Ok, so you've done your annual fireplace inspection and now you're ready to buy firewood. Follow these smart woodburning tips for a great, crackling fire
1) Always check your source. Buy your firewood by the cord or rick instead of a whole truckload and you'll get exactly what you pay for. A standard cord of firewood is 128 cubic feet of wood, generally measured as a stack 8 ft. long by 4 ft. tall by 4 ft. deep. A rick is 8 ft. long by 4 ft. tall by the depth of the wood (approximately 18 inches.)
2) Is it dry? Dry, well seasoned firewood, with an average moisture content of 20-25 percent is easier to start, produces more heat and burns cleaner.
Home improvement stores sell inexpensive, hand held moisture meters to check your wood. In a pinch though, you can simply bang two pieces together. If the two pieces of seasoned wood are banged together, they make a "clunk." Two pieces of green wood will make a "thud."
3) Species. Species doesn't matter as much as moisture content. Premium hardwoods are great but softer woods like elm and even maple make fine hardwood as long as you are willing to make a few extra trips to the woodpile.
4) Store smart. Wood should be stored off the ground if possible and protected from excess moisture. Termites will think they have died and gone too heaven in your woodpile so keep only a small amount near your house.
Remember, probably the most important question you can ask is, "Is It Dry?" for a great crackling fire.
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