Firewood Buyer's Guide
Everything you need to know about purchasing quality firewood for your home heating and recreational needs.
Popular Wood Types
Burns hot and long, excellent coals, takes 1-2 years to season
Clean burning, good heat output, pleasant aroma
Very hot burning, great for cooking, distinctive smell
Easy to light, burns fast, good for kindling
Essential Buying Tips
Hardwoods like oak, maple, and hickory burn longer and produce more heat than softwoods. They're ideal for heating, while softwoods work well for kindling.
Well-seasoned firewood should have a moisture content below 20%. You can test this with a moisture meter or look for cracks, gray color, and hollow sound when pieces are knocked together.
Freshly cut wood needs 6-12 months to properly season. Hardwoods typically take longer than softwoods. Avoid green (unseasoned) wood as it's difficult to burn and produces more smoke.
A full cord is 4' x 4' x 8' (128 cubic feet). A face cord is typically 1/3 of a full cord. Always clarify what measurement the seller is using and compare prices accordingly.
Ask about delivery fees, stacking services, and minimum orders. Some suppliers offer stacking for an additional fee, which can save you significant time and effort.
Store firewood off the ground, covered on top but with good air circulation. Keep it at least 30 feet from your home to prevent pest issues and reduce fire risk.
Red Flags to Avoid
- •Wood that feels heavy for its size (indicates high moisture content)
- •Bark that's still tightly attached (sign of green wood)
- •Wood with a fresh, sappy smell
- •Prices that seem too good to be true
- •Sellers who won't let you inspect the wood before purchase