If you think you just go outside and cut down wood for a fire to be used immediately, think again. Firewood is more than just wood. It is wood that has been specially cut and prepared to burn efficiently for heat, cooking, or pleasure. Firewood suppliers go through several steps to ensure they are producing and selling quality firewood. Let's look at how firewood is made.

Cutting Matters

Although technically you can burn anything if you try hard enough, that doesn't necessarily mean it will burn well or efficiently. Good firewood is wood that has been cut and divided a certain way to ensure it can be stacked properly for seasoning and for the best ventilation in a fire. Firewood suppliers will take their time to ensure the wood is cut most effectively. Good firewood is cut and split using age-old techniques. You will immediately recognize good firewood because of its traditional wedge shape. The shape and the size of the pieces will affect how easily it catches fire, how long it burns, and how well it stacks.

Seasoning Matters

Firewood that is going to burn well needs to be seasoned. According to Carlsbad Current-Argus, firewood needs to be aged at least six months before it is sold. Seasoning is the process of allowing the wood to dry. Wet wood, or green wood doesn't burn very well. It will catch fire, but the fire it produces will be very smoky and can't get as hot as seasoned wood can. Quality firewood will be dry and seasoned. Firewood suppliers take seasoning very seriously!

The Type of Wood Matters

Different types of wood also burn differently. Hardwoods, for instance, such as oak, are known to produce hot, slow-burning fires. This is the preferred type of fire, especially if you are using wood to heat your home. Slow, hot fires mean that you can use your firewood supply more efficiently. Some types of wood, such as pine, burn up very quickly. Although this wood is also good for fires when seasoned properly, you should keep in mind that you might need a bigger supply of softwoods to get the same burn time. Another factor that should be considered is the different types of gases that certain woods might produce when burned. Any time you burn wood you are creating a chemical reaction. Any gases that are built up in the wood will be released. This can affect how the wood burns.

If you are looking for quality firewood suppliers, please contact us at Oregon Wood Sales today. We look forward to hearing from you!