- Jun 26
- 2 min read

When it comes to being prepared for the burning season, a little planning goes a long way. Selecting and properly storing your firewood this summer allows it several months to dry out or "season" for safe and efficient burning this fall. Here are some timely tips from the pros at Admiralty Chimney.
1. Choose hardwood for better heating. For safe, efficient, and steady heating, choose hardwoods like oak, maple, or birch. Hardwoods are denser than softwoods (e.g., pine, spruce, and fir) and burn more efficiently, which means less creosote buildup in your chimney.
2. Look for seasoned wood or plan enough time to dry it out yourself. If you're buying firewood in the summer, you might find some that’s already partially seasoned. That’s great, but even green wood (freshly cut) can be a smart (and more affordable) option if you give it the rest of the summer to dry out.
3. Only buy by the cord and be wary of “deals.” A true cord of wood measures four feet high by four feet wide by eight feet long. To ensure you’re getting what you pay for, avoid buying wood from suppliers who use vague measuring terms like “truckload” or “face cord.”
Storing Your Firewood:
Proper storage is crucial to ensuring your firewood remains dry and seasons properly throughout the summer months.
1. Select a sunny, breezy spot.
Firewood seasons best when it gets plenty of sun and airflow. Choose an open area away from buildings and shaded tree cover.
2. Store your firewood away from your home.
Don’t stack wood right against your house. Insects, mice, and other pests love a good woodpile--and you don’t want them finding their way inside your home.
3. Keep it off the ground. Wood that comes into contact with moist soil or grass is susceptible to mold growth, rot, and insect infestations. Use pallets, a wood rack, or even a few bricks to keep your wood stack off the damp ground.
4. Don't stack your firewood too tightly. Stack your firewood in rows with the bark side up, leaving some space between each piece to ensure proper air circulation.
5. Only cover the top of your wood stack. Use a tarp, metal roof, or specially designed firewood cover to protect the top of your wood stack from rain, but leave the sides open. Trapping moisture under a full tarp can slow down the seasoning process and lead to mildew growth.
How do you know if your firewood is properly seasoned?
Check for moisture clues. Seasoned wood usually has:
Cracked ends
A lighter weight
A hollow sound when two pieces are knocked together
For an accurate measure of your wood’s moisture, use a moisture meter. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, wood burns best at a moisture level of 15 to 20%.
Chimney Cleanings, Inspections, and Repair in Southern NH and Northern MA
We hope you have found these tips on selecting and storing firewood for fall helpful. Here's one last tip: Be sure to schedule your annual chimney inspection and cleaning before the fall rush. If it’s been a while since your last chimney inspection, please call us at (603) 594-0400 or visit our website for more information.