The Best Way to Season Firewood

Seasoned firewood is more energy efficient.

A fireplace gives any room a warm, cozy feeling. The rich aroma of seasoned wood tantalizes your senses while the heat from the flames keeps you toasty on even the most bitter winter night. Many people with fireplaces choose to keep a woodpile near their home for easy access. This wood is often seasoned, which does not involve anything from the spice rack. Seasoned wood has a moisture content that is below 20 percent. Seasoned wood also produces less smoke and burns hotter. The best way to season firewood is by effectively drying it out.

Things You'll Need

• Maple, beech, ash or yellow birch logs
• Ax
• Branches or old wood planks
• 4 mil plastic sheeting
• Rocks

Instructions

1. Lay down long branches or old wood planks on the ground near a fence or the side of a shed or house. Make sure the area has ample sunlight.

2. Split the logs in half or to the desired size with an ax.

3. Lay the first layer of logs over the branches or wood planks diagonally, butting the ends against the fence or wall.

4. Lay the next layer of logs over the first layer diagonally in the opposite direction to create a crisscross pattern, which allows for better air flow. Stack each layer of logs in this way, alternating diagonals.

5. Drape the woodpile with 4 mil plastic sheeting and weigh it down at the top at each corner with heavy rocks. Pull the sheeting down to the ground and weigh the ends down in the same manner. Keep the wood loosely covered at all times for about six months before using it.

References

• Fireplace Lowdown: Seasoned Wood--What Does that Mean?
• End Times Report: Drying and Storing Firewood
• Elements Online Environmental Magazine: The Healthy Wood Stove Campaign