Is Your Firewood Still Good? How to Check Last Year’s Supply Before Winter

 Is old firewood still good to burn? 

If you stacked up a good pile of firewood last year and still have some left over, you might be wondering: is old firewood still good to burn? The answer is usually yes, but only if it has been stored correctly.

Many homeowners across New Zealand stock up on firewood early to beat winter shortages and rising prices. However, wood that sits through spring and summer can change depending on how it was stored. Moisture, pests, and weather exposure can all affect its quality.

Before the colder months arrive, it’s worth taking a few minutes to check your existing woodpile. A quick inspection can tell you whether your firewood is still dry, safe, and efficient to burn, or whether it’s time to restock.

Not to fear, the Firewood Company is here with a practical guide to help you assess your leftover firewood and ensure you’re ready for the heating season.

Can Firewood Go Bad?

Firewood doesn’t technically “expire,” but it can deteriorate over time if it is exposed to moisture or stored improperly. In our experience, we know firsthand that wood left directly on the ground, uncovered in heavy rain, or tightly stacked without airflow can absorb moisture and begin to rot.

When firewood becomes damp or mouldy, it won’t burn efficiently. Instead of producing steady heat, it may smoke excessively, burn poorly, or contribute to creosote buildup in your chimney.

The good news is that well-seasoned wood stored properly can last for years. In fact, many people find that wood left over from the previous season is often even drier and burns beautifully when winter returns.

5 Signs Your Firewood Is Still Good

1. The Wood Is Light and Dry

One of the easiest ways to check firewood quality is simply to pick up a piece. Properly seasoned firewood will feel light for its size, because much of the moisture has already evaporated.

If the wood feels unusually heavy or damp, it may have absorbed moisture from rain or humidity during storage.

Dry wood will also feel slightly rough and fibrous rather than cool or damp to the touch.

2. Visible Cracks in the Ends

Seasoned firewood usually develops small cracks or splits at the ends of the logs. These cracks occur naturally as the wood dries and shrinks.

If your firewood has these cracks, it’s usually a good sign that it is still well seasoned and ready to burn.

Logs that appear smooth, swollen, or freshly cut may still contain moisture and might benefit from additional drying time.

3. The “Knock Test”

Another simple method is the sound test.

Take two pieces of firewood and knock them together.

• Dry wood makes a sharp, hollow cracking sound.

• Wet wood produces a dull, thudding noise.

This quick test can help you determine whether your woodpile is still in good condition.

4. Minimal Mould or Rot

It’s normal for outdoor firewood to develop small amounts of surface mould, especially after humid months. With Marlborough experiencing a wetter-than-normal summer, surface mould may be looming across the region. Light surface mould usually burns off once the fire gets going and is not necessarily a problem.

However, if you notice:

• Soft or spongy wood

• Dark patches deep in the log

• Wood crumbling apart

Then the log may be rotting and should not be used for indoor fires (cue the burn pile).

We know - rotten wood burns poorly, produces very little heat and is sure to get the neighbours up-in-arms over the amount of smoke your fireplace will produce.

5. No Signs of Insect Damage

Firewood stacks can occasionally attract insects, especially if the wood has been sitting unused for a long time.

Look for signs such as:

• small holes in the wood

• sawdust-like powder around logs

• visible insects or larvae

A few insects are common in outdoor woodpiles and usually harmless. However, heavily infested wood may indicate the wood has begun breaking down.

How Storage Affects Firewood Quality

The condition of your leftover wood largely depends on how it was stored over the warmer months.

Firewood that has been stacked properly should still be in excellent condition.

Good firewood storage includes:

• Keeping wood off the ground using pallets or rails

• Stacking logs with space between rows for airflow

• Covering the top of the pile but leaving the sides open

• Positioning the stack in sunlight where possible

Poor storage, on the other hand, can lead to moisture buildup and deterioration.

When It’s Time to Restock

Even if some of your firewood from last year is still usable, it’s wise to check whether you have enough for the coming winter.

Many homeowners underestimate how much firewood they’ll use once temperatures drop. Running out halfway through the season can be frustrating, especially when demand rises and supplies tighten.

This is why many experienced wood burners prefer to stock up before winter arrives. Early-season deliveries allow wood to continue drying while ensuring you’re fully prepared when the cold weather sets in.

Don’t forget to implement your FIFO approach to stacking your wood – AKA use the old wood first and stack your woodpile correctly for ease of use.

A Quick Firewood Check Before Winter

Before the first cold snap arrives, take a few minutes to inspect your woodpile:

• Check that the logs feel dry and light

• Look for cracks and seasoned wood characteristics

• Remove any rotten or heavily mouldy pieces

• Restack the pile if airflow is poor

• Estimate whether your current supply will last the season

A little preparation now can save you time and stress later.

Preparing for the Season Ahead

Having good-quality firewood ready to go makes all the difference when winter arrives (you know who to call). Dry, properly seasoned wood burns hotter, produces less smoke, and keeps your home warmer using less fuel.

If your supply is running low or some of your leftover wood isn’t up to standard, autumn is the perfect time to restock. Ordering early helps ensure you have a reliable supply of well-seasoned firewood ready for the colder months.

With a quick inspection and a bit of planning, you can head into winter confident that your fire will burn cleanly, efficiently, and keep your home comfortable all season long.

Got your wood yet? Give us a call to secure your winter stockpile today.