Log Cabin Life and the Art of Log Home Maintenance
I came across this poem years ago. I have no idea as to the original author — If you do – please let me know.
Beech wood fires burn bright and clear
If the logs are kept a year
Chestnut only good they say
If for long ‘tis laid away
But ash new or ash old
Is fit for queen with crown of gold
Birch and fir logs burn too fast
read more The firewood poem
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.
