When it comes to enjoying a cosy fire or heating your home efficiently, the quality of firewood plays a crucial role. As a homeowner and fireplace enthusiast, your role in assessing and choosing high-quality firewood is significant. High-quality firewood burns longer, produces more heat, and is less likely to cause creosote buildup in your chimney. The Firewood Company has created a comprehensive guide to empower you in this process.
When winter comes knocking, there is simply nothing better than snuggling up next to the roar and heat of a fireplace. However, it's no surprise to many fireplace enthusiasts that going cheap on the wood or burning the wrong firewood can leave you missing the entire experience. The choice of wood you choose will ultimately dictate the type of burn you have and the overall efficiency of your wood burner.
What to Look for in Good Quality Firewood
Moisture Content: One of the most critical factors in firewood quality is moisture content. Firewood should have a moisture content of less than 20%. Wet or green wood is more challenging to ignite, burns less efficiently, and produces more smoke and creosote – cue the blocked chimney. You can use a moisture meter to check the moisture content or perform a simple visual and tactile test—seasoned wood will feel lighter and have cracks in the end grain. Burning wet or unseasoned wood will leave you with a fire that needs constant attention and will not create the heat required for an efficient burn.
Density: Denser wood generally burns hotter and longer. You can gauge density by lifting a piece of firewood; heavier pieces are usually denser. Additionally, denser woods often produce more heat per unit of volume. Commonly known as 'hardwoods', these are perfect for adding to the fireplace on a good bed of glowing embers.
Appearance: Good-quality firewood should be dry and have visible cracks in the end grain. The bark may be starting to peel off, indicating that the wood has been seasoned properly. Avoid wood that looks mouldy, has excessive cracks, or appears soft.
Sound Test: Striking two pieces of firewood together can also give you an idea of its quality. Well-seasoned wood will produce a sharp, crisp sound, while green or wet wood will make a dull thud.
The Best Firewood in NZ
In New Zealand, the choice of firewood can significantly affect your heating efficiency. Here's a rundown of some popular options:
Kiln-Dried Firewood: Kiln-dried firewood is ideal for a clean and efficient burn. The drying process ensures that the wood has very low moisture content, which makes it easy to light and produces less smoke. It's an excellent choice if you're looking for convenience and high performance.
Old Man's Pine: Known for its density and high heat output, Old Man's Pine is a popular choice. It's often used for its excellent burning qualities and ability to produce a steady, hot fire.
Pine: Pine is a readily available and affordable option. While it burns quickly and can produce more creosote, it's still a good choice for a quick, hot fire. For longer-lasting burns, it's best to mix pine with other types of wood.
Wattle: Wattle is another excellent option, especially valued for its density and long burn times. It's often used in combination with other woods for a balanced fire.
Douglas Fir: Douglas Fir is known for its high heat output and long burn time. It's a dense wood that can provide a steady and warm fire.
Gum: Gum is popular in NZ due to its high density and long burn time. It can produce a lot of heat and is excellent for keeping warm during colder months.
At The Firewood Company, we suggest having a good mixture of hard and soft woods to ensure easy lighting and long burns that will provide ample heating for your home.
Why Buying Local Firewood is Important
Buying local firewood is not just about heating your home, it's about supporting your community. Utilising local suppliers helps support the community and regional economy. In this environmentally conscious society, buying locally also reduces the need for long transportation distances and lowers the carbon footprint associated with your firewood. This can also benefit homeowners with lower wood prices. Firewood is often more affordable because it doesn't incur high transportation costs.
Local providers are also a wealth of knowledge about your region and are much more likely to offer wood that is well-suited to your climate and conditions.
Questions to Ask Your Local Firewood Supplier
When buying firewood, ask these questions to ensure you're getting a good product:
What is the moisture content of the firewood? Make sure it's below 20%.
How long has the wood been seasoned? Ideally, it should be seasoned for at least six months.
What type of wood do you offer? Different types have different burning qualities.
What would suit my situation best?
What are your storage practices? Proper storage can affect the quality of the firewood.
Beware of Firewood Scams
Be cautious of the following potential scams. Sadly, there are many scams circulating on social media. While the firewood might seem like a great, cheap deal, it will often leave you bitterly disappointed and cold.
Unseasoned Wood - Some sellers might offer poorly seasoned wood, which can lead to poor burning performance.
Overstated Claims - Beware of sellers making exaggerated claims about the wood's quality or performance.
Hidden Costs - Ensure you're transparent about all costs, including delivery fees and additional charges.
By knowing what to look for and asking the right questions, you can ensure you get high-quality firewood that will burn efficiently and provide the warmth you need.
GOT YOUR WOOD YET? You know who to call!
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