charnwoodstoves

Splitting firewood, the process of dividing large logs into smaller pieces, has become necessary to improve the wood’s quality and ensure an efficient burning experience. In this article, we will explore why we split firewood, how it affects the burning experience, and what factors affect the drying time of firewood.

 

Why Firewood is Split

 

Split Firewood is Easier to Light

When a fire is started, it needs three things to keep burning: fuel, oxygen, and heat. Split firewood provides a better balance of these three components, making it easier to ignite than whole logs.

Split firewood has a higher surface area to volume ratio, meaning that more of the wood’s surface is exposed to the air. This affects the wood in two ways: firstly, it is easier to dry the wood, and secondly, it is easier for the wood to ‘catch’.

Wood that is split is easier to dry than larger chunks of wood, and wood that has a high moisture content is challenging to ignite because it takes more heat to evaporate the water.

The increased surface area also means that more oxygen can reach the wood, which is crucial not only for initial combustion but also for keeping the fire burning.

When you light split firewood (and especially when lighting kindling to start the fire), the flames quickly engulf the wood due to the increased surface area and dryness, resulting in a steady heat output. The efficient combustion process that occurs with split firewood also produces less smoke and ash, which is beneficial for both indoor and outdoor fires.

 

Splitting Firewood Produces More Heat

The greater surface area of split wood (when compared to that same log before it was split) also results in greater heat, this is because more oxygen can reach more of the wood and support combustion. The heat generated from the combustion of the wood is then transferred to the surrounding air, which warms up more quickly.

Because split wood is easier to dry than unsplit wood, there is typically less moisture content in split wood. This means the heat generated from split logs can be used to warm the room rather than being used to evaporate the water in the logs, which can be the case with larger, unsplit logs. Burning wood with a high moisture content takes longer and produces less heat and more steam.

 

What Factors Affect Firewood Drying Time?

The species of wood, initial moisture content, season and climate, size and shape, airflow, and storage location all affect the drying time of firewood. Properly seasoned firewood should have a moisture content of less than 20% and be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area for at least 6-12 months before use.

The type of wood affects the drying time because some species of trees have a higher moisture content than others. For instance, hardwoods like oak, hickory and maple have a lower moisture content than softwoods like pine and spruce, which means they dry at a different rate.

The initial moisture content of the wood affects how long it will take to dry. Freshly cut or “green” wood has a higher moisture content than wood that has already been partially seasoned or dried. If buying partially-seasoned wood, you will need to dry it further yourself, but this won’t take as long as drying it from being freshly cut.

Weather conditions can also affect the drying time of firewood. If the wood is exposed to sunlight and wind, it will dry faster than wood stored in a damp or shady area. The storage method also plays a crucial role in the drying time. Firewood stored in a well-ventilated area with a cover to protect it from rain will dry faster than wood stored in a damp or enclosed area. When stacking firewood for drying, make sure there is a good level of airflow between the logs.

 

Burning Whole Logs – What You Should Know

While splitting firewood is recommended for a more efficient and enjoyable burning experience, it is still possible to burn whole logs. However, burning whole logs requires a longer burning time and produces less heat than split wood. It also produces more smoke and ash than split wood.

When burning whole logs, it is essential to make sure they are well-seasoned (dry) and to ensure that the fire has enough oxygen to support combustion, which can be achieved by adjusting the airflow on the wood-burning stove.

Whole logs have a smaller surface area, and as a result, less oxygen can reach the centre of the log. This lack of oxygen can cause the fire to smoulder, producing more smoke and ash, making it harder to maintain a steady heat output. Whole logs also take longer to ignite than split firewood, and they can be challenging to keep burning consistently due to the reduced airflow around the wood.

To find out everything you need to know about firewood, check here.

 

Why Choose Us?

Charnwood has been committed to providing quality wood burning stoves since 1972 and we know all there is to know about wood burners, and how to get the most out of the wood you burn. If you have any questions about heating your home with a wood burning stove, please get in touch.


 

charnwoodstoves

Quality firewood storage is a necessity for wood-burning stove owners. Proper storage is key to ensuring that your firewood stays dry and ready to use, preventing moisture build-up, pest infestations, and mould growth.

In this article, we’ll provide you with tips and guidelines for storing firewood outdoors, including choosing the right location, stacking and covering the wood, and rotating the stack to ensure even drying.

 

Top Tips for Storing Your Firewood Well

 

Choose a dry, well-ventilated area

Firewood must be dry to burn efficiently. A shed, garage, or covered area with good ventilation is ideal.

 

Keep it off the ground

Storing firewood directly on the ground can cause it to absorb moisture and harder to ignite. To prevent this, stack the firewood on a raised platform or pallet.

 

Stack it properly

Stacking the firewood in a neat, organised pile can help it dry more quickly and evenly. Stack the logs in alternating directions to create air pockets between them as this will encourage airflow. Be mindful not to stack the wood too high as this can become unstable and difficult to manage. A stack that is 4 to 5 feet high is usually sufficient.

 

Cover it

Cover firewood with a tarp or other waterproof cover to protect it from rain and snow.

 

Make sure it’s dry

Newly cut firewood can contain up to 60% moisture, so it’s important to let it dry out before burning (moisture content needs to be less than 20% for efficient burning).

Depending on the type of wood and weather conditions, this can take anywhere from 6-18 months. Make sure to rotate logs in your stack regularly to ensure they dry out evenly.

 

Selecting the Right Storage Location

 

Seek Out a Location Close to Your Home

You want to choose a location that’s easily accessible from your home so you can easily bring in and take out firewood as needed. It also makes it easier to keep an eye on your stack.

 

Find a Location off the Soil

As mentioned above, you don’t want to put your firewood directly onto mud or grass as this will cause the wood to absorb moisture from the ground and rot.

You can stack your firewood on surfaces like concrete and gravel, or you can lay a tarp under the firewood. In both these cases, make sure that the wood won’t be sitting in water if it rains. Ideally, you want your firewood raised off of the ground, and you can use a wooden pallet or stacking apparatus designed for storing firewood.

 

Check if There is Room in an Outdoor Non-Wooden Storage Shed

If you have a shed or outbuilding in your garden, you can use this as a place to store your firewood as it is protected from rain and soil. It’s not advisable to use a wooden shed for this as firewood can attract ants – carpenter ants in particular are very damaging to wooden structures. If your shed becomes home to a colony of carpenter ants, over time the roof may become unsupported and you may need to replace the shed.

When considering the best way to store firewood, it is important to ensure proper firewood storage to keep your logs dry and pest-free. Additionally, referencing the best firewood to burn chart UK can help you select the optimal wood types for burning. Knowing how to store logs correctly will ensure your firewood is always ready for use.

To also find out why you should split firewood, check our blog here.

 

Why Choose Us?

Charnwood has been committed to providing quality wood burning stoves since 1972, and we know all there is to know about wood burning stoves. If you have a shed or outbuilding in your garden, you can use this as a place to store your firewood as it is protected from rain and soil. It’s not advisable to use a wooden shed for this as firewood can attract ants – carpenter ants in particular are very damaging to wooden structures. If your shed becomes home to a colony of carpenter ants, over time the roof may become unsupported and you may need to replace the shed.

When considering the best way to store firewood, it is essential to ensure proper firewood storage techniques are followed. Knowing how to store logs correctly will help maintain their quality and readiness for use. Make sure to store firewood off the ground, stack it properly, and cover it to protect against moisture. By following these guidelines, you can effectively store firewood and ensure it remains in good condition for your wood-burning stove. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

charnwoodstoves

With demand as strong as ever now is the perfect time to prepare for next winter. Here’s a quick overview of the top 7 reasons to buy a wood-burning stove. 

 1/ Save money on your heating bill  

An efficient stove can massively reduce your reliance on your central heating. With gas and electricity prices remaining high, kiln-dried/seasoned wood can save you £££’s! 

You can save even more on fuel bills by accessing free sources of wood.  

Find out how/why burning the RIGHT wood saves you money & protects the environment!   

 2/ Increase your wellbeing  

A whopping 93% of Charnwood stove owners replied definitively that their stove has a positive impact on their wellbeing. 

“The wrap round warmth the fire provides improves the feeling of well-being that no other heating system seems to provide.” Charnwood Customer 

Click here to learn more about all the well-being benefits users regularly experience! 

  3/ Energy Security  

Power outages are unavoidable, but with a wood-burning stove and a sufficiently stocked fuel supply, you can still stay warm, illuminated and even cook in case of a blackout. 

“We love our log burner. It makes us feel warm, safe and secure. It helps heat the whole house, which has proved an asset in power cuts. Nothing beats sitting in the living room with the warmth of the fire in the depths of winter.” Charnwood Customer 

 4/ More sustainable than coal-fired electricity 

Electricity generated through burning fossil fuels is not carbon neutral. Even when renewable energy is used, there are still many limitations and challenges that can have a negative impact on the environment. 

Responsibly sourced wood is a carbon-neutral fuel as it gives off the same amount of carbon whether it is burnt or decays naturally. The carbon released from burning wood is balanced out by the carbon absorbed by the tree during its lifetime. 

5/ Multi fuel options  

We always advocate for using kiln dried wood as this is the most sustainable and efficient way to burn. However, multi-fuel stoves open a world of possibilities when it comes to heating your home, offering you the ability to switch to smokeless fuels such as briquettes and wood pellets. 

6/ Add value to your property  

Not only can you enjoy the warmth and beauty of a wood burning fire, but installation can also add value to your home, with estimates ranging between a 5-12% increase. So even if you plan on moving soon, it’s well worth considering a wood burner to add value to your home. 

7/ Make your house a home  

Studies have shown how hearth and campfires can influence arterial blood pressure and defray the costs of the social brain through fireside relaxation. A wood-burning stove is able to harness this powerful effect and help turn a house into a home. 

“It’s extremely relaxing to sit by the fire and watch the flames dance away. So much so in fact, that we opted to cancel our Netflix subscription and we simply don’t watch it any longer. We’d much rather sit and watch the fire instead!” Charnwood Customer 

You’ve read the reasons, now here are the facts 

There is a lot of inaccurate information out there, so to gain some clarity the Stove industry Alliance (SIA) have detailed some important facts that set the record straight. 

If you’re ready for the next step, we strongly recommend that you buy through an official Charnwood stockist, where the after-sales support will be of a standard approved by us. 

By purchasing through this channel you will also qualify for our dealer-backed 10 year guarantee, so lookout for the Official Charnwood Stockist badge. 

 

Find your nearest Charnwood stockist here!