What Is Seasoned Firewood?

What is seasoned firewood and what does it have to do with my fireplace? If you’re thinking about starting a wood fire this winter and you’re not sure about how to answer to that question, then it’s time for a quick primer on the importance of using seasoned firewood in your fireplace. Read on to learn all that you need to know about seasoned firewood.

What is seasoned firewood
Seasoning firewood means drying it until the wood contains less than 20% moisture. Some of the benefits of using seasoned firewood include (1) faster lighting, (2) long-lasting flame, (3) no creosote buildup, and (4) decreased mold. Wood needs time and a dry location to properly season.

According to Farm and Dairy, you can tell if a piece of wood has aged through things like  (1) faded color, (2) hardness, (3) reduced weight, (4) lose bark, (5) hollow sound, (6) and cracking. A surefire test for seasoning is to split the wood in half to check for a dry interior. When the inside of a log is dry to the touch, it is most likely well seasoned.

Wood doesn’t season at the same rate. Logs from softwood trees like pine dry out quickly. Hardwood logs from birch and oak, for example, season much more slowly. However, the dense hardwood will last longer in your fireplace so the seasoning wait may well be worth it.

Seasoned wood is safe to burn
Forget about burning freshly cut wood in your fireplace.  Freshly cut wood contains too much moisture to establish a long-lasting burn. What’s more, burning wet wood contributes to a build-up of creosote in the chimney that can cause dangerous chimney fires. It’s also a safe idea to stick to burning hardwoods to prevent a buildup of creosote in your chimney.

Lastly, a fire created by well-seasoned hardwoods will delight you with hours of enjoyment. Giving your firewood the time to age will ensure a safer and longer lasting blaze. The winter season encourages us to slow down a bit and allowing your wood to dry out slowly will reward you with a beautiful fire.

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