If you’re like most people, you probably don’t give much thought to the wood you burn in your fireplace. But what you don’t know could endanger your safety and the safety of your family. Here’s a quick guide to understanding the different types of wood and what they’re best used for.
We get fulfillment by building a solid woodpile knowing that it will warm us all winter. Our 10 acres of woody acreage put out a lot of first-class trees for fuel, but as we don’t have much time, we pay for two or three cords each fall to fill out what we gather ourselves. Through familiarity, we’ve caught on to some facts about making fuel that might aid you if you’re thinking of heating your home with a wood stove.
Gathering Firewood
The job of gathering firewood is made easier with some advanced planning. Getting in the fuel at least a year before burning it ensures that it’s had time to properly dry out. Cured firewood has hardly a trace of moisture and burns with minor creosote.
Keeping it in a woodshed enclosure that receives adequate air movement is the perfect system to cure firewood. Piling it handily in the open air on a sunlit site is an acceptable substitute.
Don’t get me wrong-we adore hardwood as an energy source, and our woodlot has so much deadfall that we have more of it than we can use. But if we didn’t have this resource, we would run across some suspicions about bringing in only hardwood. Obviously, your decision on this topic will rely on your local conditions.
When paying for firewood, evaluate the mix of pieces in the lot to discern how much is hardwood and how much is softwood types. The greater quantity of softwood in the batch, the less the fuel ought to cost.
Wood for heating is normally offered for sale in “face cords,” which are four feet high and wide if it’s piled. The stick length ought to be about 16″. If they’re greatly smaller, you’re not getting your money’s worth; if they’re bigger, they might be too
Types of Firewood
Looking to get the most out of your winter wood collection? Here’s a guide on how to identify the different types of firewood, how to prepare it for burning, and some tips on using it in your outdoor space.
There are three main types of firewood: hardwood, softwood, and charcoal.
Hardwoods:
-Hardwood is the most common type, and typically refers to trees that are less than 25 years old. It is the most expensive but also the most durable.
Hardwoods include oak, hickory, ash, birch, maple, etc. These woods are the most durable and will last the longest in your fireplace. They also tend to be a bit more expensive than softwoods.
Softwoods:
-Softwood is made up of trees that are between 25-60 years old. It is a middle ground price-wise and can be more or less durable than hardwood depending on the tree.
Softwoods include cottonwood, red cedar, pine, fir, spruce, etc. These woods are a bit more flexible than hardwoods and can be used for things like mantels and trim. They also tend to be less expensive than hardwoods.
Softwood gets bashed for poor heat productivity. However, this statement is only somewhat correct. All woods put out the same number of BTUs. The difference is that softwoods are less heavy, so it takes more firewood to emit the same amount of heat.
Charcoal:
-Charcoal is made from wood that has been burned down to the ground, leaving only the charcoal particles behind. It is the cheapest, but also the least durable.
Greenwood:
-Green Wood refers to any wood that is not yet dry and ready to be burned. It is typically less expensive than dried wood, but also less durable.
Greenwood is not actually wood at all – it’s mainly made up of tree bark and other plant matter. It’s not recommended for burning because it can cause serious fire hazards if not properly handled.
Greenwood is astonishingly effortless to split. We stopped splitting firewood manually years ago, but even with our wood splitter, the responsibility goes quicker when we work with fresh wood. Splitting also speeds up the seasoning process since more surface area of the log is uncovered. Uncured firewood sells for less money than seasoned logs, which has allowed our splitter to pay for itself within two years of purchase.
How to Cut and Stack Firewood
Firewood is one of the most important items you can stockpile in order to ensure a comfortable winter. Here are five tips on how to cut and stack firewood correctly:
1. Start by finding an area that’s free of obstructions and large enough to fit your woodpile properly.
2. Measure the length, width, and height of your pile, then use these measurements to determine the number of cuts you’ll need to make.
3. Make the first cut perpendicular to the edge of the wood, then make additional cuts spaced evenly around the edge. Be sure not to make cuts into the middle of a board!
4. When all the cuts have been made, stack the boards on top of each other until they reach the desired height. Make sure the boards are tight against each other so they don’t come apart in cold weather.
5. If you need more space to store your firewood, simply make another set of cuts and stack the boards again.
How to Store Firewood
Most of us know that we need to store firewood in an adry and cool place to keep it safe from insects and fungus. But what about the types of firewood we should buy, how much to buy, and where to store it? In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about storing firewood.
The best way to store firewood is in airtight containers. Make sure the wood is well-dried before storing it. If you live in a humid area, make sure the wood is sealed in an airtight container to keep it from getting wet.
You should never stack firewood more than six feet high, and never near a building or other flammable material.
When Should You Burn Firewood?
There is no one answer to this question because everyone’s needs and preferences vary. However, there are some general tips that can help you make the best decision for burning firewood.
The first thing to consider is your climate. In most cases, burning wood in the fall or winter will generate the most heat. This is because the wood is packed more closely together and has a higher moisture content. It takes more energy to burn wood in the summertime due to the higher air temperatures and lighter fuel loads.
Another factor to consider is your fireplace. If it doesn’t have a dedicated firebox, you’ll need to account for that when deciding how much wood to burn. A standard cord of hardwood will require around 2 cords (4 feet each) to fill a 68-inch opening in a properly designed fireplace. You might also want to consider factors like the size of your chimney, the type of bricks used inside, and how well ventilated your home is if you’re using an open flame stove.
The last thing to think about is your budget. Burning firewood can be expensive depending on where you live and how much you buy at once. The average cost per cord of hardwood is about $30, so it’s worth doing your research before you start buying.
How to choose the best firewood
When it comes to choosing the best firewood for your needs, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some tips on how to choose the perfect firewood for your home.
When looking for firewood, it is important to consider the type of wood that you will be using. There are three main types of wood: hardwood, softwood, and conifer. Hardwoods are typically the strongest and last longest, while softwoods are more flexible and can be used for furniture or other items that need to be bendable. Mixed woods, which include both hardwoods and softwoods, make the best choice for most people because they have a balance of both qualities.
If you plan on using your wood fireplace, it is important to find a quality piece of wood that is designed specifically for burning in an open flame. Not all firewood is created equal; some trees contain higher levels of creosote, which can cause problems if used in a fireplace. When looking for wood to burn in your fireplace, make sure to check the certification label.
The benefits of using firewood
There are many benefits to using firewood as an energy source, compared to using traditional fuels like gasoline or diesel. Here are just a few of the reasons why wood is such a great choice for heating your home:
-It’s Consistent: Unlike other forms of energy, firewood is consistent and reliable. You can count on it to heat your home the same way every time, no matter how cold or windy it is outside.
-It’s Renewable: Unlike fossil fuels, firewood is renewable and can be used over and over again. This makes it a more sustainable option for energy consumption and helps reduce our reliance on foreign oil.
-It’s Economical: Buying firewood in bulk can be cheaper than buying individual logs from the store. Plus, you’ll save money by creating your own stove fuel instead of buying pre-made pellets or gas.
If you’re looking to switch over to using firewood as your primary heating source, be sure to check out our blog section for more information. We’ve got everything you need to know about choosing the right type of wood, preparing it for burning, and keeping your home warm all winter long.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking about getting a firewood permit this winter, here’s a quick guide on what to do. First, find out how much wood you need. Next, figure out where to get the wood. Finally, follow the instructions on your permit and thank your local forestry department!
Hi, this is Shelly, An Interior Decorator and Writer passionate about Home Renovation and Decoration. I have written over 100+ articles on different Home Renovation and Decoration topics and have been featured in top publications such as Entrepreneur, Huffington Post, Inc., and more.
