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3.1.4 Piece size
Firewood dries more quickly when it is split. Large unsplit rounds can take years to dry enough to burn.
Even when dried, unsplit logs are difficult to ignite because they don't have the sharp edges where the
flames first catch. Logs as small as 3" (75 mm) should be split to encourage drying.
Wood should be split to a range of sizes, from about 3" to 6" (75 mm to 150 mm) in cross section. Having a
range of sizes makes starting and rekindling fires much easier. Often, the firewood purchased from
commercial suppliers is not split finely enough for convenient stoking. It is sometimes advisable to resplit
the wood before stacking to dry.
3.1.5 How to dry firewood
Firewood that is not dry enough to burn is the cause of most complaints about wood fireplaces. Continually
burning green or unseasoned wood produces more creosote and involves lack of heat and dirty glass door.
See Section 5 - Maintaining Your Wood Heating System for concerns about creosote.
Here are some things to consider in estimating drying time:
• Firewood takes a long time to dry;
• Drying happens faster in dry weather than in
damp, maritime climates;
• Drying happens faster in warm summer
weather than in winter weather;
• Small pieces dry more quickly than large
pieces;
• Split pieces dry more quickly than unsplit
rounds;
• Softwoods take less time to dry than
hardwoods;
• Firewood that is ready to burn has a
moisture content between 15 and 20% by
weight and will allow your fireplace to
produce its highest possible efficiency;
HORIZON – Installation and Operation Manual
• Firewood bought from a dealer is rarely dry
enough to burn, so it is advisable to buy the wood
in spring and dry it yourself;
• Softwoods like pine, spruce, and poplar/aspen can
be dry enough to burn after being stacked in the
open for only the summer months;
• Hardwoods like oak, maple and ash can take one,
or even two years to dry fully, especially if the
pieces are big;
• Firewood dries more quickly when stacked in the
open where it is exposed to sun and wind; it takes
much longer to dry when stacked in a wood shed.
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