Dry vs Seasoned Firewood, what's the difference?

[Nord]

An age old debate and terms often used interchangably, there are a few important differences that may be of interest. In the blog post below I focus a bit on the science behind how and why naturally dried wood (seasoned) does not absorb moisture as readily as dry firewood (kiln) and touch on some other advantages of seasoned firewood.

Myself I wish we could get rid of the term "seasoned", but I doubt we ever will.

Seasoned VS Dry Wood: What's the Difference?

When selecting firewood, understanding the differences between seasoned and dry wood is important for achieving a cleaner, hotter, and more efficient burn. It also is important information as it can give you further insight as to how to store your firewood properly. Definitions and Basic...

boisafeudunord.com

 

[ZERO]

Right now, 10F morning, burning 8 year seasoned wood, stove completely closed, she burns like mad. Gives heat like nobody's business. 120F exhaust chimney pipe escape.

Very little ash/soot deposits inside the stove and in the chimneys, both cleaned in the fall.

Maximum efficiency is the name of the game.

Let mother nature do its thing, plan ahead!

Totally agree with @Wolverine as discussed before, and always inspired by how much prep work @bradb123 does with his firewood.

 

[IffykidMn]

The state of Maine rules for selling firewood claim seasoned requires 3 months drying minimum to be called seasoned.

 

[Nord]

The state of Maine rules for selling firewood claim seasoned requires 3 months drying minimum to be called seasoned.

Ohio rules say it has to be under 50% humidity to be seasoned

 

[Joe Kidd]

 

[Wolverine]

Another well written article Nord!


The 3 year plan was a game changer for me. Once I got myself that far ahead, I noticed quite a few things change, all positive. I really don’t enjoy cleaning my flue and now it’s an every other year [at most] event. Now sitting at 5-6 years ahead I can cherry pick what species I want.

I do agree w/ @ZERO bradb has been absolutely killing it!!

 

[Inlineforagoodtime]

Ohio rules say it has to be under 50% humidity to be seasoned

Could you cite the law that says that?

 

[bradb123]

Another well written article Nord!


The 3 year plan was a game changer for me. Once I got myself that far ahead, I noticed quite a few things change, all positive. I really don’t enjoy cleaning my flue and now it’s an every other year [at most] event. Now sitting at 5-6 years ahead I can cherry pick what species I want.

I do agree w/ @ZERO bradb has been absolutely killing it!!

I totally agree with staying ahead with firewood. I am full at my cabin with 7 cord of oak and a little black locust. I have about 30-35 cord of oak cut for the landowner that I cut for. You can never be to far ahead on firewood.

 

[Nord]

Could you cite the law that says that?

I did some digging and I cannot find it on the official site (https://agri.ohio.gov/). I find a bunch on news articles and blog posts that say it though, like:

State is enforcing firewood rules

With the late November chill in the air, sales of firewood are heating up.

www.dispatch.com

https://www.farmprogress.com/farm-operations/know-the-regulations-for-selling-or-buying-firewood

I am curious if they removed it, was a bit silly. I just emailed them to ask where they stand on it.

 

[Nord]

I heard back from agri.ohio.gov, moisture content is not mentioned in their rules and regulations, I quote:

Ohio's Division of Weights and Measures adopts NIST Handbook 130, Chapter IV Uniform Regulations, Section B Uniform Regulation for the Method of Sale of Commodities. Paragraph 2.4 covers firewood. I have attached the entire document to this email and also inserted the text from paragraph 2.4 below. Moisture content is not addressed.

I have attached the doc incase anybody wants to sift through it