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FAQs

  • 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.

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  • What is a cord of firewood?

    A cord of firewood is 128 cubic feet, measuring 4 feet high × 4 feet deep × 8 feet long when neatly stacked.

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  • How can you tell if firewood is dry?

    Dry firewood shows cracks in end grain, sounds hollow when knocked together, weighs less, and measures below 20% moisture with a meter.

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  • 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 difference between hardwood and softwood firewood?

    Hardwoods are denser and burn longer with more heat, while softwoods ignite faster and burn quicker—both have advantages when properly seasoned.

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Strategic timing for firewood purchases significantly impacts both price and wood quality. The annual firewood market follows predictable patterns, and savvy buyers take advantage of seasonal dynamics to secure the best deals on properly seasoned wood.

Late winter through early spring (February-April) offers the absolute best time to buy seasoned firewood for the following winter. Demand drops dramatically as heating season ends, and suppliers eager to clear inventory before cutting new wood often discount remaining stock. You’re also more likely to get truly seasoned wood since it’s been drying for 6-12+ months.

Spring and summer (May-August) provide excellent opportunities to buy green wood for seasoning yourself. Newly cut wood purchased in spring can season adequately by fall if properly stacked in sunny, well-ventilated locations. Buying green and seasoning it yourself typically costs 30-50% less than purchasing seasoned wood, though it requires storage space and patience.

Avoid buying during peak season (September-December) unless absolutely necessary. Demand surges as temperatures drop, driving prices to annual highs. Suppliers may also be more likely to sell inadequately seasoned wood during this period, as buyers desperate for fuel will accept whatever’s available. Quality suffers when suppliers rush wood to market.

The ideal strategy involves planning one year ahead. Buy seasoned wood in spring for immediate next-winter use at discounted prices, or purchase green wood in spring to season through summer and fall for use the following winter. This approach ensures you always have dry wood ready while paying the lowest possible prices.

First-time buyers without existing stock should purchase in late summer (July-August). This allows verification of proper seasoning through testing, provides time for additional drying if needed, and still captures prices below peak-season rates. Always confirm moisture content with a meter before accepting delivery, regardless of when you buy.