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Buying Firewood is easy, just make sure you......Buy firewood species that suit your needs
There are several things to consider when buying firewood.
It's important that you know(and can recognize) the difference between green and seasoned wood. Also,you need to understand the units of measure such as a face cord and a cord.
The firewood species should suit your needs. Ending up with 3 cords of aspen or white pine is going to make for a long winter!
Storing firewood is an important part of the process. Without proper storage, quality seasoned firewood can rot and become wet.
Finally, make sure you get a fair deal! Nobody wants to overpay for anything, especially on an item like firewood. Look below to find more detailed information on all of these topics before buying firewood.
Green vs. Seasoned FirewoodWood is largely composed of water when it is freshly cut(green). Depending on the species and when it was cut, it could have over 50% moisture content. Wood has to dry out before it can burn. When you are burning wet wood, a lot of the energy is wasted in drying the wood before it actually burns. You end up with an inefficient fire that is hard to keep going. What a pain! Seasoned wood should have less than 20% moisture content and will burn much more efficiently. It's easy to burn and you will get much more heat out of your fire.
I know what you're thinking...Why on Earth would anyone buy green wood?
Because it's cheaper! When buying firewood, always consider buying green wood if you can store it properly and afford to wait a year or two before burning it. You'll save money and ensure that your wood is plenty dry.
Click here to learn more information about spotting the differences between green and seasoned wood. Units of MeasureFirewood is most commonly sold by the cord or face cord. Some places will also sell by the truckload or rick. Regardless of the unit of measure, firewood is always sold by volume. It's important to know exactly how much wood you are getting when ordering. Running out of firewood in the middle of the winter can be a chilling experience! Don't get stuck out in the cold.
Click here to view my guide to the different units of measure used when buying firewood. Storing firewood...often overlookedYou wouldn't buy milk and then let it sit on your counter for a week before drinking it. Would you????
Well then, don't do the same thing with your firewood! It's amazing how many people spend good money on firewood and leave it to rot in a pile in their backyard.
Don't become one of those people.
Click here to learn about the many different ways to store your wood properly. Get the right species for the jobUnfortunately, not all firewood was created equal. When buying firewood, always know the species of wood that will be included in your order.
Generally speaking, the denser the wood, the longer it will burn. Actually, all wood burns about the same- but only when you are talking about weight of dry wood. For example, pine weighs much less than oak. But guess what??? Firewood is sold by volume! So it's important to ask which species of wood will be included in your order.
Click here to learn about all the different types of firewood that are commonly used. Firewood PricesHow do you know if you are paying a fair price for firewood? There are many factors to take into account before determining a price.
Click here to learn how much you should pay for firewood.
Buy from a reputable firewood businessBuying firewood from a trustworthy business is the only way to go. There are too many factors to worry about otherwise. Are you actually getting seasoned wood? Did you get the two cords you ordered? It can be hard to tell when they dump it in a pile on your driveway. Dealing with a reputable company is important. Click here to see Keep-it-Simple-Firewood's list of recommended firewood companies. All of the companies that are recommended have passed the necessary criteria and are top notch.
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