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Buying and storing firewood for the season

It’s important to have a good storage system for firewood; otherwise, it will rot before you can use it.

Whether you burn fires as a supplemental heat source for your home or strictly for ambiance and pleasure, it’s important to know how to properly buy and store firewood. For homeowners looking to fuel a traditional masonry fireplace, fireplace insert or wood stove, the goal should be the same: to get the best quality firewood for the best possible price.

How much to buy

Homeowners who intend to heat their homes through the use of a wood stove naturally will require more firewood than those who burn only the occasional fire for pleasure. For instance, someone living in Ohio, who burns firewood as his or her primary heat source, may require up to five cords of wood to get them through the season. In contrast, a weekend-only fire builder can likely get by on as little as a half-cord.

Measuring a

cord of wood

A cord of wood is defined as a stack of cut firewood that measures 4 feet tall by 4 feet wide by 8 feet long. The individual pieces must be stacked side-by-side rather than the looser crisscross style.

Seasoning the wood

Freshly cut wood is composed largely of water. Not only is this “green” wood difficult to ignite, but burning it can lead to a dangerous buildup of creosote, which is the cause of chimney fires. Properly “seasoned” firewood is wood that has been cut to length, split and allowed to air dry for at least six months until the moisture content dips to around 20 percent. Dry wood will appear grayish in color, and the pieces will begin to exhibit splits and cracks on the ends. Compared to freshly cut wood, seasoned wood feels light for its size.

Though seasoned firewood is the only choice for immediate use, green wood shouldn’t be completely ignored. Experts agree that if you have the room to store it and the time to dry it, buying green firewood can save you up to 25 percent.

Hardwood vs.

softwood

It’s a common misconception that burning soft woods, such as pine and cedar, leads to dangerous creosote buildup. As long as the firewood is properly seasoned, it can safely be burned. But that doesn’t mean that all wood is created equal.

Tree species differ widely in the amount of heat they produce when burned. Hardwoods like oak, maple and madrone produce almost twice the heat compared with softer woods, such as spruce, pine and basswood. Fires built with hardwood not only burn hotter, they last longer, meaning the wood pile won’t get depleted as fast. Homeowners can expect to pay a premium for 100 percent hardwood, and be careful that purchasing cheaper “mixed-wood” loads that may contain little actual hardwood.

Storing firewood

Homeowners should consider storage long before the firewood delivery truck appears in the driveway. A cord of wood takes up a significant amount of space, and if not properly stored, your investment will quickly begin to rot. Firewood that is not stowed in a protected space like a garage or shed needs to be six inches off the ground. Firewood racks or simple pallets work well. If exposed to the elements, the wood pile should be at least partially covered with a waterproof tarp.

Average prices

Expect to pay $75 to $150 for a half-cord and between $150 and $350 for a cord of hardwood delivered and stacked. To save some money, a person with a large truck may elect to pick up his or her own load at the wood lot.

To verify the quantity, species, and condition of the firewood, it’s wise to arrange the delivery for a time when you’re home. Inspect the wood for type and condition before it’s unloaded, though quantity can only be accurately measured after it’s stacked.

This article was provided by the Warren Area Board of Realtors.

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