If you have a wood burning stove, knowing what the best type of wood to choose and how to split and stack it is important. If you have never stacked wood before or are just looking at some tips on the best way to split wood, read on! We will provide you with some useful information on how best to store your wood in the winter.
Here at A1 Turf Supplies, we offer logs in Doncaster and surrounding areas, get in touch with us today for more information!
Cutting Wood from Fallen Trees
If you are intending to cut your logs from a fallen tree, there are a number of things you need to keep in mind during the initial cut. The first of these is when you intend to cut your firewood. Firewood should always be cut a minimum 6 months before you are intending to burn it. The perfect time for cutting firewood is late winter or during the early part of spring. This gives you the maximum amount of time in which to dry your wood.
The shape of the wood is also important as the ends need to be cut flat and square so they are stable when you are splitting them. If the log you are cutting still has its branches, always cut in the opposite direction to what they are pointing. Another thing to take into account is that shorter logs are easier to split.
You should also check for hairline cracks, as directing your axe at these when splitting will make the logs easier to cut. Also try to avoid knots when splitting as these will make the cut much more difficult.
Choosing Your Wood
If you don’t have the time or the tools or skills necessary to cut your own wood then buying it is a good option. However, to make sure you buy the correct amount of wood you should do some research first.
You are able to buy wood all year round however prices and availability could change in the winter months as a result of higher demand. If you have the room to store larger amounts of wood then it is better to make your purchases in late spring or summer.
Before buying your wood, check whether the wood has been seasoned properly and is ready to burn. You need to be aware that fresh wood will need at least 6 months to dry properly to ensure it burns properly.
What is the Best Type of Wood
You can save yourself money by making sure you select the best kind of wood for your stove.
Softwoods like pine, fir, spruce, and redwood burn rapidly, requiring more frequent refilling of the wood rack. In contrast, hardwoods such as oak, eucalyptus, beech, and birch burn longer and “cleaner,” producing less creosote residue.
Splitting Logs
Before you start to split your logs, you need to make sure you are well prepared. Then follow the following tips;
- Pick an outdoor space away from other people with lots of room to swing your axe
- Make sure your chopping block is on a flat surface so your footing is secure
- Make sure the actual block is low to the ground and stays below knee length
Before cutting your logs you should measure them to ensure you get the best size for splitting. The best time to split wood is when it is cold outside as that will help you get the cleanest cut.
Once you start to chop you must ensure both hands are firmly gripping the handle of the axe. Put your log on the block making sure it is as far away from you as possible, so, if you miss it you will probably hit the chopping block. When swinging both arms should be kept straight and pay attention to how far you are from the wood. Additionally, ensure the handle is horizontal when the axe strikes the log. If your hands are above or below the handle, you need to adjust your stance and try again.
Tips on Chopping Logs
Before starting to split your logs make sure of your aim point, you should align your axe with the direction of the wood grain aiming for the centre of the log. If you are splitting larger pieces of wood, you could find that the axe stops without cutting all the way through. When this happens if you are cautious, the weight of the log can be used to finish the cut. To do this keep the axe embedded in the log then lift it with the handle and swing it around your body until it’s behind your shoulder.
Keep the end of the axe pointing upwards and the bottom of the log facing the ground. Then, using the logs weight for momentum, bring the butt of the axe down onto the chopping block. Avoid swinging the axe, as this could cause the wood to fly off.
Wood Stacking
Once you have split the logs it is time to stack them. Depending on how much wood you have it may be easier to get a pre-built wood rack. If you decide on this, always make sure
you buy one that is well built and keep your logs off the ground. Always try and place your stack on dry level ground. If this is outside always choose somewhere that has good drainage otherwise water could start to gather around your woodpile. Make sure you pick a location that shelters the woodpile from direct rainfall, like under an overhang. If the wood needs to be stored outdoors, cover the top of the pile with a tarpaulin.
Stacking Technique
If possible stack your logs in a way that allows air to blow through it. One thing to remember is that wood will shrink and move around over time making sure they are well secured with the ability to allow for a small amount of movement. To make sure your logs don’t rot try and place some pallets or pieces of wood underneath them to keep them off the ground. This stops the base and stack absorbing any moisture.
Tips for Storing Your Logs
However you stack the wood you should expect to have to leave it to dry for at least six months before burning it. Freshly cut wood can contain up to 100% moisture, meaning about half of its weight is water. The optimal moisture content for firewood is around 20%. How can you tell if the wood is ready?
Seasoned wood will turn grey, but that’s not the only clue. Look for fine cracks along the edges. Seasoned wood will also be lighter and produce a higher-pitched sound when pieces are knocked together, unlike unseasoned wood, which makes a low “thud” sound. Whenever possible, keep the woodpile protected from rain, but ensure it is exposed to airflow and sunlight.
Tree bark acts as a natural moisture barrier, so arrange the wood to maximise evaporation. If heavy rain is forecasted, stack the wood with the bark side up. If the ground is damp from snow or standing water, place the wood with the bark side down.
Hopefully the information in this blog post will have given you a better idea of how to cut, stack and split wood. However, if convenience is your thing why not contact the team here at A1 turf supplies about our seasoned pre cut logs in Doncaster.