Find Firewood in Your State

FAQs

  • What’s the best firewood for pizza ovens?

    Oak is best for pizza ovens, providing high heat and clean burning. Maple works well too, while fruitwoods like cherry add flavor when mixed with primary fuel.

    Read More

  • What causes creosote buildup in chimneys?

    Creosote forms when smoke from wet wood or inefficient fires condenses in chimneys, creating a dangerous, flammable tar-like deposit.

    Read More

  • How do you prevent insects in firewood?

    Store firewood 20-30 feet from your home, elevated off the ground, and only bring inside what you’ll burn immediately to prevent insect problems.

    Read More

  • What questions should I ask when ordering firewood?

    Ask about exact cord measurements, wood species, moisture content, piece size, delivery details, and pricing to ensure quality firewood at fair prices.

    Read More

  • What’s the best firewood for a fireplace?

    Oak, ash, and maple are best for fireplaces, offering long burn times, good heat, and minimal smoke when properly seasoned.

    Read More

Surface mold on firewood is common and generally safe to burn, though it indicates storage problems that should be corrected. Understanding the difference between harmless surface mold and problematic rot helps you make safe decisions about your firewood quality and burning practices.

White, gray, or greenish fuzzy growth on firewood bark and surfaces represents common outdoor molds that colonize damp wood. When burned, these surface molds combust completely and pose no significant health risk. The heat of the fire destroys mold spores before they can become airborne indoors. Millions of homeowners safely burn slightly moldy firewood every winter without issues.

However, moldy wood signals excessive moisture that will create burning problems. Damp wood with active mold growth won’t be properly seasoned and will produce the usual issues: difficult ignition, excessive smoke, low heat output, and creosote buildup. The mold itself isn’t dangerous, but the moisture condition it indicates is problematic.

If you have moldy firewood, brush off loose mold before bringing wood indoors to avoid spreading spores in your living space. Let moldy wood sit in a sunny, well-ventilated area for a few weeks if possible—the sun will kill surface mold and help dry the wood. Test moisture content with a meter; if it’s below 20%, the wood is safe and effective to burn despite past mold presence.

Deeply rotted wood is different from surface mold. Wood that’s soft, crumbly, or falls apart indicates advanced rot and decay. This wood has lost structural integrity and heat value, burning poorly and providing minimal BTUs. Severely rotted wood may also produce unpleasant odors when burned. Use deeply rotted pieces for composting rather than fuel.

Prevent mold by improving storage conditions: elevate wood off the ground, ensure good airflow around stacks, cover only the top while leaving sides exposed, and store in sunny locations when possible. Properly stored seasoned firewood rarely develops significant mold problems.