Firewood is a vital resource for anyone looking to stay warm during the colder months or enjoy a crackling fire in a wood stove, fireplace, or outdoor fire pit. However, selecting the right firewood, storing it properly, and practicing fire safety can be more complex than you think.
This guide will take you through the essential aspects of firewood, from understanding the different sizes and types to storing it for long-term use and, finally, how to ensure you're using firewood safely.
Understanding Firewood Sizes and Dimensions
What is a Cord of Firewood?
When purchasing firewood, the term "cord" measures the wood you get. A full cord of firewood is a tightly stacked pile with a volume totalling 128 cubic feet. However, the actual amount of solid wood is usually about 85 cubic feet because air spaces between logs account for part of the total volume. This can vary depending on how tightly the wood is stacked. Full cords or firewood typically measure 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long.
A face cord is another common term that refers to a stack that contains about one-third the volume of a full cord, totalling 32 cubic feet.
Van Beek's also offers firewood by the half face cord, totalling 16 cubic feet of wood for those looking for a smaller option.
If you need help determining how much wood to buy, consider your usage. A full cord is ideal for homes that rely on wood as a primary heat source throughout the winter, while a face cord may be sufficient for occasional fires.
See our in-depth guide to the different sizes and buying options for firewood for a complete breakdown of everything you need to consider.
Common Firewood Sizes for Home Use
Choosing the right firewood size is crucial for efficient burning. The two most common firewood sizes offered at Van Beek's are:
- 12-inch Firewood is perfect for small stoves, compact fireplaces, and outdoor fire pits. It's easy to handle and fits well in smaller burning appliances, making it ideal for those who use wood occasionally.
- 16-inch Firewood: This size works best for larger residential fireplaces and stoves. It provides longer burn times and is great for heating larger areas or longer-lasting fires.
Understanding these measurements and what works best for your needs will help maximize your firewood supply.
Types of Firewood and Their Best Uses
Choosing the right type of firewood is just as important as selecting the right size. Different woods burn at different rates and provide varying levels of heat. Hardwoods, in particular, are known for their density and long-lasting burn times, making them the most popular choice for home heating.
Seasoned Firewood vs. Unseasoned Wood
Seasoned firewood refers to wood that has been dried for at least six months to a year, allowing the moisture content to drop below 20%. This makes the wood burn hotter and cleaner, producing less smoke and creosote buildup in your chimney. In contrast, green wood (freshly cut) can have a moisture content as high as 50%, making it inefficient and smoky.
The Best Firewood for Your Home
At Van Beek's, we offer several types of high-quality firewood, each with its own benefits:
- Birch Firewood: Birch is known for its bright flames and quick ignition. It's perfect for a lively fire with moderate heat output.
- Cherry Firewood: Cherry wood is renowned for its pleasant aroma, which enhances the cozy atmosphere of any room. While it doesn't burn as hot as other hardwoods, it's excellent for indoor fireplaces.
- Oak and Hickory: These dense hardwoods burn hotter and longer, making them ideal for wood stoves or homes that rely on wood as a primary heat source. They also produce less creosote buildup, keeping your chimney cleaner.
- Using a blend of woods allows you to enjoy the benefits of quick ignition from birch and long-lasting heat from oak and hickory.
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How to Store Firewood Properly
Storing firewood properly ensures it stays dry, clean, and ready to burn. Proper storage also extends the lifespan of your firewood by preventing moisture buildup, which can lead to rot, mould, or insect infestations.
Outdoor Firewood Storage Best Practices
Outdoor storage is the most common and practical way to store firewood, especially if you have a large amount. The key is to elevate your woodpile off the ground and cover it properly:
- Elevate the firewood: Use pallets or racks to raise the firewood off the ground. This prevents moisture from the soil from seeping into the bottom logs.
- Cover the top: Cover the top of the firewood pile with a tarp, but remember to leave the sides exposed. This allows air to circulate and the wood to continue seasoning.
- Location matters: Store your wood in a sunny, well-ventilated area to speed up drying. Avoid areas prone to flooding or excessive moisture.
For more creative storage solutions, check out our DIY Firewood Storage guide, where we cover everything from pallet racks to cinder block setups.
Indoor Firewood Storage Tips
Storing firewood indoors is convenient but comes with risks, such as attracting pests or causing moisture buildup. Here are a few tips:
- Only bring in what you need for immediate use. Storing large quantities indoors can lead to pest problems.
- Keep the firewood elevated and away from walls to promote airflow.
- Use bagged kindling for easy fire-starting. Kindling is smaller, dry wood that helps ignite larger logs quickly.
Essential Fire Safety Tips for Wood-Burning
Burning wood, whether in a fireplace or wood stove, requires following basic safety protocols to avoid fire hazards.
Safely Operating Your Fireplace or Wood-Burning Stove
For safe wood-burning:
- Burn dry, seasoned wood: Always choose dry hardwoods like birch firewood and cherry firewood to minimize smoke and creosote buildup.
- Don't overload the fireplace: Overloading can cause excessive heat, increasing the risk of a chimney fire.
- Use a fire screen: Always place a protective screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from escaping into the room.
Chimney and Ventilation Maintenance
A clean chimney is critical for reducing fire hazards. Over time, creosoteโa byproduct of burning woodโcan accumulate in your chimney, increasing the risk of a fire. Here are some maintenance tips:
- Clean your chimney annually: Hire a professional to inspect and clean your chimney at least once a year.
- Ensure proper ventilation: Make sure your home is well-ventilated to avoid smoke buildup indoors, especially when using a wood-burning stove or fireplace.
For more detailed tips, read our Fire Safety for Home Heating and Wood Burning guide.
