How to Dry Season Green Wood and Save Money on Home Heating

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By Limowreck
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Trying to cut home heating costs? If you're using a fireplace, consider buying green wood and seasoning it yourself. Green wood is much less expensive and will only need a season to a year for perfect winter burning.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Green Wood
Ax or Saw (if wood is uncut)
Drying Area
Drying Rack (optional)
Plastic Tarp (optional)
Plastic or Wood Ground Barrier

Step 1

Cut the Wood ~ If the green wood you have purchased has not been split, you will need to do so prior to drying. The length of the wood should be around 18". The wood should be between 5" inches and 8" in diameter for optimal drying.
Step 2

Lay Barrier ~ Use a plastic tarp, trash bag, or board as a barrier to keep your wood off the ground. Lay your barrier on the ground where you intend to build your drying stack.
Step 3

Stack the Wood ~ Stack your split green wood in the sunniest location available. Ideally, your green wood should have direct sunlight throughout the day. Stack your wood in pairs, alternating the direction of each pair. This will allow for better air flow.
Step 4

Rotate ~ Every few weeks to a month, rotate your wood stack to ensure even drying throughout the pile.
Step 5

Cover from Weather ~ Use a tarp to keep your stack covered from extreme weather conditions. This step is optional. Covering your stack will protect it from weather moisture. However, you must remember to remove the tarp when dampness is no longer a concern. Leaving the tarp in place will prevent green wood from drying.

Comments

psychonurse said

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on 12/21/2008 I use wood on a daily basis in the winter, to augment oil heat. The greenwood theory of buy cheap, buy early, and rotate logs often works for me! 5*****