Frequently asked question

Seasoned firewood is naturally air-dried to reduce moisture, while kiln-dried is heat-processed to extremely low moisture levels. Kiln-dried lights faster, burns cleaner with minimal smoke, and produces less creosote buildup in chimneys. Seasoned firewood offers a cost-effective option that still ignites more easily and burns more efficiently than green wood.

A full cord measures 128 cubic feet when stacked — typically 4 feet high, 4 feet deep, and 8 feet long. This quantity suits homeowners using wood as their primary heat source through winter. Half cords work well for occasional fireplace use, while face cords (also called ricks) vary in volume depending on log length.

Oak's density creates longer burn times and produces long-lasting coals that hold heat overnight. This dense hardwood structure delivers excellent heat output, making it ideal for wood stoves where extended burns matter. The extended coal bed means fewer reloads compared to lighter hardwoods.

Mixed hardwood combines several species to balance cost, burn time, and heat output for everyday home heating. This combination provides consistent performance at a lower price point than premium single-species options. The variety also means you get both easy-lighting woods and longer-burning species in each load.

Ash naturally contains lower moisture content and burns well even when only partially seasoned. Its easy-to-split structure and quick lighting characteristics make it very popular for heating. This hardwood doesn't require as long a seasoning period as oak or hickory to achieve efficient combustion.

Extremely low moisture content in kiln-dried wood creates cleaner combustion with less smoke and particulate matter. Lower smoke production means fewer deposits forming inside chimneys during burns. Restaurants using wood-fired ovens and homeowners with indoor fireplaces benefit most from this reduced maintenance need.

Hickory ranks among the highest BTU-producing hardwoods due to its extremely dense structure. This density translates to more heat per log and longer burn times compared to maple or cherry. Commercial kitchens and homeowners prioritizing maximum heat output often choose hickory despite its higher cost.

The region's humid climate can keep improperly stored wood from drying adequately, leading to smoky fires and creosote accumulation. Properly seasoned hardwood burns cleaner and produces more heat because moisture doesn't consume energy during combustion. Lower moisture content also means less smoke affecting neighbors in denser residential areas.

Usage depends on whether wood serves as your primary heat source, home insulation quality, and how cold winters run. Homes relying entirely on wood heat typically burn 3-5 full cords per season, while supplemental fireplace users may only need a half cord or face cord.

Density, BTU output, splitting difficulty, and seasoning time all influence pricing. Oak and hickory cost more due to longer seasoning requirements and higher heat output, while ash and maple offer easier processing. Mixed hardwood provides the most cost-effective option by combining multiple species with varying characteristics.

Kiln-dried firewood works best for wood-fired ovens because it lights quickly, burns very clean, and produces minimal smoke that could affect food flavor. The extremely low moisture content creates consistent oven temperatures. Indoor commercial applications also benefit from reduced smoke production compared to seasoned wood.

A face cord (or rick) measures 4 feet high by 8 feet long but only one row deep, while a full cord is three rows deep totaling 128 cubic feet. Face cord volume varies depending on log length — 16-inch logs yield less wood than 24-inch logs in the same stack dimensions.