In order to create an efficient fire, it is important that you invest time into choosing your fuel. After all, purchasing poor quality firewood will not only leave you out of pocket, it will leave you with unusable fuel for your fire. Here at Pearson Fuels, we want our clients’ fires to burn bright and beautifully which is why we have decided to go over some of the key characteristics of high-quality firewood…

Moisture

If firewood has a lot of water in it then it will not be able to hold a flame very well. That is why it is important to take moisture content into consideration when you are trying to identify high-quality firewood. As a general rule, heavier wood tends to have a higher moisture content, somewhere between 50%-70%. This means that you can spot firewood that has been correctly seasoned – a lengthy process used to remove moisture – by checking its weight. For best results, your firewood should have a moisture content between 20% and 25% and thus, be lightweight.

Appearance

Well-seasoned firewood is often light in colour and will have visible splitting marks through it which occur when the logs are starting to become scare of moisture. If you see firewood that is dark with a visible green tinge with bark that is difficult to peel, then it is a good indication that the wood is not in a suitable enough condition to burn yet.

Size

Firewood that has been correctly seasoned will have been pre-cut into sizes suitable for burning as this helps speed up the seasoning process. This means that you shouldn’t have to do anything to the firewood you purchase in order to make it suitable for burning. Always pay attention to the firewood you are inspecting as large sizes may not be completely seasoned.

When it comes to firewood, there is nothing more important than moisture content. After all, the percentage will determine how hot your fire burns and how bright its flames are. Here at Pearson Fuels, we have a wide range of kiln dried logs and important firewood to choose from that come with some of the lowest moisture contents around. Get in contact with the best coal merchants around to find out more information today!