Choosing the right firewood for your home’s wood burning fireplace
When do you usually to buy your firewood? You may be surprised to know that many homeowners in the UK store large amounts of green firewood and keep it for a year before using it. This gives it time to dry out, but it’s also much cheaper this way, so long as you keep an organised supply.
Do you prefer to buy firewood logs that are already split or do you prefer buying firewood in full rounds? Some homeowners like to buy their wood and split it themselves although with this method you’ve got to have the time to do this safely, and for many, swinging an axe when you’re pressed for time isn’t a good idea! If you like planning, you may ask your supplier (perhaps a local tree trimming business) if you can take firewood from them and store it while it dries out, this might be a great strategy to save money going forward.
If you are looking for more firewood suppliers, you may ask fireplace shops and equipment retailers who sell and repair chainsaws. You can also look for newspaper ads and community bulletin boards, or Craigslist online to find more firewood stores.
Alternatives for Storing Your Firewood
Outdoor firewood storage should not just be a place where the wind and sun can help it dry, it should also be a place where it can protect the firewood from the elements as it will reabsorb moisture from rain and snow. Outdoor storage for your firewood should have a raised floor and a sloped roof to reduce the wood’s exposure to the elements. You probably want some firewood closer to the fireplace, so where exactly should you store firewood? Long-term firewood storage, such as when you are planning to keep it for the next season, should be stored away from the house and outdoor living spaces. Firewood to be used for the next season should be stored with plenty of covers.
When you use a wood stove continuously, it’s worth keeping a few days worth of firewood indoors, so you don’t have to go outside especially if the weather is a bit cold and nasty. Minimise your steps in the mud where you have a small stack of firewood, such as a field or garden.
Storing the firewood near your wood stove or fireplace is a nice touch too. Bag hooks for the bag used to carry in firewood can make the storing easy, however, you need to keep the area clean and safe, as the wood is easy to ignite so keep it far enough from the fire.
Firewood Safety
Remember that firewood was once the primary source of heat for all buildings and many homes so you might want to read books or articles online about firewood safety when collecting your firewood, splitting firewood, as well as storing and burning firewood. This way, you will stay warm, comfy and safe.