Is Your Firewood Dry Enough to Burn?
Firewood that’s properly dried is essential for a cozy, efficient fire. If the wood isn’t dry, it won’t burn well, leading to excessive smoke and frustration. (Just ask Skippy!)
Here’s everything you need to know about recognizing and preparing dry firewood.
How to Check if Firewood is Dry
There are several simple and effective ways to test your firewood’s dryness.
The Soap Trick
This test is fun and surprisingly effective. Place a dab of liquid soap on one end of the firewood. Then, blow hard through the other end of the log. If bubbles form at the soap end, your wood is dry. Dry firewood has air channels that allow your breath to travel through, making this possible.
The Sound Test
Tap two pieces of firewood together. If you hear a dull, heavy thud, the wood is still wet. Dry firewood, on the other hand, makes a sharper sound. While helpful, this method doesn’t guarantee the wood is dry all the way through.
The Visual Check
Inspect the wood for signs of dryness. Dry firewood looks cracked and feels lightweight. Its surface should appear clean and free of mold, and the ends of the logs often show small splits. Avoid wood that smells like resin or has a sticky feel—these signs mean it isn’t ready yet.
The Moisture Meter
For a precise reading, use a wood moisture meter. This handy tool measures the exact moisture content of your firewood. Simply press its prongs into the wood, and you’ll know if your logs are below the optimal threshold.
What is the Ideal Moisture Level?
Freshly cut wood can have a moisture content of up to 100%—this means the wood contains as much water as its weight. That’s far too wet for burning. Ideally, firewood should have a moisture content below 20%. For the best performance, aim for wood with a moisture level around 10-15%.
How to Dry Firewood Properly
If your firewood isn’t dry enough, don’t worry—you can season it yourself. Here’s how to prepare your wood for optimal burning.
Choose the Right Wood
Different types of wood dry at different rates. Softwoods like pine season quickly, usually within a few months. Hardwoods like oak take longer, often over a year. Plan ahead by selecting your wood type based on when you’ll need it.
Timing Matters
Summer is the best time to gather and start seasoning firewood. The heat and sunlight help speed up the drying process, ensuring your logs are ready by winter.
Cut It Right
Logs should be uniform in size, about 16 inches long, to fit most fire pits and racks. Smaller pieces dry faster because there’s more surface area for moisture to escape.
Store It Properly
Keep firewood outside where it gets plenty of air and sunlight. Wet or moldy logs can’t dry indoors, so outdoor storage is key. If you live in a rainy area, use a shed or a covered rack, but make sure there’s airflow.
When stacking your firewood:
Elevate the stack so it doesn’t touch the ground.
Place it in a sunny, breezy spot.
Cover the top to protect from rain or snow, but leave the sides open for airflow.
Allow Air Circulation
Good airflow is essential for drying wood. Don’t pack logs too tightly when stacking them—leave gaps for the wind to pass through. The more exposure to air, the faster the moisture evaporates.
What You Should Avoid
Not all wood is safe or effective to burn. Here’s what to steer clear of:
Dead or Diseased Trees: Wood from dying or dead trees might seem dry, but it often burns poorly and unpredictably.
Painted or Treated Wood: Burning these releases harmful chemicals into the air. It’s dangerous for both you and the environment.
Toxic Vines: Wood covered with poison ivy or other toxic plants can release hazardous smoke when burned. Handle these materials carefully and never burn them.
Check out our article on what to burn in a fire pit for more details.
Why Dry Firewood Matters
Burning wet wood leads to frustration. Instead of creating warmth, damp logs smolder and produce thick smoke. Not only does this ruin the ambiance, but it can also clog your chimney and lead to dangerous creosote buildup. Dry wood ensures a clean, efficient fire that heats your space and burns beautifully.
See also: How To Start a Fire in a Fire Pit
Fun Fact: Firewood’s Weight Tells a Story
Dry firewood weighs significantly less than freshly cut wood. As the moisture evaporates, the logs become lighter. This is another quick way to assess whether your firewood is ready to burn—pick it up and feel the difference.
Final Thoughts
Properly dried firewood is the secret to a great fire. By using tools like the soap test or moisture meter and following the right storage practices, you’ll always have dry, ready-to-burn wood. Avoid shortcuts, and start seasoning your wood early—your future cozy evenings around the fire will thank you!