How To Season Firewood: 8 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Season Firewood PDF download Download Article Explore this Article Steps Steps Other Sections Video Questions & Answers Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Reviewed by Ky Furneaux

Last Updated: May 6, 2021 Approved

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This article was reviewed by Ky Furneaux. Ky Furneaux is a survival expert, outdoor guide, and professional stuntwoman based in Australia. She’s been featured in over 100 films and TV productions, and has hosted, produced, and participated in some of the most extreme TV survival shows including MTV’s Made and Discovery’s Naked and Afraid. She has authored 5 survival books, including "The Superwoman’s Survival Guide" and "Survive: The All-In-One Guide to Staying Alive in Extreme Conditions", with the goal of sharing her knowledge of survival techniques with others. As an accomplished stuntwoman, she won a Taurus Award in 2012 for Best Female Stunt Performer and has doubled stars like Jennifer Garner, Anne Hathaway, Jaime Alexander, and Sharon Stone. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 15 testimonials and 95% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 1,102,341 times.

Freshly chopped firewood has up to 50% water content and won't burn in your fireplace. First, you must let the firewood season (dry), which allows the moisture to escape––the drier the wood, the cleaner the burn. When the wood gets down below 20% water content, it's ready to burn.[1] Burning unseasoned (green) or even partially seasoned wood in your stove or fireplace will cause creosote build-up in your chimney, which can lead to a chimney fire at the worst, and a lack of fire or a roomful of smoke at best. Every homeowner reliant on wood should know how to season wood.

Steps

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  1. Step 1 Before drying, know the properties of your wood. 1 Before drying, know the properties of your wood. The duration of seasoning depends on the wood and for deciduous trees, when the tree was felled. The sap of deciduous trees moves to the roots in the winter, so such trees felled in winter have a much lower moisture content to begin with, and so will be seasoned more quickly. In general, pine and other softwoods require around 6 to 12 months to season, while hardwoods such as oak require a year to 2 years.[2] However, this rule of thumb has exceptions, so knowing the tree type and its water content is important.
    • Surface water will usually evaporate quickly; the concern is the moisture content within the wood.
    • Wood such as shagbark hickory, cherry and black locust will gain little benefit from air drying, as they have low moisture content. On the other hand, wood from such trees as hemlock, cottonwood, American elm and sycamore will benefit from long drying times. Many other tree types are variable.[3]
    • Importantly, there isn't any point seasoning wood longer than it needs to be. Over-dried wood will have less energy as volatile esters in the wood evaporate. These waxy substances contain a great deal of heat energy, so it is a mistake to think that longer is necessarily better.
    • A special instrument can be hired or purchased that tests the moisture content of wood (usually known as a "wood moisture test meter" or similar).
  2. Step 2 Gather and stack wood at the right time of year. 2 Gather and stack wood at the right time of year. With the exception of wanting to gather deciduous trees when their sap is lowest during winter, gathering and seasoning wood during the summer season makes good sense because you can take advantage of the warm weather to start drying out the wood. In areas with little rainfall during summer, open air storage is also a viable option; any rain that does fall will usually replace sap and as the water evaporates faster in the heat, the fuel will dry faster.[2] Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Chop the wood in readiness for storage. 3 Chop the wood in readiness for storage.[4] It's best to get the pieces down to no more than 6-8 inches (15cm-20cm) in diameter. Eighteen inches (45cm) long is a common size, though 16 inches (40cm) is the correct length for a face cord and will fit better in smaller stoves.
  4. Step 4 Store the wood outdoors. 4 Store the wood outdoors.[5] Do not store wood inside; if there are termites, you don't want them getting at your house!
  5. Step 5 Stack the wood so it isn't sitting directly on the ground or right up against a wall. 5 Stack the wood so it isn't sitting directly on the ground or right up against a wall.[6] If you don't have a woodshed, cut two saplings to use as a base to keep the firewood from contact with the ground. Pallets are also a great alternative.
    • If you don't have or don't want to make side supports, you can stack the ends by turning the direction of wood 90 degrees with each layer and the end stacks will be self supporting.
  6. Step 6 Allow space between the stack and a wall to allow air to move. 6 Allow space between the stack and a wall to allow air to move. Air circulation is an essential part of the seasoning process, to ensure that the wood dries. Ideally, you would have a moisture barrier such as a tarp below the wood, and/or have it spaced up off the ground to allow air flow.[7]
  7. Step 7 Ensure that the top of the wood is covered to allow rain (or snow) to run off without soaking the wood. 7 Ensure that the top of the wood is covered to allow rain (or snow) to run off without soaking the wood. However, keep the ends of the stack uncovered to allow air to circulate and moisture to escape.
    • Bark acts like a lid on firewood, offering natural protection.[2] On split wood, stack the wood with the bark on the bottom to allow the wood to dry faster. If you are storing the wood without cover, stacking with the bark on top will prevent some of the rain from soaking into the wood.
    • There are two theories on the covering of wood during the seasoning process and you must decide for yourself which theory you wish to follow. One theory is that already stated––cover the wood to prevent the rain and snow from entering the center of the stack and gathering there. However, within the firewood community, another theory holds that you do not have to cover your wood at all, ever. Just leave it out there in the weather and it will season just as well as if you covered it. This theory has its supporters and the they are quite sure it works just as well as covering your pile. Perhaps divide your wood and try an experiment with both ways.
  8. Step 8 Check for wood dryness. 8 Check for wood dryness. You can use the wood moisture test meter as mentioned earlier, if you have access to one. Alternatively, try these simple test:[2]
    • 1. Pick two pieces of wood that you think is dry. Knock the two pieces together. If you hear more of a "ring" than a "thud", then it's probably dry.
    • 2. Also, check for radial cracks at the ends of the wood, which indicate dryness.
    • 3. Burn a piece on a roaring fire base. If three of the sides begin to burn within 15 minutes, the fuel is dry.
    9. Advertisement

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Community Q&A

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  • Question Should I dry oak before splitting it? Community Answer Community Answer I've just been splitting it before drying. I think that it will dry faster that way and it's easier to stack. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 31 Helpful 205
  • Question Does a standing dead tree need to be seasoned as long as a green tree? Community Answer Community Answer No. I have a lot of dead standing spruce, and once cut, it only takes a day or so to dry. In some cases, the wood can be burned immediately. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 13 Helpful 44
  • Question Are maple and cherry considered hardwoods? Community Answer Community Answer Hardwood is wood from dicot angiosperm trees. Hardwood contrasts with softwood (which is from gymnosperm trees). A gymnosperm is a plant that has seeds unprotected by an ovary or fruit. Gymnosperms include the conifers, cycads, and ginkgo. Cherries, very obviously, are not gymnosperms. The seed of a cherry is protected by the cherry fruit. Maples are a little more confusing. However, it is also important to know that angiosperms have broad leaves which change color or drop during the winter, and maples do that. So, to answer your question, both maple and cherry are considered hardwood. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 34 Helpful 53
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Tips

  • Place the stack of wood where it will get the most sun all day long. Thanks Helpful 230 Not Helpful 82
  • The notion that pine is dangerous to burn, or creates more creosote is an old wives' tale. If seasoned properly, it will not create any more creosote than other types of wood. It does, however, burn hotter and faster than denser hardwoods due to its high resin content, meaning that you'll churn through it faster. Thanks Helpful 309 Not Helpful 118
  • Ash cannot be burned immediately as most people seem to think. It needs to be seasoned like any other wood. Most people think ash can be burned immediately because it has a lower moisture content than any other fresh cut woods. Ash can have as little as 30% moisture content compared to 50% of other species of wood. Most wood is seasoned enough after 8 months if proper steps are taken, but longer is better obviously. Ideally you want only 20% moisture content in your wood Thanks Helpful 200 Not Helpful 97
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Never completely cover the wood with a tarp. It will serve to trap the moisture that is escaping from the wood and will rot the wood rather than dry it. The moisture must be allowed to escape the pile. Thanks Helpful 99 Not Helpful 43
  • Do not stack wood higher than your own height. Being hit on the head by a log falling can cause serious injury. Thanks Helpful 82 Not Helpful 49
  • Do not burn unseasoned (green) or even partially seasoned wood in your stove or fireplace as this will cause creosote build-up in your chimney, which could lead to a chimney fire. Moreover, it may not even burn at all. Thanks Helpful 64 Not Helpful 54
  • Be careful chopping wood. It's easier than you think to injure yourself with that axe. (Actually, accidents with axes are one of the leading causes of injuries in homes where homeowners provide their own wood.) Thanks Helpful 61 Not Helpful 51
  • When chopping wood, wear goggles and baseball catcher's shin guards to protect yourself from the axe entering your shins on a missed swing. Thanks Helpful 64 Not Helpful 57
  • Some woods naturally spit a lot, even after seasoning. Take additional care with such woods to avoid dry materials and fabrics from catching on fire due to sparks. Thanks Helpful 54 Not Helpful 50
  • Avoid using endangered species of trees for wood, as well as avoiding any native species that are on the decline. Thanks Helpful 67 Not Helpful 71
  • Be wary of snakes, spiders and/or other potentially dangerous creatures taking up residence in your woodpile. Never put your hand into a pile unprotected––purchase decent leather or other gloves and move wood from the edges rather than sticking hands into holes. Thanks Helpful 41 Not Helpful 41
  • Never stack rotten wood. There is no point keeping it, as it will provide very little heat when burned. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 2
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/self-reliance/seasoning-firewood-tips-ze0z1411zdeh
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 The Natural Parent, The Burning Issue…, pp. 42-43, Issue Autumn 2012
  3. ↑ Abigail Gehring, The Back to Basics Handbook, p. 67, (2011), ISBN 978-1-61608-261-1
  4. ↑ https://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/self-reliance/seasoning-firewood-tips-ze0z1411zdeh
  5. ↑ https://thisnzlife.co.nz/5-tips-to-drying-firewood/
  6. ↑ https://www.firewood-for-life.com/how-to-season-firewood.html
  7. ↑ https://www.firewood-for-life.com/how-to-season-firewood.html

About This Article

Ky Furneaux Reviewed by: Ky Furneaux Survival and Outdoors Expert This article was reviewed by Ky Furneaux. Ky Furneaux is a survival expert, outdoor guide, and professional stuntwoman based in Australia. She’s been featured in over 100 films and TV productions, and has hosted, produced, and participated in some of the most extreme TV survival shows including MTV’s Made and Discovery’s Naked and Afraid. She has authored 5 survival books, including "The Superwoman’s Survival Guide" and "Survive: The All-In-One Guide to Staying Alive in Extreme Conditions", with the goal of sharing her knowledge of survival techniques with others. As an accomplished stuntwoman, she won a Taurus Award in 2012 for Best Female Stunt Performer and has doubled stars like Jennifer Garner, Anne Hathaway, Jaime Alexander, and Sharon Stone. This article has been viewed 1,102,341 times. 1,049 votes - 95% Co-authors: 25 Updated: May 6, 2021 Views: 1,102,341 Categories: Featured Articles | Firewood In other languages Italian Spanish Russian French Portuguese Indonesian
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Reader Success Stories

  • David Hansen

    David Hansen

    May 11, 2016

    "Being that I'm retired and enjoy the outdoors, I burn a lot of wood. I've self-educated myself somewhat,..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Ky Furneaux Reviewed by: Ky Furneaux Survival and Outdoors Expert Co-authors: 25 Updated: May 6, 2021 Views: 1,102,341 95% of readers found this article helpful. 1,049 votes - 95% Click a star to add your vote David Hansen

David Hansen

May 11, 2016

"Being that I'm retired and enjoy the outdoors, I burn a lot of wood. I've self-educated myself somewhat,..." more Will Moore

Will Moore

May 26, 2020

"I have both oil-fired central heating and a wood burner I installed myself. Living in France. I will collect cut..." more Rik Carey

Rik Carey

Feb 5, 2017

"Been burning wood since a child, now over 60. Grandfather, father, all used wood stoves. Love cutting, splitting,..." more Warren McNabb

Warren McNabb

Aug 10, 2016

"Very helpful. I'm planning to heat my home with wood 90% of the time this winter. My wife and I enjoy wood..." more Lenny Fierro

Lenny Fierro

Dec 24, 2017

"Great to give the reasons why people choose to either cover or leave wood uncovered. I also think humidity and..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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