Here are the five mistakes to avoid when buying firewood.
There’s something romantic about relaxing by a fire under the stars or a cozy winter night by the fireplace. You might even have a beautiful outdoor fire pit for such an occasion. But where will you get the firewood for your fire? You must purchase your fuel from a dependable firewood supplier. To find quality firewood, you must avoid the common pitfalls that often trip up unsuspecting shoppers. Here are the five mistakes to avoid when buying firewood.
Buying Cheap Firewood
Some firewood vendors will try to sell you wood that isn’t as dry as it needs to be. Firewood should contain less than 20% moisture to burn properly. It takes time to get the wood to this point, but some firewood suppliers don’t have the patience. Instead, they sell it without drying it to make a quick sale.
Untrustworthy suppliers sometimes sell muddy or rotten firewood, which contains insects, mold, or fungus. For these reasons, bad firewood suppliers regularly undercut the price of quality firewood. This forces reputable sellers to charge more because it takes more work to produce a better product.
Not Using Dried Firewood
The best companies dry their firewood before selling it. The drying process makes all the difference. The two main methods for drying firewood are seasoning and kiln drying—vendors season firewood by leaving it out to air-dry for months. The problem with this method is that it does not get the wood down below the 20% moisture threshold. So, seasoned firewood doesn’t always burn as cleanly as it could.
Kiln drying is a much more controlled drying process. Companies place split wood in a kiln for two days at over 260°F. This method gets the wood under 20% moisture while also killing off any insects, mold, or fungus. As a result, kiln-dried firewood ignites easier and burns hotter and longer with minimal smoke.
Not Checking Your Firewood Supplier’s Reputation
A company’s reputation is everything. If the business doesn’t have much of a rapport or people constantly complain about it online, those are red flags you can’t ignore. So, research the companies with firewood for sale.
One good sign of a reputable supplier is if they have been in business for a while. Subpar companies usually don’t last more than a few years. So, if the vendor you’re looking at has over a decade in the industry, they must be doing something right.
Also, the longer a company has been around, the more customer reviews it will have. See what customers say, and don’t be discouraged if you find negative reviews. Often, what’s more telling than the presence of negative reviews is how the company responds to them.
Not Buying Locally Sourced Firewood
When buying firewood, you must consider the environmental impact of your logs and your log burning. Unsustainable or illegal logging practices can harm ecosystems and contribute to deforestation. To ensure your practices are eco-friendly, it’s essential to choose a firewood supplier that sources firewood sustainably. Certified firewood suppliers must show that their logs are harvested ethically and responsibly. This ensures your firewood comes from responsibly managed woodlands. Prioritize sustainable firewood sourcing and log-burning practices while enjoying the warmth of your fire.
Improper Firewood Storage
Proper firewood storage is essential for maintaining their quality and keeping them dry. After all, there’s little point in buying kiln-dried logs only for them to risk exposure to damp conditions. Storing logs on the ground can increase moisture absorption, which can cause rot or mold and significantly reduce the wood’s burning efficiency. Store your logs in a purpose-built and well-ventilated area. Correctly positioning the log store allows sufficient airflow. This keeps the logs dry and ready for burning.
Questions? Lehnhoff’s Supply is Here to Help
If you still have more questions about buying firewood, the trained professionals at Lehnhoff’s Supply are here to help you.
Find us at 2708 Belair Road, Fallston, MD 21047 and give us a call at 410-510-7646. For tips, tricks, and to see what we have been up to, be sure to follow us on Facebook, X – Twitter, and Pinterest!
We serve but aren’t limited to, the following parts of Maryland: Harford County – Fallston, Forest Hill, Joppa, Edgewood, Bel Air, Churchville, Havre de Grace, Jarrettsville, Street, Aberdeen, Abingdon, and Joppatowne. In Baltimore County: Kingsville, Perry Hall, Overlea, Fullerton, Nottingham, Parkville, Towson, Carney, Loch Raven, Lutherville, Timonium, Hunt Valley, Cockeysville, Sparks, Glyndon, Pikesville, Reisterstown, Ruxton, Parkton, Glen Arm, Baldwin, Monkton, Long Green, White Marsh, Rosedale, Phoenix, and Fork.