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Firewood piece size directly affects ignition ease, burning efficiency, and compatibility with your heating appliance. The right dimensions vary based on your specific fireplace or stove, but standard sizing guidelines help ensure optimal performance and safety.
Standard firewood length is 16 inches, designed to fit most fireplaces and wood stoves comfortably with a few inches of clearance. This length became the de facto standard because it works well in the majority of residential heating applications. However, verify your specific appliance requirements before ordering, as some stoves accommodate 18-20 inch pieces while smaller fireplaces may need 12-14 inch lengths.
Measure your firebox carefully before purchasing firewood. For fireplaces, measure the width of the opening and subtract 3-4 inches to allow safe clearance. For wood stoves, check the manufacturer’s specifications or measure the firebox depth. Pieces should fit easily without forcing, jamming, or requiring dangerous positioning near the door opening.
Diameter matters as much as length. Firewood should be split to 3-6 inch diameter for optimal burning. Larger pieces (6-8 inches) work for overnight burns in wood stoves but may be too big for standard fireplaces. Smaller kindling pieces (1-3 inches) are essential for fire starting. A good firewood delivery includes a mix of sizes for different burning needs.
Thickness affects burning characteristics significantly. Thin pieces ignite quickly but burn fast, while thick pieces take longer to catch but burn for extended periods. For efficient burning, combine sizes: start with thin pieces for kindling, add medium splits once established, and finish with larger pieces for sustained heat.
When ordering firewood, specify your required length and ask about piece diameter ranges. Reputable suppliers will cut and split to your specifications. If you’re unsure about sizing, 16-inch length with pieces split to 4-6 inches works well for most residential applications.
Avoid ordering unsplit rounds unless you have equipment and desire to split it yourself. Split firewood seasons faster, burns better, and is immediately usable. The convenience of pre-split wood justifies any modest price premium for most users.