How to Buy Quality Firewood: A Complete Guide

Purchasing firewood might seem like a straightforward task, but there’s much more to it than simply grabbing a bundle from a store shelf. Whether you’re heating your home with a fireplace, wood stove, or outdoor fire pit, understanding how to buy quality firewood can make a significant difference in your comfort, safety, and heating efficiency. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the firewood market and make informed purchasing decisions.

Understanding Firewood Basics

Before you venture out to purchase firewood, it’s essential to understand what you’re looking for. Firewood quality depends on several factors, including the type of wood, moisture content, and how long it has been seasoned. Proper firewood should burn efficiently, produce adequate heat, and minimize creosote buildup in your chimney, which is crucial for maintaining a safe fireplace or wood stove.

The best firewood for burning is hardwood that has been properly seasoned. Seasoning is the process of allowing wood to dry out after it has been cut and split. This drying process is essential because freshly cut or “green” wood contains high moisture content, which makes it difficult to burn and produces excessive smoke and creosote.

The Importance of Moisture Content

Moisture content is arguably the most critical factor when selecting firewood. Wood that contains too much moisture will be difficult to light, produce minimal heat, create excessive smoke, and leave deposits of creosote inside your chimney. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, properly seasoned firewood should have a moisture content of 20 percent or less, with the ideal range being between 15 and 20 percent.

You can check moisture content in several ways. The most reliable method is using a moisture meter, an inexpensive tool available at most hardware stores. Simply insert the meter into a split piece of wood to get an accurate reading. Another method involves observing the wood’s characteristics: properly seasoned wood typically has a darker color at the ends, makes a hollow sound when knocked together, and has visible cracks or checks radiating from the center.

Signs of Properly Seasoned Firewood

• Moisture content of 15-20 percent: Measured with a moisture meter
• Visible end cracks: Radial cracks visible on the split end
• Hollow sound: Pieces make a hollow sound when knocked together
• Dark coloring: Ends appear darker than fresh wood
• Bark separation: Bark may separate easily from the wood
• Lighter weight: Properly dried wood weighs less than green wood

Choosing the Right Type of Firewood

Not all wood burns equally. Hardwoods are generally superior to softwoods for heating purposes because they burn longer, produce more BTUs (British Thermal Units) of heat, and create less creosote. Common hardwoods suitable for burning include oak, maple, ash, birch, and hickory. These woods are dense and have higher energy content, making them excellent choices for sustained, efficient heating.

Softwoods like pine, spruce, and fir should generally be avoided for indoor heating as they contain higher levels of resin and produce excessive creosote. However, softwoods can be acceptable for outdoor fire pits or campfires. If you must use softwood indoors, ensure it’s been properly seasoned for at least two years and use it sparingly mixed with hardwood.

Hardwood vs. Softwood Comparison

How to Inspect Firewood Before Purchase

When you’re ready to buy firewood, take time to inspect it thoroughly. Look for wood that appears dry and has visible cracks. Pick up several pieces and feel their weight—dry wood should be noticeably lighter than green wood. If possible, split a piece open to examine the interior. Green wood will have a damp appearance and feel heavier, while properly seasoned wood will be lighter with a drier interior.

Avoid wood that has visible mold, fungal growth, or an unusual smell. These signs indicate excessive moisture or decay. Additionally, never purchase wood from unknown sources or firewood that contains treated lumber, painted wood, or plywood, as burning these materials can release toxic chemicals.

Key Inspection Points

• Check for visible end cracks and radial splits
• Examine bark condition—it should be loose or partially separated
• Smell the wood—it should have a natural, pleasant wood smell
• Feel the weight of several pieces
• Look for mold, fungal growth, or unusual discoloration
• Verify the wood type and origin if possible
• Request a moisture meter reading from the seller

Understanding Firewood Measurements

Firewood is typically sold by the cord, face cord, or bundle. A full cord measures 128 cubic feet (4 feet high × 4 feet deep × 8 feet long). A face cord, also called a rick, is 1/3 of a full cord and measures 4 feet high × 8 feet long × 16 inches deep. Bundles are typically sold at retail locations and contain a much smaller quantity.

When purchasing firewood, understand what you’re buying. A full cord is significantly more wood than a face cord, and prices vary accordingly. For a small fireplace, a face cord or two might be sufficient for occasional use, while regular heating throughout winter typically requires multiple full cords. Ask sellers to specify exactly what measurement they’re using to avoid paying for less wood than you expect.

Seasonal Considerations for Buying Firewood

Timing your firewood purchase strategically can save money and ensure better wood quality. Firewood prices are typically lowest during late spring and summer when demand is minimal. Purchasing during these seasons allows you to store the wood and give it additional drying time before winter use. Spring and summer purchasing also ensures the wood has adequate time to season before the heating season arrives.

Avoid purchasing firewood in late fall or winter when demand peaks and prices are highest. If you must purchase during winter, ensure you have adequate indoor or covered storage space, as freshly delivered wood will have limited drying time. Never store firewood indoors in living spaces, as it can introduce pests and create moisture issues.

Proper Storage and Protection

After purchasing your firewood, proper storage is crucial for maintaining its quality. Store firewood in a dry location, elevated off the ground on a rack or concrete blocks to prevent moisture absorption from the soil. Cover the top of your wood pile with a roof or tarp, but leave the sides uncovered to allow airflow and continued seasoning. Adequate ventilation prevents moisture accumulation and allows the wood to maintain its seasoned quality.

Keep firewood away from your home’s foundation and at least 20 feet from occupied structures to minimize pest infestation and fire risk. A covered woodshed or lean-to structure provides ideal protection while maintaining proper airflow. Stacking wood vertically against your home invites pest problems and can damage exterior materials.

Avoiding Common Firewood Mistakes

Many homeowners make costly mistakes when purchasing firewood. One of the most common errors is buying wood too close to the heating season, when quality options are limited and prices are elevated. Another frequent mistake is purchasing insufficient quantities and then being forced to buy expensive, poor-quality wood in winter.

Never purchase from unreliable sellers who won’t specify wood type or origin. Avoid wood that’s been treated, painted, or pressure-treated, as burning these materials creates toxic fumes. Don’t accept green or freshly cut wood unless you have at least 6-12 months to season it before use. Finally, avoid stacking firewood in locations where it will accumulate moisture or where it poses a fire hazard to structures.

Questions to Ask Your Firewood Supplier

When contacting firewood suppliers, ask specific questions to ensure you’re getting quality product. Request information about wood type, when the wood was cut and split, and how long it has been seasoning. Ask about moisture content and whether they guarantee properly seasoned wood. Inquire about delivery options, stacking services, and any guarantees they offer. Understanding these details ensures you receive firewood that will perform properly in your fireplace or wood stove.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long does firewood take to season?

A: Properly seasoning firewood typically requires 6-12 months after splitting and stacking. Hardwoods may require longer seasoning periods than softwoods. Environmental factors like humidity, temperature, and ventilation also affect drying time.

Q: Can I burn fresh green wood in my fireplace?

A: While technically possible, burning green wood is not recommended. It produces excessive smoke, minimal heat, and creates dangerous creosote buildup in your chimney. Always use properly seasoned firewood for optimal safety and efficiency.

Q: What is creosote and why is it dangerous?

A: Creosote is a flammable substance that accumulates in chimneys when burning unseasoned or softwood. Excessive creosote buildup increases chimney fire risk and reduces heating efficiency. Regular chimney cleaning and using properly seasoned hardwood minimizes creosote production.

Q: How much firewood do I need for winter?

A: The amount depends on your climate, heating needs, and how much you use your fireplace. A household using firewood as supplemental heat typically needs 3-5 cords for winter. Homes relying primarily on wood heat may need 10-15 cords.

Q: Can I store firewood in my garage or basement?

A: No, storing firewood indoors is not recommended. It can introduce pests, attract insects, create moisture problems, and pose fire hazards. Store firewood outdoors in covered locations with good ventilation.

Q: What is the difference between a cord and a face cord?

A: A full cord measures 128 cubic feet (4×4×8 feet), while a face cord measures 4×8×16 inches, making it approximately 1/3 of a full cord. Prices differ significantly based on these measurements.

Q: Is it better to buy firewood in bundles or by the cord?

A: Bundles are convenient for occasional use and available year-round at retail stores, but cost significantly more per unit. Buying by the cord is more economical for regular heating needs and is typically cheaper when purchased during off-season months.

Conclusion

Purchasing quality firewood requires knowledge and careful consideration. By understanding moisture content, wood types, and proper storage methods, you can ensure efficient heating and a safe fireplace or wood stove experience. Purchase firewood during off-season months when selection is best and prices are lowest. Always verify wood quality, ask suppliers detailed questions, and store your firewood properly in covered, well-ventilated locations. With these tips, you’ll enjoy reliable, efficient heating throughout the winter months.