If you rely on firewood to keep warm during the colder months, it’s important to know how to maintain and store it properly. Well-maintained firewood burns better, produces more heat, and reduces the amount of smoke and creosote build-up in your fireplace or stove. Here’s a simple guide on how to keep your firewood in good condition and ready for use.
Choose the right firewood
The first step in maintaining fire logs is selecting the right type. Our assorted timber is all hardwood and includes quality Ironbark, Yellow Box, and Red Gum. Hardwood burns longer and produces more heat. Softwoods, such as pine or fir, burn faster and are best used for kindling or in combination with hardwoods. Make sure to choose seasoned fire logs. This means the wood has been dried for at least six months to a year, making it easier to light and burn more efficiently.
Stack your firewood properly
Proper stacking is key for keeping your fire logs dry and ready to burn. Here are some tips for stacking fire logs:
Choose a good location
Stack your fire logs in a dry, well-ventilated area. Avoid stacking it directly on the ground to prevent moisture from seeping up into the wood. Use a pallet or platform to keep the wood off the ground.
Stack with space
Leave space between the logs to allow air to circulate. This helps the wood dry out and prevents mould and rot.
Cover the top
Use a tarp or firewood cover to shield the top of the stack from rain and snow. Make sure the cover is loose enough to allow air circulation but tight enough to keep moisture out.
Keep firewood dry
Moisture is the enemy of good fire logs. Wet or damp wood is harder to ignite, burns less efficiently, and produces more smoke. Here’s how to keep your firewood dry:
Keep your fire logs away from sources of moisture, such as rain or sprinkler systems. If possible, store it in a shed or covered area.
Good airflow around your fire logs stack helps it dry out. Avoid stacking wood against walls or other surfaces that can trap moisture.
Season your firewood
Seasoning firewood means allowing it to dry out thoroughly before burning. This process improves the quality of the wood and makes it burn more efficiently. Here’s how to season your fire logs:
Cut and split your firewood in the spring or summer to give it plenty of time to dry out before winter. Smaller pieces of wood dry faster than larger ones. And if possible, stack your fire logs in a sunny, open area where it can get plenty of sunlight and air circulation. This helps speed up the drying process.
Firewood is ready to burn when it has a moisture content of around 20% or less. You can check this by using a moisture meter or by knocking two pieces of wood together—well-seasoned wood will make a sharp, ringing sound.
Maintain your firewood
Regular maintenance of your fire logs stack helps make sure that it stays in good condition. Check your fire logs stack regularly for signs of mould, rot, or insect infestations. Remove any damaged or infected wood to prevent it from spreading.
Rotate your wood. Use older fire logs first to make sure that all your wood gets used before it has a chance to deteriorate. This helps maintain a steady supply of good-quality firewood.
Handling wood
Proper handling of timber is important to avoid contamination and maintain its quality. For example, timber can be rough and may have splinters. Wearing gloves protects your hands while handling the wood.
And whilst transporting fire logs from the stack to your fireplace or stove, use a log carrier or basket. This helps prevent wood chips and debris from spreading around your home.
Avoiding common pitfalls
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when storing and maintaining firewood:
Don’t stack fire logs too close to your home. It can attract pests and, in extreme cases, pose a fire hazard.
Insects like termites or beetles can infest firewood. If you notice any signs of pests, take action to address the problem quickly.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your firewood ready for those cold winter nights. Proper storage and maintenance not only make your wood burn better but also help you get the most out of it. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of a well-stocked firewood supply, and stay cozy all season long!
Firewood delivery to Coffs Harbour, Grafton & the North Coast Region
Our assorted firewood comes in different quantities:
– Bulk orders
– Ute-sized loads
– Trailer loads
We know that having enough fire logs is important, whether you’re heating your home or having a fire for fun. That’s why we offer flexible delivery options. You can choose from large bulk orders if you need a lot, ute-sized loads for smaller amounts, or trailer loads for something in between. Our wood is well-seasoned and high quality, so you can count on it to burn well and keep you warm. Get in touch with us today to arrange your fire logs delivery or pick-up.