If you’ve been considering seasoned firewood for your burning needs this year, there are a few things you need to know. When it comes to enjoying a cozy fire or effectively heating your home, the type of firewood you choose can make all the difference.
Today, we’ll address common queries and provide you with essential insights. Whether you’re a seasoned camper, an occasional fireplace user or simply curious about firewood, this guide will help you make informed decisions for a warm and enjoyable experience.
Before we dive in, take a moment to check out Lumberjacks’ kiln-dried firewood. Our premium wood is an excellent alternative to seasoned firewood in Woodstock and always comes with unrivaled customer service.
What is Seasoned Firewood in Woodstock?
Seasoned firewood refers to wood that has been air-dried to reduce its moisture content, typically around 20% to 30%. Depending on the type of wood and environmental conditions, this drying process can take several months to over a year.
How Is Seasoned Firewood Created?
Seasoning firewood can be necessary or desired in various situations. For instance, you might cut down trees on your property as a backup to your kiln-dried wood, ensuring you have a reliable source for colder months. Alternatively, if you’re keen on sustainability, you may want to use wood you’ve cut to prevent waste. Additionally, if you live far from a supplier of kiln-dried wood, seasoning your own may be the most practical solution.
To properly season firewood, follow these steps:
- Split Your Green Firewood: Cut the logs into smaller pieces, ideally between 12 and 18 inches in length. This increases the surface area and accelerates the drying process.
- Stack It: Arrange the split wood to allow for ample airflow. Stacking logs in a crisscross pattern or using a firewood rack can promote better ventilation.
- Protect It: To shield your stacked wood from rain and moisture, cover it with a tarp or store it in a woodshed. Ensure the cover allows air circulation; a completely sealed tarp can trap moisture.
- Let It Sit: Allow the wood to dry for six months to a year, depending on the wood type and climate conditions. Check periodically for dryness by looking for cracks in the ends and a lighter weight.
Is Seasoned or Green Wood Better?
“Green” wood has recently been cut and retains a high moisture content. Sometimes, this moisture content can be 40% or more, making for inefficient (or even impossible) burning. If you get green wood to light, it’ll produce large amounts of thick smoke, making breathing and enjoying your fire challenging.
Wood that’s just been cut isn’t ready to be burned yet!
Seasoned firewood burns more efficiently and produces less smoke than unseasoned or “green” wood, which contains a higher moisture level. Because it ignites more easily and burns hotter, seasoned firewood is better for heating than green alternatives.
Is Seasoned or Kiln-Dried Wood Better?
When comparing seasoned wood to kiln-dried wood, kiln-dried wood always emerges as the superior choice. While both types of wood are dried to reduce moisture content, kiln-dried wood undergoes a controlled drying process in a kiln, which lowers its moisture content below 20%. This results in wood that burns hotter, produces less smoke and ignites more easily than traditionally seasoned wood, which may retain moisture in excess of 20%.
Additionally, kiln-dried wood is less prone to warping or cracking, making it more stable and easier to handle. Its consistent quality means you can expect a reliable burn, enhancing efficiency and safety in your fireplace or wood stove.
Furthermore, because kiln-dried wood is treated at high temperatures, it effectively eliminates pests and mold, providing a cleaner option for indoor use. If you’re looking for optimal performance, convenience, and safety, kiln-dried wood is the better choice, ensuring a more enjoyable and efficient burning experience.
Can You Move Seasoned Firewood from One Location to Another?
It depends, but you’re generally not supposed to transport wood cut in one state to another. If you want to move the wood within one county or state, that’s often fine. To be certain, you’ll need to check out your local Department of Agriculture. If you wanted to move firewood further distances (like from Illinois to Wisconsin), there are many more restrictions and you’d want to also check the regulations for the state you plan on transporting to.
The good news? The USDA approves kiln-dried firewood for interstate travel.
Can You Cook with Seasoned Firewood?
Cooking with seasoned firewood can add a unique flavor to your dishes, but while it may suffice in a pinch, kiln-dried cooking wood is the superior choice. Seasoned firewood, which has been cut and stored for at least six months, can still contain moisture and impurities that may lead to uneven burning and unwanted smoke. This can affect the taste of your food and create excessive soot, making cleanup more difficult.
When you need to cook with seasoned firewood, follow these best practices. First, ensure that the wood is well-seasoned—look for cracks in the bark and a hollow sound when you knock two pieces together. Split the wood into smaller pieces for quicker and more efficient burning.
Start with dry kindling to get the fire going, and avoid using any wood that has been treated or painted, as these can release harmful chemicals. If possible, combine seasoned firewood with some kiln-dried wood for a cleaner burn and better heat retention.
Why Would Your Seasoned Firewood Not Be Burning Well?
If you’ve allowed your wood to dry for six to twelve months but find it still doesn’t burn well, several factors could be at play:
- Too Much Moisture: The wood may still be too wet despite your efforts. In some cases, seasoned firewood never achieves the ideal moisture content.
- Decomposition: Sometimes, wood that appears “well-seasoned” has begun to decompose. This process can make the wood less dense, resulting in poor combustion and insufficient heat output. Inspect for signs of mold, discoloration or softness, which indicate decomposition.
- Insufficient Seasoning Time: Patience is key when seasoning firewood. While six to twelve months is a standard benchmark, some types of wood require even longer to season thoroughly. If you rushed the process, your firewood may not have reached the optimal dryness needed for effective burning.
How Much Seasoned Firewood Would I Need to Purchase?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. When determining how much firewood to order, you must consider your specific needs, usage patterns and the available firewood sizes.
Available Firewood Sizes
Several firewood options are available, including:
- Full Cord: This is the standard measurement, providing 128 cubic feet of wood. It is ideal for large stoves or fireplaces and suitable for extended use.
- Half Cord: This is 64 cubic feet, perfect for smaller stoves or moderate firewood needs.
- Face Cord: A stack 4 feet high by 8 feet long, with a variable depth (usually around 16 inches). This option works well for those needing a smaller quantity.
- Bundle: This portable option contains five to seven pieces of kiln-dried wood, making it great for camping or a single fire.
Estimating Your Usage
To avoid over- or under-purchasing, estimate your usage needs. Consider how often and how long you plan to use the firewood. For instance, if you burn wood daily during winter, you’ll need more than if it’s just for occasional ambiance. A typical home might require one to four cords for the winter, while a single fire usually only needs one bundle.
Here’s a quick guide on what each option is best for:
- Full Cord: Primary heating source in a cold climate.
- Half Cord: Secondary heating in a milder winter.
- Face Cord: Occasional seasonal fires, not daily.
- Short Stack: For infrequent indoor or outdoor fires.
- Bundle: A single fire in a fire pit or fireplace.
Consider Storage Space
Before placing your order, ensure you have adequate storage space. If you can only safely accommodate a half cord, you should order that, even if you need a full cord. Ordering when you have about a week’s worth of wood left can help you avoid running out while managing your storage effectively.
Are Certain Types of Seasoned Firewood Better for Burning?
Yes, seasoned hardwood is better to burn than softwoods. Hardwoods are denser, offering more wood to burn, creating longer, hotter fires than softwoods. Birch, cherry, hickory and oak are excellent options. Of course, we believe kiln-dried hardwood firewood is the best option, but seasoned hardwoods are the best runner-up in a pinch.
Seasoned firewood consisting of hardwoods offers better burning than those created from softwoods!
Where Can You Purchase Seasoned Firewood?
You can purchase seasoned firewood from local suppliers, home improvement stores and online marketplaces. Check community bulletin boards or local classifieds for private sellers, as well as dedicated firewood companies that offer delivery services.
If you live in or near Woodstock, IL, purchasing kiln-dried firewood from Lumberjacks is the superior choice. Our premium wood is low in moisture, ensuring a cleaner burn and better heat output. Additionally, Lumberjacks prioritizes quality and sustainability, providing a reliable source of firewood for your needs.
Why Should You Choose Kiln-Dried Over Seasoned Firewood?
Seasoned firewood can be an excellent alternative when kiln-dried options aren’t available. It’s also a great choice for those times when you have excess wood on your property that you don’t want to go to waste. However, we recommend choosing kiln-dried over seasoned firewood whenever possible for a few reasons:
- Lower Moisture Content: Kiln-dried wood typically has a moisture level of 20% or less, ensuring a cleaner and hotter burn.
- Fewer Emissions: It produces less smoke and harmful emissions, which is better for the environment and your indoor air quality.
- Consistent Quality: Kiln drying ensures uniformity in size and quality, leading to more reliable performance.
- Immediate Use: Ready to burn right away, eliminating the wait time associated with seasoning.
- Enhanced Flavor: Provides a better flavor for cooking and smoking, enhancing your culinary experiences.
- Less Soot and Creosote: Reduces the buildup in your chimney, promoting safer and more efficient burning.
Ready For a Better Woodstock Seasoned Firewood Alternative?
If you’re ready to choose a better Woodstock seasoned firewood alternative, Lumberjacks is here to help! Call us at (815) 337-1451 or complete the convenient contact form below to place your order. We provide timely delivery to many places from our locations in Woodstock and Lake in the Hills, IL!
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