What Is Seasoned Firewood //free\\ Jun 2026

While all wood burns eventually, some species are prized for their efficiency once seasoned:

Look for "checking" or radial cracks spreading from the center to the edges of the log. Bark: The bark should be loose or falling off easily. The Seasoning Process

You may see "kiln-dried" wood for sale. This is wood placed in a massive oven to force the moisture out in days rather than months. Kiln-dried wood is excellent (often below 10% moisture) and kills any insects or fungi. However, it is more expensive and burns faster than naturally seasoned wood. what is seasoned firewood

When you burn wet wood, the energy of the fire is used to boil the water inside the log. This creates steam and smoke. As this mixture rises into your cooler chimney, it condenses into creosote —a black, tar-like substance that is highly flammable. Burning unseasoned wood is a leading cause of chimney fires.

What Is Seasoned Firewood? Why Kiln-Dried Is the Better Choice While all wood burns eventually, some species are

Next time you buy a cord or stack a log, remember: Don’t burn wet wood. Give your wood time to season, and your fireplace will thank you with a safe, roaring fire.

High water content causes smoldering and thick, white smoke. This is wood placed in a massive oven

Because you aren't wasting energy boiling water, seasoned wood burns significantly hotter. You will use fewer logs to heat the same space, saving you money and labor.

The wood will fade from white or bright tones to a dull grey or yellowish-brown.