As a firewood supplier, we pride ourselves on being able to help customers get the right information to make the right firewood purchasing decision. Here are some common questions about firewood.
1. What is kiln-dried wood?
Kiln-dried wood is like wood that's been put in a big oven. It's heated up to dry out all the water inside the wood. This makes it burn better because wet wood doesn't burn well. It's like trying to light a wet piece of paper; it just doesn't work. But once the wood is dry, it's ready to make a great fire!
2. What is seasoned wood?
Seasoned wood is wood that's been left outside to dry naturally, kind of like how clothes dry on a line in the sun. It takes a longer time, usually many months, to get all the water out this way. When wood is seasoned, it means it's dry enough to burn well in your fireplace or firepit.
3. What is the difference between kiln-dried and seasoned wood?
The main difference is how they dry. Kiln-dried wood is dried in a big oven quickly, while seasoned wood dries outside slowly. Kiln-dried wood usually burns better because it's drier and cleaner. Think of it like cooking a marshmallow quickly over a fire (kiln-dried) versus slowly letting it warm up in the sun (seasoned).
4. What is hardwood?
Hardwood comes from trees like oak and maple. These trees grow slower, so their wood is denser and heavier. It's called 'hard' wood because it's tough and doesn't break easily. This type of wood is great for fires because it burns longer and gives off more heat.
5. Why is kiln-dried hardwood the best for fires?
Kiln-dried hardwood is like the superhero of firewood. Because it's dried in a kiln and it's from hard trees, it burns really well. It gives off lots of heat, doesn't make much smoke, and lasts longer than other kinds of wood. It's perfect for keeping you warm and toasty.
6. How many pieces come in a bundle of firewood?
A bundle of firewood usually has about 5 to 12 pieces of wood. Think of it like a big pizza cut into slices – each slice is a piece of firewood. The exact number can vary, but it's enough for a nice fire. We carry bundles that are .75 cubic feet. The bundle is based on total size, not total number of pieces.
7. What is a cord of wood, and how big is it?
A cord of wood is a lot of firewood! It's like a big stack that's 4 feet tall, 8 feet long, and 4 feet deep. It's such a large amount that most people getting New York City firewood will not be able to fit a cord in their apartment. A cord of firewood is a common measurement for folks ordering firewood in rural or suburban areas.
8. What is a face cord of wood, and how big is it?
A face cord is one third of a full cord. Oftentimes, companies selling firewood in New York City will use the term "cord" when describing a face cord. These terms are not interchangable. A face cord is 4 feet tall and 8 feet long, and 16 inches deep. The 16 inches is the length of the firewood pieces. A face cord is usually the right amount for people buying firewood in New York City who like to have a fire a few days a week.
9. What's the simplest way to start a fire?
The easiest way to start a fire is to use small pieces of wood called kindling, and maybe a fire starter, which is like a special little block that helps get your fire going. Put the kindling in first, light it, and then slowly add bigger pieces of wood. It's like building a little tower and then watching it catch fire! Refer to our how-to guide for more information.
10. What is the meaning of BTUs when it comes to firewood?
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. It's a way to talk about how much heat something gives off. For firewood, a higher BTU means it gives off more heat. It's like comparing a small heater to a big one – the big one makes you warmer, just like wood with more BTUs.
11. What is the meaning of moisture content when it comes to firewood?
Moisture content is how much water is in the wood. Wood with high moisture content is wet and doesn't burn well, like trying to burn a wet leaf. Dry wood, with low moisture content, burns better and hotter. You want your firewood to be as dry as possible for the best fire.