Coal may be the go-to fuel for many property owners for the past two centuries, however the human race has relied on firewood for significantly longer. After all, it is a renewable fuel that is available in abundance. With this said, it is important that customers invest in logs that have been seasoned in order to remove excess moisture as this provides a cost-effect and efficient fire output. Read on as we go over everything there is to know about seasoning firewood…

What You Need

Seasoned firewood is wood that has been dried over a period of 6-12 months in order to remove as much moisture as possible and obtain a moisture content of 20% or less. As a result, it is important that those opting to season their own logs have the time and patience to carry out the process properly. In addition to this, the logs must be stacked in a suitable location above the ground where air will be able to circulate effectively.

Characteristics

Buying pre-seasoned logs can save homeowners a significant amount of time, however some people prefer to carry out the process themselves. As a result, it is essential that they are able to recognise the characteristics of seasoned wood in order to know when the logs are suitable for burning. For instance, seasoned logs have a pale colour with visible cracks and they should feel lightweight to lift due to their lack of moisture. In addition to this, knocking two logs together should create a clear, echoing noise rather than a dull thud.

The Seasoning Process

The first thing that those choosing to self-seasoning should know is that the seasoning process can differ depending on wood type. For example, softwoods like fir, cedar, alder and spruce will season in around 6 months whereas hardwoods like oak, ash, birch and cherry will take 1-2 years. After selecting the type of wood, a log shack should be built where the wood will be stacked and should be situated above the ground in a cool, dry location. The wood can then be cut into logs that are around 16 inches long and 6-8 wide as this will help it dry faster, and it should be stacked using a technique that allows air to circulate. It is important that they are covered with tarpaulin during the wet months to protect them but only loosely in order to prevent condensation.

Here at Pearson Fuels, our range of high-quality bituminous coal is rivalled only by our range of seasoned firewood and kiln dried logs. After all, we recognise that the fossil fuel may not be suitable for the burning requirements of some of our customers and that is why we work hard in order to maintain a high-quality and versatile product range. To find out more information, get in contact with the best coal merchants on the market and speak to a member of the Pearson Fuels team today!