How To Season Firewood (A Complete Guide)

Firewood is a great source of heat for the winter, but before it can be used you need to season it. If you don’t know how to season firewood correctly, your wood will not burn well and could even produce toxic fumes. In this article, we’ll walk through everything that needs to be done in order to properly prepare your firewood for use!

You are probably reading this article because you want to know how to season firewood. The best way to do it is by using the 3-step process outlined below.

Seasoning firewood is a crucial part of having a hot, dry fire that will last for hours on end without needing constant attention from the user. A good quality log can be worth its weight in gold when you need an easy and sustainable source of heat during your cold winter nights. But if you’re new to this, or just not sure where to start, then read on!

How To Season Firewood

If you take a look around your home, there is probably already some firewood in it! And if not, now would be the perfect time to gather and season some wood. You can use this for camping or simply as an emergency supply of fuel during the winter months. Seasoning wood takes patience but with these tips at hand, you will have no problem seasoning firewood so that it’s ready when needed.

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First of all, it is important to know the basics of firewood. When you are out in your yard or even at a local hardware store, if you look closely at wood that has not been seasoned properly versus wood that looks like it’s ready for a fireplace – you will notice a difference. Firewood needs to be cut and split before being placed outside because this allows it time to dry naturally while still retaining heat.

You can buy pre-cut wood but make sure it’s from logs that have been properly handled by professional loggers who use proper techniques when handling trees with chainsaws and other large equipment used during logging procedures. It is also important to avoid buying lumber scraps as these may contain pieces of metal such as staples or nails which can be dangerous when burned.

When you have your firewood, place it in a sunny area but not directly under the sun because this can dry out wood too quickly and cause cracking or splitting which will decrease its burning value. It should also face to the west so that it gets maximum sunlight during morning hours while protecting from the afternoon heat. You don’t want someone walking by at night only to get hit with an unexpected fireball! Make sure there is no standing water around either since this could lead to mold growth and eventually mildew.

Wood doesn’t fully season overnight like vegetables grown for market do – they take time and need proper handling practices throughout their life cycle. If you are looking for commercial supplies of seasoned firewood, we offer wholesale products to help you get your firewood supply in stock for delivery.

Seasoning Firewood

The process of seasoning firewood is necessary to prevent problems in the future. Splitting or sawing wood too soon after cutting will cause it to dry unevenly, leading to cracking and splitting when burned later on. The best time for storing your seasoned firewood occurs right before winter begins.

At this point, you can place them into a shed or garage where they won’t be exposed to excess moisture that could lead to mold growth over the next several months (and even years). During late spring/early summer most areas experience their hottest weather with increased humidity levels which spells trouble for freshly cut logs waiting patiently by your fireplace or campfire ring!

This can occur whether you use natural gas appliances, pellet stoves, or fireplaces-if they are exposed to excess moisture, your home is at risk of mold growth.

As soon as you begin cutting wood for the winter season, stack them in a location where there’s plenty of room between each piece, and exposure to sunlight can be maximized through ventilation (not tightly packed together).

Don’t place wet logs against dry ones either! It’s best if these pieces have already been allowed time to completely air dry out before stacking/storing away from direct light sources. The same process applies when seasoning lumber indoors which makes it ideal for use when building furniture later on down the line.

The most common method used today by seasoned firewood suppliers involves covering their stacks with tarps that are secured by metal or plastic stakes driven into the ground.

This keeps out excess moisture but allows for proper ventilation, which is why this method doesn’t require any heat to dry firewood properly.

The next step you’ll want to take is investing in a hygrometer (which measures humidity levels) so you can monitor them closely at all times if it gets too humid over time, simply remove the tarp during the day and replace it each evening before retiring to bed!

If your logs seem excessively moist (at least 40% humidity), instruct an assistant on how to use a propane blowtorch with care as they move back and forth between different stacks of seasoned wood. You won’t want to smolder/char your logs, so be mindful of the flame.

You can also split wood for smaller kindling pieces by using an axe or splitting maul (if you don’t have one of these tools already).

This way there are no large chunks that could lead to debris inside your fireplace chimney which might obstruct airflow and cause smoke back drafting into your home’s living spaces! Once all kinds of firewood are properly seasoned in this manner, it will burn much easier when used later on down the line during winter months-you won’t even need a paper or other fuel sources beside seasoned firewood itself because they produce less creosote buildup over time!

If you do these simple steps throughout summer/fall, you’ll have plenty of time to cut your firewood at peak times during winter so it can be processed easily indoors-allowing excess moisture levels within the wood itself to subside.

Don’t wait until after a snowstorm occurs to begin sawing or splitting logs down because this could cause them to warp and crack over time instead of being used as hot burning fuel!

Stacking Firewood For Seasoning

For the best results, you’ll want to stack firewood in a way that allows airflow around each piece. This will help it dry faster and season more quickly. There are two common ways people choose to stack their wood: cord stacking or log cabin style.

Which one is better?

It doesn’t really matter which method you choose, they both accomplish the same task of allowing airflow around your firewood for seasoning purposes. However, some might say that cord stacking takes up less space than log cabin stacking because logs only need small spaces between them to allow good airflow around them when dried out properly. Whichever method you go with, make sure not to pile too much on top of your stacks- this can cause problems later down the road.

To help your firewood season more quickly, you can also build a cover to protect it from the elements. This will allow it to dry out faster and get rid of moisture which is essential for making sure no mold forms on top of your wood before the burning day. With this method, make sure that airflow still runs through the stacks by leaving spaces in between each piece or using material like mesh wire under where you place logs so air can pass freely underneath them as well.

As long as you remember these tips when building piles for seasoning purposes (and don’t forget about adding some insect repellent!), then stacking won’t be too much trouble at all! Now let’s take a look at how best to stack cordwood…

How Long Should Firewood Be Seasoned?

The length of time that firewood should be seasoned is up for debate. Some people will tell you it’s best to let the wood sit around forever, while others think only a couple of months are necessary before burning. There isn’t one answer though, because there are different factors that affect how fast or slow your logs will season in normal conditions at room temperature (20-25 degrees Celsius).

When you cut down a tree, it’s only natural that the wood will still contain some moisture. This is because when water evaporates from inside of the logs, this loss of mass initially shrinks them and they become smaller than their original size.

However, as time goes on, the cells in the wood absorb more and more water until all of its spaces are filled with liquid or vapor (mostly steam). At this point, your log has reached “equilibrium level” which basically means there’s no longer any movement between liquids and gases within each cell.

So by giving firewood enough time at room temperature to reach equilibrium level before burning gives your logs a greater chance for success out in unpredictable conditions such as rain, wind, or snow. If you’re in a rush though and want to use the firewood straight away (which is fine), it will still burn just as well if not better than seasoned logs!

Telling Whether Your Firewood Is Seasoned

If the firewood is too dry to burn well, then it has been seasoned. You can tell whether your firewood is seasoned by tapping on it with a piece of another wood. If there are hollow sounds, then that means that air can pass through easily and will make good kindling for your fireplace or furnace. Firewoods should be cut into short logs because they burn faster than big ones do. If your firewood is cut into pieces that are too big, then it will take a long time to burn and thus not be as efficient.

Tips For Seasoning Firewood

If you’re using firewood to heat your home, there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration. For example, is the wood seasoned? If not, it will burn too quickly and cause more problems than benefits.

Allowing dryer months of May through September for drying time is best as well as choosing logs with less sap content and avoiding those found in crowded forests where they have been exposed to ground contact for longer periods which can lead to rot or mold infestation.

Tips: If you’re using firewood to heat your home, there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration. For example, is the wood seasoned?
Allowing dryer months of May through September for drying time is best as well as choosing logs with less sap content.
Avoid those found in crowded forests where they have been exposed to ground contact for longer periods which can lead to rot or mold infestation.
Drying time should be considered as well.
Avoid using softwoods that have a high sap content or are very resinous, it will cause excess soot in the chimney and you may find yourself frequently calling your local chimney sweep to clean up after you.
To make sure that there’s no possibility of bugs infesting the wood (such as beetles), store firewood off ground level inside an open shed where they can dry out for at least one year before burning them indoors.

How To Store Seasoned Firewood

Make sure that you store your seasoned firewood under covers, such as in a shed or garage. This will keep the wood dry and provide protection from rain and other elements.
Stack the firewood in a way that allows air to flow around and through it. This will help prevent mold and fungus growth, which can damage or destroy your wood supply.
Tips: Make sure you stack seasoned firewood off of the ground, using pallets for example. Doing so will allow water drainage and access to oxygen – this prevents decay from occurring as well as infestation by insects such as termites. – Keep your dry wood away from any potential sources of wetness (such as leaks). You also want to keep it separated from other materials that could produce moisture vapor, including paint spray cans, solvents, etc. If at all possible, store your dry firewood outside! Wood is much more prone to decay when it’s kept indoors.
Don’t stack firewood too tightly, as this can create a very humid environment and lead to decomposition. A good guideline is that wood should be stacked with enough space for air circulation on all sides of the pieces in your pile (this will vary depending upon how high you build it).
Keep an eye out for insect infestations or mold growth: If you see something starting to happen, remove affected wood immediately and replace it with dry new supplies so moisture doesn’t have time to become trapped inside them.

Should I Cover Seasoning Firewood?

One of the biggest mistakes people make when seasoning their firewood is not covering it. When you cover your seasoned wood, you will add an extra month or two to how long it takes for your logs to dry out completely.
This can be a great advantage if you are short on space and need more time. It’s also nice because you don’t have to worry about bugs getting in during that period either!

Do you need to cover your logs?

It’s a difficult question and there is no right or wrong answer. Most people do not bother covering their wood, but it can definitely prolong the drying process if done correctly!

If you don’t have enough space for stacking all of your firewood in one pile, then go ahead and try covering them. Just remember that it will take longer than normal without doing so.

So now that we know how long it takes to properly season our firewood (assuming everything else was done correctly), let’s discuss what kind of tools are out there to help us speed up this tedious task.

What Is The Fastest Way To Season Firewood?

There are actually quite a few different methods out there that people use to speed up the process of seasoning their firewood.

One popular method is using a dehumidifier in your garage or where ever you are stacking your logs at. Just make sure it’s not too close (a few feet away should be fine). Another way is putting your wood into an enclosed space like a shed or even under some tarps if you don’t have access to one of these other options, but this could invite bugs and small animals which will eventually cause problems with molding!

The last option we’ll discuss here today would be using heaters on cold days when moisture can really damage our stacks of cut wood! If done correctly without overheating them though, they work great for drying out the wood in a matter of days.

But let’s be honest, we all know what really works and it is probably the most expensive option on this list: professional seasoning kilns! They can cost up to $50,000 for an industrial-sized one and they use either electricity or gas to dry your logs quickly. Just keep in mind that you will need plenty of room indoors or outdoors for these units. You don’t want them exposed to the elements while drying because moisture may ruin your firewood prematurely!

So now that we just went over some methods used by people today when it comes time to season their firewood properly before burning (which should always be done), let’s look at other ways people help speed up the process.

You can also use a dehumidifier in your garage or enclosed space to help dry them out faster as well as using heaters on colder days which will quickly reduce the moisture content of your firewood. Professional seasoning kilns are probably the most effective solution, but they come at quite the price and you need plenty of room indoors or outdoors for these devices! You don’t want them exposed to elements like rain because it may cause problems with molding! I’ll discuss more this topic later…

Should Firewood Be Split Before Or After Seasoning?

Firewood isn’t seasoned unless it is split. Splitting the wood helps to speed up the drying process because it allows for maximum airflow through all of the pieces and in between them, which is what we want when seasoning firewood! The best way to season firewood is by splitting and stacking in a dry place like your backyard or even indoors if you’ve got a room.

If you can avoid having water drip on it while it’s out there though (like from dew), that’s ideal too. You don’t need any fancy tools for this step – just get yourself an axe or maul and start chopping into small logs that will fit inside your fireplace later on after they’re dried out more completely.

Roughly how you should split your wood is down the middle, then splitting it again in a perpendicular direction. This will help to fit them into smaller spaces which can be helpful when seasoning firewood indoors. If you don’t have a fireplace and only use an indoor stove or electric log burner then go with what works best for that! For example, if you’re using logs from outside where they were just cut down rather than seasoned ones, stack these vertically so there are no gaps between pieces of wood at all – this creates better combustion meaning more heat given off by less fuel used!

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that firewood burns most efficiently between 15 and 20% moisture content.

Does Rain Help Season Firewood?

Do you know how to season firewood? It is important that you learn because if your wood isn’t properly seasoned it will not burn as well and turn into less heat. The process of seasoning firewood is all about drying out the moisture in the wood so that when it burns, there’s no more water vapor released from inside which would make everything damp.

This can happen even with a dry day outdoors – especially for those who live near bodies of water like oceans or large lakes! On rainy days we always recommend waiting at least 72 hours after rain before burning any type of wet wood (or stacking them). Here are some tips on what to do during certain weather conditions:

If it’s raining, wait at least 72 hours after the rain to burn your firewood.
On hot days when you expect a monsoon or thunderstorm in your area, stack wood under an eave if possible and cover it with tarps.
Thoroughly dry out any pieces that got wet before burning them by stacking on top of each other away from direct sunlight for several weeks so they can air-dry faster.
Keep logs covered during rainy weather until you are ready to use them! **If there is more than one day of heavy rainfall, however, do not attempt to light fires until three consecutive sunny/dry days pass since the last rainfall period ended. This will prevent mold growth in your chimney, which can be a dangerous fire hazard!
If you live in humid climates it is best to only burn seasoned firewood.
To properly season your wood, store them in an outdoor airy area away from direct sunlight and rain for at least three months before burning. This will ensure that all of the moisture has left your logs so when you use them they don’t release water vapor into the air or smoke excessively when lighting fires. You’ll know if your wood isn’t completely dry yet because it won’t light with ease and may produce more smoke than normal once lit – this also means there’s too much moisture inside and should not be burned until fully dried out again (or else it could catch on fire!) Only burn seasoned firewood.

What If Seasoned Firewood Gets Wet?

Even seasoned firewood can become wet. This may cause the wood to crack and split, or change its color from reddish-brown to grayish black. If you ever find that your firewood is starting to get wet through rain, snow, etc., consider moving it into a different location such as under a roof or tarp so that it will stay dry for longer periods of time.
If you ever find that your firewood is starting to get wet through rain, snow, etc., consider moving it into a different location such as under a roof or tarp so that it will stay dry for longer periods of time.

What Is A Popular Seasoning Time For Firewood?

A popular seasoning time for firewood is typically between six to eight months. This will vary depending on the climate and weather where you live, but generally speaking, this is the recommended amount of time that it takes to fully season your wood.
Another thing worth mentioning here is that unless otherwise stated by a manufacturer or vendor, most seasoned hardwoods are not ready for use until they have dried at least 12 percent below their green weight (18 -24% wet).
The easiest way to check the moisture content is by using a moisture meter. These usually come in digital form, and they’re incredibly easy to calibrate for use with firewood.
You can also use a wood moisture meter to check the degree of seasoning, but if you’re not sure what this means or how it works, I recommend checking out an article like How To Season Firewood (A Complete Guide) for more information.

Another thing worth mentioning here is that unless otherwise stated by a manufacturer or vendor, most seasoned hardwoods are not ready for use until they have dried at least 12 percent below their green weight (18 -24% wet). The easiest way to check the moisture content is by using a moisture meter. These usually come in digital form, and they’re incredibly easy to calibrate for use with firewood.

You can also use a wood moisture meter to check the degree of seasoning, but if you’re not sure what this means or how it works, I recommend checking out an article like How To Season Firewood (A Complete Guide) for more information.

If your wood is still wet, it will smoke and give off very unpleasant odors. This can be dangerous for both the people who are using the firewood as well as any structures that might be nearby.
Once you’ve got a nice amount of seasoned firewood on hand, you need to know how to properly store it in order to keep it safe from weather conditions like rain or snow.

Can Firewood Dry In The Winter?

Firewood can dry out in the wintertime. It just takes a little help from us to make sure it does!
This means we need to take some extra measures and precautions when seasoning firewood this time of year.
The good news is that it’s easy! All you need to do is follow these simple steps.

Make sure your firewood has been split and cut, so the moisture in each piece of wood can be exposed to the elements. You should also remove any excess debris or branches from the pieces before sticking them together in a pile. They should all be uniform when stacked up against one another for maximum air circulation.

What Is The Fastest Way to Season Firewood?

Firewood should be seasoned for a minimum of six months. The best way to season firewood is by stacking it in a single row, with spacers between each piece that are at least the thickness of your wrist. This allows air to flow around all sides and the top surface of each log so moisture can leave instead of penetrating into the wood.

If you don’t have time to stack this way, or if you need firewood earlier than six months from now, splitting smaller logs will speed up the seasoning process significantly because there’s more surface area where water has an opportunity to escape.

Seasoning firewood too quickly can lead to “case hardening,” which over time causes dry rot since all internal water hasn’t been removed yet and still contains enough moisture to support the growth of fungus. If you’re in a hurry, your best bet is to cut firewood into smaller pieces and keep them stacked undercover or vertically on end as much as possible until the shorter time period passes.

Always stack firewood with spacers between each piece that are at least the thickness of your wrist. This allows air to flow around all sides and the top surface of each log so moisture can leave instead of penetrating inside the wood.

If you don’t have time stack this way or if you need firewood earlier than six months from now – split logs will speed up the seasoning process significantly because there’s more surface area where water has an opportunity to escape.

Seasoning too quickly can lead to “case hardening” which over time causes dry rot since all internal water hasn’t been removed yet and still contains enough moisture to support the growth of fungus.

If you’re in a hurry, your best bet is to cut firewood into smaller pieces and keep them stacked undercover or vertically on end as much as possible until the shorter time period passes.

Will Firewood Season In A Pile?

So you’ve got some firewood and now it’s time to season it. You might be wondering if the wood will naturally season sitting in a pile outside your house, or do you need to take special steps?

Firewood can definitely dry on its own over time with just weather exposure but using an outdoor storage rack helps to get that process started faster by allowing airflow around all sides of the logs. A good example is this Goplus Wooden Rack where there are four tiers (which means more space) with extra spacing between each log for better airflow.

The height of platforms measures 18 inches high which is also great since others like X-base racks only measure 12 inches high. What I noticed with this rack is that the base seems to be made of concrete. This helps with preventing rot and mold which can damage your firewood if it’s sitting on dirt or mud where moisture seeps in. It will also help prevent small animals from burrowing through logs as well since they don’t like digging around rocks!

A lot of people store their wood either inside a shed, garage, barn, tool shed, or even under an overhang but these are often dark spots without much airflow so you have to take extra steps for seasoning firewood there too. A great choice would be something like Woodland Direct She Shed which allows you to fit up to 16 cords of wood inside depending on how neatly you stack them (which I recommend being neat since it keeps the wood in better condition for burning).

The best part about this design is that you can use it not only as a storage shed, but also to store your garden equipment like lawnmowers and small gardening tools. Since sheds often get cluttered over time, I think this idea of having one multipurpose she-shed is clever! It’s portable too which means you could put it on your patio or porch during the summer months if you want an outdoor space with extra storage.

Now let’s talk about stacking firewood inside buildings where there are limits to how much wood you can keep at home due to lack of outdoor space (like apartment living) or just places indoors without enough room for large amounts outside.

Will Firewood Dry Under A Tarp?

There is a big debate on whether firewood will dry under a tarp. The truth is, it can work very well if properly done. You would need to cover all your wood with tarps and ensure that there are no gaps or openings for rainwater to penetrate through the tarps. To do this right you’ll also want some sort of rack system like plywood underneath the logs so they don’t rot at their base because water will often collect between them as long as they remain stacked higher than ground level.

This method works best in warm climates where humidity levels aren’t too high(which slows down drying rates)because wetter areas may require multiple layers of the plastic sheet instead of one thick layer. This same method can also be used to dry lumber before milling it into boards, but this process usually takes around six months rather than the three-month window that firewood has for proper seasoning.

Will Firewood Season In The Shade?

No, firewood will not season in the shade. Firewood needs to be exposed to air and sun for it to properly dry out. If you stack firewood in the shade or cover it with a tarp, this will trap all of the moisture inside and prevent it from drying out. The result is wood that can’t be burned as well (if at all) because there’s still too much moisture left in it.

Firewood should instead be stacked off the ground on pallets so air can circulate around it during seasoning, but not directly under sunlight which could dry them too quickly. If you live somewhere cold where snow covers your yard for months, put up a tarp to protect your seasoned firewood supply until springtime arrives when everything thaws again outside!

Are Dead Trees Seasoned Firewood?

A dead tree is not seasoned, and it will need to be burned right away. If you want firewood that won’t smoke or spark once it’s lit, then choose a dead tree for your woodpile. You’ll also know the felled tree hasn’t been sitting dormant with moisture inside of it just waiting to burst into flames!

Environmental Protection

The first thing to consider when looking for a method of firewood storage is the environmental impact. Although there are pros and cons to each, we will focus on methods that lessen your ecological footprint as much as possible.

One concern with burning wood in an open fireplace or gas stove is pollution caused by incomplete combustion (burning). More carbon dioxide gets released than during complete combustion because the chemical reaction cannot take place without enough oxygen present. The amount of time it takes for this process can be reduced if you store your firewood properly before lighting it up!

A second point worth considering is how well-suited each type of storage system is for long-term use. If you plan on having heat through this source next winter, then you should consider how well your firewood is protected from the elements. Moisture is a wood’s worst enemy and can be responsible for breaking down its cellular structure which leads to rot.

Storage Method #01: Pallets Made of Wood or Plastic

Pallet racks are an excellent way to store firewood off of the ground in a dry area with good ventilation. They make it easy to move stacks around as needed by rolling them on their sides (which usually locks into place). Just make sure you choose pallets that aren’t treated with any chemicals! Some people will even use old wooden shipping pallets- but if they were coated with pesticides or other harmful substances then these toxins could leach out into your logs over time. Another concern is that these pallets may not be structurally sound enough to support the weight of a full cord.

Storage Method #02: Stackable Wood Bricks (Wood Logs)

These wire and plastic mesh racks are sturdy, stackable, and make for an easy-to-carry bundle. Since they’re lighter than most other storage options you won’t have any trouble moving them around as needed; hence reducing wasted time searching for firewood just before wintertime! The only downside is that it’s difficult to move or adjust stacks once they’re loaded up with logs unless you take them apart first. Also stacking too high could lead to crushed wood on the bottom layer if someone bumps into them by accident which can cause them to start rotting.

Storage Method #03: The Tightly-Folded Stack (Firewood Bricks)

These can be made from plastic mesh or metal wire, and are typically used for longer-term storage of firewood. They’re a popular choice because they don’t take up much space in the yard when not being used and protect wood logs well from rot while stacked high indoors on shed shelves out of sight. You just have to make sure that the folds aren’t too tight which could damage them over time if you crush certain parts together with your weight by accident! Also, avoid stacking these bricks more than two layers deep so no crushed pieces occur at the bottom layer either…which would defeat their purpose entirely since moist air can’t reach the middle of a tightly stacked stack.

Storage Method #04: Firewood Logs On Pallets (Log Rack)

These racks are similar to those used for storing lumber, but they’re usually made from recycled plastic or metal wire mesh instead of wood. They’re best suited as long-term storage options because logs can be placed lengthwise with less concern about crushing them together which could cause rot at times too sensitive to handle rough handling like this. Just make sure you place these on their own pallet and not directly on concrete so that no moisture is absorbed into the bottom layer by mistake! It’s also necessary to use something underneath if stacking any more than two piles high since there won’t be enough clearance between layers otherwise…which could cause crushed logs at the bottom as well which defeats their purpose entirely.

Storage Method #05: Firewood Logs On Stackable Pallets (Firewood Rack)

These allow for a lot of storage in a small area and are easy to move around if needed. The only problem is that they tend to have poor ventilation so moisture will collect on your firewood over time leading to rot if you don’t place it somewhere dry first where air can circulate underneath them properly. Also, make sure not to stack more than one layer high since this could lead to crushed pieces at the bottom which would be difficult or impossible to repair! It’s also necessary to use something under these pallets if stacking two or more layers deep because there won’t be enough clearance otherwise…which could lead to crushed logs at the bottom which you don’t want either!

Storage Method #06: Firewood Logs On Floor (Floor Rack)

These are very common but can be difficult or expensive depending on how large of a space they need to cover. A simple floor rack holds around one cord per layer; although some people will stack more than two layers deep with these racks if it’s not too busy in their yard- especially during winter time when there isn’t much else happening out there except for stacking firewood all day long! The only downside is that stacks tend to get top-heavy over time with larger piles and taller stacks so make sure your structures are sturdy enough to handle this type of weight! Also, the logs on the bottom layer could end up crushed if someone bumps into them by accident which can lead to rot at times.

Storage Method #07: Firewood Logs In Covered Shed (Firewood Rack)

The best way to keep firewood from getting wet or rotting is by keeping it inside a covered shed! These are typically placed in areas where there’s easy access without having to cross lawns and other obstacles…and they’re usually built tall enough so that you won’t need more than one stack per room. Just make sure your sheds have proper ventilation as well since wood needs air circulation underneath too just like log racks to do- especially when stacking two layers deep with larger piles of logs because this will cause most moisture to gather on the top layer which will eventually rot over time if it isn’t properly dried! Also, make sure to replace your firewood every year during springtime so that you aren’t feeding any pests like termites or carpenter ants.

Storage Method #08: Firewood Logs In Concrete Pits (Fire Pit)

The best way to heat things up on cold winter nights is by having a nice warm bonfire outside- even better if it’s surrounded by ample seating as well so everyone can stay cozy throughout the entire evening…and all that warmth will certainly help keep those toes from freezing over into ice cubes now won’t it? There’s just something about an open flame that brings friends together as nothing else can which is why a fire pit with logs on the side makes for one of the best ways to spend time outdoors with loved ones.

Safety Tips for Seasoning Firewood

Season your firewood outside. Do not season any firewood indoors, as the wood may give off toxic fumes which are harmful to breathe in. It is recommended that you do this process outside on a concrete surface so if there is an excess of water it will be easy for you to clean up and dispose of properly.

You should also wear safety glasses while seasoning your firewood because there could be small pieces flying around from cutting or splitting with tools such as axes and hatchets during this step. Make sure when sawing or chopping that branches don’t fly into bystanders’ eyes, therefore wearing protective eyewear is very important before starting this task! While seasoning your wood smoking cigarettes nearby, we recommend you don’t do this as there is a risk of burning yourself and the firewood could catch alight if left unattended for too long.

After seasoning your wood it will need to be stored properly so that those beautiful golden brown logs can last all year round! You should store them in an area where they are protected from rain, snow, ice, sunlight (as direct light may cause some discoloration), extreme heat, or cold conditions. The best way to keep your firewood dry during storage is by covering it up with plastic sheets or tarps while stacking on top of each other horizontally rather than vertically which would create gaps for moisture to enter and cause the wood to rot and mold.

The sections under this heading will be numbered as it is a list, but no bullet points should appear in your blog post.

Don’t stack firewood logs on top of each other directly after seasoning them because they may still contain some moisture which could lead to decomposition if left standing vertically for too long! It’s best to let dry out first before stacking together during storage so that nothing goes wrong with the process or you’ll have ruined all your hard work paid off at season’s end! You should also avoid storing any wood near flammable objects such as gasoline cans and pesticides as there can be an increased risk of catching alight easily due to heat from these substances stored nearby.

FAQs

What is seasoning firewood?

Seasoning firewood means letting it dry out. It's an important step in the wood splitting process because if you don't season your split logs, they'll be too wet to burn effectively and won't last as long as their seasoned counterparts. The more years a log has been dried, the better it will perform once burned on your hearth or pit. The goal of drying is to reduce moisture content below 20% for kindling; 16-18% for light fires (like those needed for cooking), 12-16% for moderate burning times like heating water or keeping warm at night during cool weather; and finally down to about 14%, perfect conditions for hot fires that generate long-lasting coals.

How long does it take to season firewood?

The answer depends on what type of wood you're working with and the weather conditions where you live, but as a general rule dried hardwoods can take up to six months green softwoods only two or three months (softer woods like pine will also produce more creosote, which is harmful if burned). Factors such as humidity and temperature play important parts in how much time your split logs need for drying out before splitting and stacking. Seasoned firewood has already been cured so that means less seasoning time! In fact, most seasoned hardwoods are ready for burning after just one summer outdoors because they have lost-60% of their moisture.

How do you season firewood?

The best way to properly dry and cure your split logs is by stacking them outside, exposing the wood to all four seasons. The first step of seasoning firewood is splitting it into small pieces so that air can enter from both sides, drying those inner rings faster. Split wood will lose more moisture through its end grain than flat-sawn lumber would because there's less contact area with oxygen as water vapor escapes. In other words, smaller pieces have a greater surface area compared to larger ones for evaporation purposes; thus they become seasoned much faster! It's also important not to stack your cut logs too closely together since this prevents airflow which halts the process of losing excess weight. Depending on how wet your logs are, they may also need to be stacked in a sunny location so that the sun can help evaporate any remaining moisture before bringing them indoors.

Is it okay if the wood is still smoky when I burn it?

Yes and no! If you're burning seasoned firewood or even greenwood with low moisture content (16-18%) then yes – there's nothing wrong with using unseasoned split hardwoods because these will produce less smoke than their dry counterparts which contain more creosote overall. However, softwoods like pine should always be dried for longer periods of time since they tend to give off excessive amounts of superheated steam when burned which creates high levels of sticky black tar making your chimney dirtier and therefore your home less safe.

How do I know when the wood is seasoned enough?

There are several ways to check if you're ready for splitting and stacking firewood indoors, but a good way of determining whether or not the logs have reached their equilibrium moisture content (EMC) level is by using an electric moisture meter with a range of -30% EMC so that it can test wetter pieces as well. Remember: water conducts electricity! So a dry piece will read 0% once fully dried out whereas green wood will show higher percentages in all ranges from 50-100%. As long as your split logs fall within these numbers they should be fine for indoor storage after being properly stacked together off the ground on pallets at least 12 inches high.

What about splitting greenwood?

You can actually split wet logs using a firewood splitter, but the best time to do this is after several warm days when possible because that will speed up the drying process tremendously! You'll have better luck with dryer splits if you try and stack your cut pieces together in a sunny location out of any wind tunnels so they can lose moisture faster while being exposed to oxygen at all angles. It's also important not to forget about air circulation or stacking too tightly since these factors affect how quickly your logs reach equilibrium. If you've been thinking about getting a log compressor then now would be a good time since wetter woods may need extra help reaching proper EMC levels for indoor storage.

Where should I stack my firewood?

You want to keep your heavy split logs away from the house so that they don't freeze and thaw over time, causing them to crack or weaken. A good place for stacking is in a garage where it's warmer than outside but not too close to other flammable objects like cars which can catch on fire if heat builds up between both materials during the burning season! It's also important to consider how moist your wood is before taking any chances with indoor storage since wetter pieces will cause condensation inside walls when stacked closer together indoors. This creates ideal conditions for mold growth turning into insulation damage later down the road just as bad as fires caused by creosote buildup! The last thing you want to do is burn your house down by allowing it to become a fire hazard.

How long should I wait before burning wet wood?

Wood that's been split and stacked for at least six months or longer will be ready for indoor use once the cut pieces have reached equilibrium moisture content (EMC) levels which usually takes around four seasons of waiting. Remember, you can burn wetter logs if they're at least 12 months old and split them into smaller pieces to reduce creosote buildup! If you've been waiting a few years for your wood then it should be ready even though the EMC levels may show higher than normal readings in all ranges when using an electric moisture meter which is okay.

What about tree bark?

Tree bark can be used to make paper, mulch for the garden, or even burned in an outdoor fire pit. However many people don't realize that it's actually considered hazardous waste by most municipalities and cannot legally be dumped into landfills without special treatment! So if you're trying to get rid of some excess yard debris then consider donating your cuttings to a local arborist who will use them as compost or wood chips for landscaping projects instead. The best way to tell is just by looking at the weight since green logs are much lighter than dry ones which take up more space when stacking together so they won't rot away fast enough on their own before the burning season comes around again next year.

Conclusion

You now know how to season firewood, what wood is best for you, and your needs. You also have the option of reading through our blog posts on How To Use A Fireplace or even visit our website at HearthnHomeFireplaces! We provide a variety of different products that are sure to bring an amazing look into any home! Not only do we offer high-quality design options, but they come in many shapes sizes too.

This makes it easy to find the perfect fit for your fireplace regardless of its gas or traditional burning. The type of fuel used will determine which product you purchase as well since each has its own benefits when compared with one another.