Proper seasoning and storage are essential to ensure your firewood burns cleanly, producing more warmth and less smoke.
By choosing the right firewood and storing it carefully, you’ll not only enhance your home’s heating efficiency but also reduce the risk of chimney fires.

The key to an effective, clean-burning fire is seasoned firewood.
Freshly cut wood can contain up to 45% moisture, while properly seasoned firewood has a moisture content of 20-25% or less. Why does this matter?

Easier to Start: Dry, seasoned wood catches fire faster and burns more consistently, sparing you the frustration of trying to light damp logs.

More Heat: Seasoned firewood burns hotter, providing more warmth without wasting energy evaporating excess moisture.
Cleaner Burn: Well-seasoned firewood produces less smoke, which means fewer creosote buildups in your chimney and better air quality in your home.

The takeaway? If you’re buying or cutting wood yourself, make sure it’s had at least six months to properly dry and season. The water must evaporate first before the wood will burn effectively.

To understand why you can’t burn freshly cut wood, it’s helpful to know a bit about tree anatomy. Firewood is made up of bundles of tiny tubes once used to transport water from the roots to the leaves of the tree. These tubes can hold water long after the tree is cut, sometimes for years, if they’re not given time to dry.

By cutting your logs to the right length and allowing them six months or more to dry, you give these microscopic tubes the time they need to release any trapped moisture. If skips in this step are made, expect a frustrating fire that sputters and smokes, rather than one that roars to life.

Even the best firewood won’t burn effectively if it’s stored improperly. Here’s how to store firewood to ensure it stays dry and ready to use:

• Keep it Off the Ground

Stacking firewood directly on the ground can lead to moisture absorption and decay, reducing its effectiveness. Use a firewood rack, pallets, or even bricks to create separation from the soil.

• Choose a Well-Ventilated Area

Store wood in an area that allows airflow, such as against a wall with gaps, to ensure excess moisture evaporates properly.

• Protect it From the Elements

Cover your firewood pile with a tarp or store it under a sheltered area to protect it from rain and snow. Make sure to leave the sides open for ventilation to prevent trapped moisture.

Pro tip: Always rotate and use older firewood first to keep your stockpile fresh year-round.

Not all types of wood deliver the same results when burned. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide which kind suits your needs:

Hardwood
Common Examples: Oak, maple, hickory
Best For: Long-burning fires that produce steady heat and glowing coals. Perfect for cold winter nights or heating your home.
Why Choose It: Hardwood is denser, so it burns slower and provides consistent warmth.

Softwood
Common Examples: Pine, spruce, fir
Best For: Quick, hot-burning fires that are ideal for damp mornings or short bursts of warmth.
Why Choose It: Softwood ignites easily but burns quickly, making it great for starting fires or warming up a room temporarily.

Sustainability Tip
When buying firewood, prioritize local suppliers that practice sustainable harvesting methods. This helps reduce carbon emissions from transportation and ensures that forests are managed responsibly.