How long does it take for firewood to dry?

It can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years for firewood to properly dry and become ready to burn. The length of drying time depends on several factors like the type of wood, the size of the logs or pieces, storage method, and weather conditions. In general, softer woods like pine, spruce and poplar take less time to dry while harder woods like oak, hickory, and maple take longer. Smaller pieces also dry faster than larger logs. Proper storage by stacking the wood off the ground in a dry, well-ventilated area speeds up drying time. Hot, dry, sunny weather is ideal for drying firewood quickly.

What is Considered Well-Seasoned Firewood?

Seasoned firewood has a moisture content of 20% or less. At this moisture level, the wood will burn hotter and more efficiently. Well-seasoned firewood usually takes at least 6 months to achieve this moisture content if dried properly. Softwoods like pine may only need 6-9 months while hardwoods like oak may require 9-24 months to become well seasoned. The longer firewood can dry past the 6 month minimum, the better. Extremely well-seasoned wood that has dried for multiple years has lower moisture content and creates less smoke and creosote when burning.

Why Does Fresh Cut Wood Need to Dry Before Burning?

Freshly cut green wood can have a moisture content anywhere from 30-60%, with about half the weight being water weight. Burning wood with high moisture content leads to poor combustion, increased smoke, and lower heat output. Wet, unseasoned wood also causes more creosote buildup in chimneys which increases the risk of a chimney fire. As wood dries, the moisture evaporates until only the usable wood fiber remains. This allows for proper burning and heat production.

Factors That Affect Firewood Drying Time

Type of Wood

– Softwoods – pine, spruce, fir, cedar – 6-18 months to season
– Hardwoods – oak, hickory, maple – 18-24 months
– Very dense woods like osage orange may take even longer

Softer woods have more pores to release moisture faster. Harder woods are denser with less pores, slowing moisture escape.

Log Size

– Split logs 6-8 inches in diameter – 9-12 months
– Larger rounds 12-16 inches – 18-24 months
– Quarter split logs dry fastest

Smaller pieces have more surface area exposed to air which expedites drying. Large unsplit logs can take years to fully dry.

Storage Method

– Stacked in open air – 12-24 months
– Stacked under cover – 18-36 months
– Single row loose stacking dries faster than solid woodpiles

Stacking in a sunny, windy location speeds drying. Stacking under thick tree cover slows it down. Make sure air can flow through the stack.

Climate Conditions

– Hot, dry weather – 6-12 months
– Humid, mild weather – 12-24 months
– Cold, damp weather – 18+ months

Arid climates dry wood fastest. Cold and damp climates slow down drying time. Summer harvest dries faster than winter harvest.

Tips for Properly Drying and Storing Firewood

– Harvest wood in early spring and allow maximum drying time through summer
– Split logs soon after tree felling when moisture is highest
– Cut/split to 6 inch diameter or less for fastest drying
– Stack wood loosely in single rows on stringers or pallets to elevate off ground
– Allow spacing between pieces for airflow
– Place in sunny location with wind exposure
– Cover top of stack only to protect from rain but allow airflow on sides
– Avoid storing near damp areas or directly on soil
– Check moisture content monthly by weighing and when weight loss has stabilized, it’s well seasoned

How to Tell if Firewood is Well-Seasoned

Here are some ways to check if your firewood has dried adequately for burning:

– Moisture meter – Use a moisture meter split on a freshly split piece. Look for a reading of 20% moisture content or less.

– Cracks – Properly seasoned wood will have cracks/splits on the ends from shrinking as it dries.

– Sound – Knock two pieces together. Seasoned wood makes a hollow, ringing sound. Unseasoned wood makes a dull thud.

– Weight – Dry wood feels lighter after losing water weight from drying. Pick up a piece. If really heavy for size, it’s still wet.

– Burn test – Try burning a small piece. Wet wood hisses, sizzles, smokes and burns poorly. Dry wood ignites easily and burns hot.

– Bark – The bark starts falling off seasoned wood. It sticks firmly on fresh unseasoned wood.

Burning Unseasoned vs. Seasoned Firewood

Burning unseasoned green wood creates more problems like:

– Less heat output – Up to 40% less
– More smoke and creosote residue
– Fouler smelling smoke
– Higher emissions
– Frequent sparks, crackling, popping
– Increased risk of chimney fires
– Faster buildup of charred residue in chimney and stove pipe
– Less efficient burns, poorer flames
– Need to refuel fire more often

Well-seasoned firewood provides:

– Up to 25% more usable heat energy
– Cleaner, more efficient burns
– Less smoking and emissions
– Minimal creosote residue buildup
– Safer with less risk of chimney fires
– Hotter flame for better heat

Always burn only seasoned firewood that has dried at least 6 months after being cut and split. The longer seasoned, the better the firewood for heat value.

Average Moisture Content by Drying Time

Drying Time	Average Moisture Content
Fresh cut green wood	30-60%
3 months	25-35%
6 months	20-25%
9 months	15-20%
12 months	10-15%
18 months	10-15%
24+ months	10-15%

This table gives general guidelines for moisture reduction over time. Actual moisture content will vary based on wood type, size, storage method and climate. Well-seasoned firewood suitable for burning should have less than 20% moisture content.

Conclusion

It’s important to season firewood properly for at least 6 months before burning to ensure safe, efficient wood heating. Softwoods like pine dry fastest in 6-9 months while hardwoods take 9-24 months. Smaller split logs dry quicker than larger rounds. Drying times also depend on storage conditions and climate. Hot, dry weather reduces drying time while wet, humid or freezing conditions slow it down. Make sure to stack wood loosely for good airflow. Test wood moisture content and look for visual cues like cracks and bark loss to confirm firewood is adequately seasoned for burning. Well-seasoned firewood provides more heat, cleaner burning and less creosote than wet wood. Patience in the drying process pays off in better performance and safety when you finally burn your firewood.