Firewood 101 — the complete burning guide
Whether you're burning for warmth, ambiance, or cooking — getting the most out of your fire starts with the right wood. We've put together everything you need to know, from choosing between kiln-dried and seasoned to storing your logs and starting the perfect fire.
Kiln-Dried vs. Seasoned Wood
Kiln-dried
- Under 20% moisture
- Lights fast, burns clean
- Less smoke and creosote
- Ready to burn immediately
Seasoned
- 20–25% moisture (variable)
- Takes 6–24 months to dry
- More smoke if rushed
- Lower, inconsistent heat
Pro Tip
Burning wet wood produces 3× more smoke and coats your flue with creosote.
Wood Species Guide
Oak
High heat · Long burn
Heat output
Hickory
Intense heat · Smoky scent
Heat output
Mixed Hardwood
Balanced burn · Mixed hardwood blend
Heat output
How to Store Firewood
Do's
Stack it off the ground — use a rack or pallets to allow airflow underneath
Cover only the top — sides need airflow, wrapping traps moisture
Keep it dry — store in a shed or under a purpose-built cover
Don'ts
Don't store against the house — keep 3+ feet away, pests love a warm wall
Don't burn wet wood — check moisture content before burning
Don't stack on bare soil — it wicks moisture up into the logs
Fire-Starting Tips
Open the damper fully
Check airflow before you light anything — a closed damper means smoke in your living room
Start with kindling
Small pieces first, build heat before adding large logs — never start with a big log
Use the top-down method
Large logs at the base, kindling on top — burns longer with less tending and produces less smoke
Add logs gradually
Once the fire is established, add one log at a time and let it catch before adding the next
Ready to stock up?
Browse our kiln-dried firewood bundles, delivered to your door.