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FAQs

  • Can you burn firewood in the rain?

    You can burn well-seasoned firewood during rain if it’s been stored under cover. Focus on dry kindling and sheltered fire pits for outdoor burning in wet weather.

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  • What’s the hottest burning firewood?

    Osage orange burns hottest at 32-33 million BTUs per cord, followed by hickory and black locust. Oak offers the best balance of heat and availability.

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  • What’s the best time of year to buy firewood?

    Buy firewood in late winter through early spring for best prices and quality. Avoid peak season (September-December) when demand drives prices high.

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  • What is kiln-dried firewood?

    Kiln-dried firewood is dried in heated chambers to 10-15% moisture in days, burning hotter and cleaner than air-seasoned wood.

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  • Is moldy firewood safe to burn?

    Surface mold on firewood is safe to burn, though it indicates excessive moisture. Brush it off before burning and improve storage to prevent recurrence.

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Proper firewood stacking maximizes seasoning efficiency, maintains wood quality, prevents dangerous collapses, and optimizes storage space. The stacking method you choose affects how quickly your wood dries, how long it lasts, and whether your woodpile remains standing through winter storms.

Start with a solid foundation elevated off the ground. Use pressure-treated 4×4 posts, landscape timbers, pallets, or a dedicated firewood rack. This elevation prevents ground moisture from wicking into your wood and promotes airflow underneath the bottom layer. Even 3-4 inches of clearance makes a significant difference in preventing rot.

The traditional row stack is most common and effective. Stack wood in single rows 4 feet high (standard cord height) with pieces laid perpendicular to the row direction. Bark side up is often recommended to shed water, though this matters less than overall stack stability and airflow. Leave small gaps between pieces rather than packing tightly—air circulation accelerates seasoning.

End support is critical for stability. Create stable ends using one of these methods: crisscross pattern (alternating perpendicular layers like a log cabin), bookend supports (posts or sturdy structures), or leaning against a wall or fence. Without proper end support, your stack will collapse, especially as wood shrinks during seasoning.

The holz hausen (German round stack) offers an alternative requiring no end supports. Stack wood in a circular tower pattern, tilting pieces slightly inward and outward in alternating rows. This self-supporting method works well for large quantities and promotes excellent air circulation. However, it requires practice to build properly and uses more ground space than row stacking.

Cover only the top with a tarp, metal roofing, or purpose-built cover, extending coverage a few inches past the stack edges. Never wrap the entire pile in plastic or tarps—this traps moisture and prevents proper seasoning. Think umbrella, not tent. The sides must remain exposed for continuous airflow.