Wanting to get the best out of your firewood? The Firewood Company has you covered with our top tips to keep you super warm this winter.
There is simply nothing worse than having a pile of firewood only to discover it’s terrible at burning, retaining any heat, and just not doing the job that it was bought or cut for. We hear from many of our customers how disappointed they have previously been with bad firewood, or attempting to season their firewood only to end up with a moulding mess in the woodshed when winter ticks around.
1. PURCHASE FROM A REPUTABLE SUPPLIER
The key with firewood is to buy from a reputable firewood supplier. Ask for testimonials and look at their websites and social media platforms to see what others are saying about the quality of the wood on offer. Also, do your research and ask questions. It’s worth the extra bit of time to ensure you are dealing with a professional who understands firewood and that customer satisfaction is of the highest priority. Also, when possible, always buy local, not only can this help you develop a good relationship with your firewood supplier, but it will also ensure you are supporting local businesses.
Another top tip is to ask how they get their firewood? Is it through sustainable practices? Asking questions like these can ensure you choose the right firewood professional supplier.
2. BUY THE RIGHT WOOD
Depending on your usage, firewood needs to be a good mixture of soft and hardwoods. Soft woods are great for getting the fire started and super-hot, while hardwood will allow your fire to burn bright throughout the night. It will also save you money. Hardwoods tend to be more expensive than softwoods, however, they will burn for longer and give you much more heat. When you think about this aspect it’s all pretty relative when it comes to the price you pay for your wood.
3. STACK YOUR WOOD CORRECTLY
Stacking your woodshed correctly is vital particularly if you are super organised and the wood will be seasoning through the summer and into the winter months. A good rule of thumb is to make sure that a mouse can run easily through your wood stack. Softwoods need to be always covered or they can act as a sponge and will see you ending up with moldy soggy wood that will not burn or create good heat (not to mention the stress this type of burn will put on your chimney). Investing in a good shed that has plenty of airflow, sunlight and coverage will keep your wood in top condition for the winter months. Keeping your firewood off the floor will also help. Consider a few old wooden pallets for this, or stacking older wood at the bottom in a criss-cross fashion to encourage airflow.
4. PREPARE
If you can, get your wood early! Stacking the woodshed during the warmer months is not only much easier on your wellbeing – cue the downpours of rain. It can also ensure your wood is ready for burn without any stress from the weather. If you are prepared it will allow you to plan your woodshed much more efficiently while also giving you the power to remove the stress of finding, stacking, and chopping your wood. If you are seasoning your wood this will take six months plus depending on the type of wood you are intending to burn. So getting prepared early is paramount if you are seasoning the wood yourself.
5. KILN-DRIED OPTIONS
Consider kiln-dried options to ensure your wood is 100% dry when purchasing. Many firewood companies do stack their wood outdoors (which is fine for hardwoods) so having a few pieces of heavy wood that seems wet is possible. Kiln-dried options can abolish this. Firewood will always burn best at less than 20% moisture content. So it’s always important to check your wood is dry enough to burn.
6. ALL ABOUT THE BURN
Burn hot bright fires and don’t just pop one firewood log in, and don’t forget to rake the coal to make an even bed before adding more wood. The best way is to fill your roaring fire with logs, this will allow for better heat – rather than just adding one lump of wood at a time. Closing the fire down once it is roaring will also help you get the best out of your burn times. If you do not have a fan on your firebox, consider purchasing ones that can be attached to the top of your fireplace or use a pedestal fan near the fireplace to push the hot air around your home.
7. GET THE ORDER RIGHT
Stack your woodshed so that the older wood is easily accessible. The longer your wood stays in the woodshed the dryer it will be, so burning the old stuff first will give your fresh firewood longer to dry while allowing you a good burn.
8. GIVE LOVE TO YOUR FIREPLACE
Ensure you maintain your fireplace seasonally that will ensure you get the best burn and the best out of your firewood. Think; of chimney sweeps, checking for loose cracked bricks, and checking glass and seals on doors.
9. LIGHT YOUR FIRE
Take the time to light your fire correctly. There are plenty of proven ways over the internet that can ensure your fire becomes a roaring success. Taking the time to prepare for the burn with good quality kindling or pinecones, alongside softwoods will help take care of your wood and produce great heat.