In the last post we talked about methods to build a better fire. Now we need to talk about seasoning your firewood to get the best results.
Although most woods season in six months, some hardwood may take up to nine months. Oak needs a year. Ash, however, can be used almost at once. If you must use unseasoned wood, try ash, beech, pine, spruce, hickory, or fir.
To season firewood, stack it outdoors, piled loosely, and raised on a platform or planks. To provide maximum air circulation, crisscross the logs: Put four on the platform parallel to each other; then place four more on top of them at right angles. Continue stacking in this way. Remember that air will circulate more freely if the wood is not piled against a wall. If possible, stack it so the prevailing wind blows through the long axis.
Split wood seasons faster than whole logs. Stack it with the split side down to help protect the core from rain. Paper birch must be split because the bark seals in moisture, causing the wood to rot.
Always keep your woodpile covered. A tarpaulin, or heavy polyurethane sheeting, is the best protection from the elements. Anchor it on top or lash it down, and allow only a few inches to hang over the wood on each side. This lets air circulate freely through the logs. Store wood away from your house to keep termites out of framing.
Now that we have explored firewood and things you should keep in mind when buying, selecting wood, the attributes of various kinds of firewood, building a better fire and seasoning wood its time to get that wood pile in order and prepare for keeping your hearth warm and toasty.
There is however, one last item to share to warm your slippers by.
I hope that you have enjoyed the information. 
If you have any information to share please feel free to leave a comment – we would love to hear from you.
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Hello,
Can ash really be used for firewood straight after cutting.
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