Is Your Firewood Ready for a Wet Winter?

Here's What You Need to Know

winter firewood — Winter is on it's way - is your firewood protected?

As we head into the colder months, forecasters are predicting a wetter and colder winter across Marlborough and much of New Zealand. That means more people will be firing up their fireplace —and now is the time to ask: is your firewood truly ready?

At The Firewood Company, we know that not all firewood is created equal. Wet or poorly stored wood doesn’t just make your fire hard to light—it can damage your chimney, waste money, and even pose health risks. Whether you're already stocked or still looking to order, here's everything you need to know about preparing your firewood for a wet winter ahead.

Why Dry Firewood Matters in Wet Weather

When firewood contains too much moisture, it’s known as “unseasoned.” Burning it can lead to:

Excessive smoke, both inside your home and in the atmosphere
Low heat output, forcing you to burn more wood for less warmth
Dangerous creosote buildup in your flue or chimney, which can lead to chimney fires

With higher humidity and more rain expected this season, even wood that was once dry can quickly become damp if not stored correctly. That’s why buying seasoned wood and storing it properly is more important than ever.

How to Tell if Your Firewood is Ready to Burn

Not sure if your firewood is up to the job? Here are some quick ways to check:

It sounds hollow when knocked together
The ends look cracked and grey, not freshly cut or sticky
It feels light compared to fresh-cut wood
It produces little smoke and a bright flame when burned

For the most accurate results, grab a firewood moisture meter. These small devices test internal moisture and should read below 20% for wood to be considered burn-ready.

Why Kiln Dried Firewood Is a Game Changer

If you’re looking for the cleanest, driest, and most reliable firewood available, kiln dried wood is a top-tier choice. Unlike naturally seasoned firewood, kiln dried wood is processed in a controlled, high-temperature kiln to remove moisture quickly and efficiently—bringing moisture levels well below the ideal 20%.

Here’s why more Kiwis are choosing kiln dried wood:

🔥 Burns Hotter and Longer

Because the moisture is so low, kiln dried wood ignites easily and burns at a higher temperature, delivering better heat output and longer-lasting fires.

💨 Produces Less Smoke and Creosote

Less moisture = less smoke. This helps protect your chimney from dangerous creosote build-up and keeps your air cleaner inside and out.

🐛 Bug-Free and Mould-Free

The kiln drying process eliminates bugs, fungi, and mould spores—making it a cleaner, safer option to store in garages or inside the home.

📦 Ready to Burn Immediately

Unlike freshly cut or naturally seasoned wood, kiln dried firewood doesn’t need additional drying time. You can stack it and use it straight away, even in the middle of winter.

At The Firewood Company, we offer kiln dried options for customers who want the cleanest, most efficient burn possible. It’s the ideal solution for homes with smaller wood burners or those who want an ultra-convenient, premium firewood option.

Storing Firewood During a Wet Winter

Even perfectly seasoned firewood can go bad if left out in the rain. Here’s how to keep it dry and burning well:

Keep it off the ground: Use a pallet, concrete base, or firewood rack
Cover the top, not the sides: A tarp or wood shelter should keep rain off while still allowing airflow
Store in sunlight: A north-facing location with good ventilation is ideal
Use the FIFO method: First In, First Out – always burn the oldest wood first

Proper storage can make all the difference, especially if you're buying your firewood early in the season.

What Happens If You Burn Wet Wood?

Burning wet firewood isn’t just annoying—it’s potentially harmful. Here’s what happens:

The moisture forces the fire to spend energy drying the wood instead of heating your home
Your glass doors blacken with soot
Your chimney becomes clogged with creosote
You increase your risk of smoke inhalation or even chimney fires

If your fire seems sluggish or smoky, wet wood could be the culprit.

A Quick Warning: Never Burn Treated Timber

With the cost of living rising, it can be tempting to throw anything on the fire—old fence/vineyard posts, offcuts, or leftover construction materials. But here’s the truth: burning treated wood is dangerous and illegal.

🚫 Treated wood can release toxic chemicals

Many posts, planks, and building materials are treated with preservatives like arsenic, copper, or chromium to prevent rot and pests. When burned, these chemicals are released into the air—into your home and out your chimney.

⚠️ Health risks are serious

Treated wood smoke can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and even long-term health damage. It’s especially dangerous for children, pets, and people with asthma.

🏠 It can damage your flue and firebox

Treated wood burns hotter and dirtier than natural firewood. Over time, it can corrode your chimney, leave behind toxic residue, and void your burner’s warranty.

🔥 Stick to natural, untreated, seasoned firewood.

It’s safer for your family, your chimney, and the environment.

The Firewood Company Promise

At The Firewood Company, we deliver clean, dry, and ready-to-burn firewood straight to your door. All of our firewood is properly seasoned, moisture-checked, and stored to keep it in top condition—even in unpredictable Marlborough weather.

We’re proud to supply homes of all sizes—from rural properties to city households—and we’re always happy to recommend how much you need based on your heating habits.

Need a top-up or thinking about bulk-buying for the whole season? We’ve got you covered.

Final Tips for a Safe & Cosy Winter

Order early before winter demand peaks
Invest in a moisture meter to check your own wood
Clean your chimney before lighting your first fire of the season
Rotate your wood pile and keep airflow in mind

This winter might be one of the coldest in recent years—but with the right firewood, your home doesn’t have to be. Let The Firewood Company help you stay warm, dry, and safe all season long.