needs. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck with a bunch of logs that don’t burn well.
Roadside Sellers: A Hidden Gem
Common in more rural areas, roadside firewood sellers are small operations that often sell seasoned firewood at competitive prices. They typically cut and season their wood, providing a great way to support local residents.
Before stocking up on wood from roadside sellers, just make sure you chat with them to confirm the type of wood, its age, how it was stored, and whether it’s ready for your fireplace. Again, there is nothing wrong with stocking up on some cheap logs, even if you have to let them dry for another month or two; you just need to ensure you know what you’re getting.
What to Look For in Dry Firewood
Not all logs burn the same. When inspecting seasoned firewood, check for key signs of quality. Wood that has a grayish color, cracked ends, and a lightweight feel likely has a low moisture level. You can also tap one log on another; seasoned wood sounds hollow, while wood that is still holding a lot of moisture will make a thudding noise.
In general, you want to avoid wood that exhibits the following characteristics:
- Green streaks
- Heavy
- Sappy smell
You should also determine the type of wood you’re looking at. Oak is generally best for fires, but hickory and other hardwoods can also be good for burning. Oak, however, typically has little to no scent, which is one of the many reasons it’s a go-to option for fire pits and fireplaces.
The Smell and Feel of Seasoned Firewood
In particular, seasoned firewood looks and feels different from logs that are holding a lot of moisture. It’s lighter than green wood, seeing as it has lost most of its moisture, and its bark should peel away easily. The wood may show small cracks, but make sure it has not begun to rot. Properly seasoned wood also has a dry, woody scent. It shouldn’t have a moldy odor, as that’s an indicator of excessive moisture.
What to Do After Finding Seasoned Wood Near Me
Unless you plan on using all of your logs right away, you need to ensure you have a means of storing your leftovers. Seasoned firewood should be kept off the ground, but that doesn’t mean you need a fancy rack. Simply laying down some flat stones or pavers will work just fine; as long as there is a barrier between the wood and the ground, you’ll be able to keep it dry and prevent mold.
When buying from a supplier, ask how the logs were stored. Proper storage ensures you’re getting true dry firewood. Wet spots or moisture on one side of the log can cause a crackling fire with lots of smoke, while thoroughly dried wood will burn clean from end to end.
Kiln-Dried Wood: A Superior Alternative to Seasoned Firewood Near Me
Kiln-dried firewood is dried in a controlled environment. Its moisture content is extremely low, often below 15%, which makes it a premium choice for clean, efficient fires. It lights easily, burns hotter, and produces far less smoke, even less so than seasoned logs.
The only bad news, though, is that your local corner store or roadside seller probably doesn’t dry their wood in a kiln. But Lumberjacks does — you can get top-quality burning material from us at a price that makes sense!
Stop Looking for Seasoned Firewood for Sale — Order From Lumberjacks
Choosing seasoned firewood is good for your fireplace and the planet. You can have a clean-burning fire that gets hot and produces minimal smoke. And if you want a hassle-free fire and don’t want to worry about whether your wood is dry enough, kiln-dried logs are the best option. Visit Lumberjacks today to explore our selection and order kiln-dried firewood to fuel your next cozy night by the fire!
