It’s that time of year when the weather starts to get a little colder, and you know what that means: fires in the fireplace! When it’s a chilly winter night in Texas nothing could be better than curling up on the couch in front of a warm, crackling fire.
Most of us don’t have firewood on our property. Therefore, we have to acquire firewood somehow, whether it’s from a friend or relative who chops their own wood, or at a local store, for example. How do you know what makes for quality firewood?
How to Find Quality Firewood
For starters, ask around. If you know someone who knows a lot about fires and firewoods, they’re the ones to ask for recommendations on what to buy and where to buy it. Or if you want to do some online research, figure out who’s nearby who gets high ratings for their firewood, with positive comments from customers. Ideally, it’s best not to order wood by phone– it’s better to go see it in person so you know exactly what you’re getting.
When looking for decent firewood, you’ll want pieces that fit your fireplace/stove properly. Look for clean wood that isn’t covered in sand or mud. Rather than buying randomly piled wood, it’s better to choose stacked cords which can be counted properly. You need to know you’re getting the volume you’re paying for after all.
Certain wood species burn hotter than others. For instance, if you buy dense hardwoods like oak or maple then you can expect more heat per load. These hardwoods are used for long-lasting fires and coal beds. On the other hand, softer woods like spruce and pine burn faster and less hot, though people might choose them for their pleasant aroma.
Ideally, you’ll want to choose pieces that are smaller and easier to handle, since chances are you’ll be the person handling them, putting them into the fire. If and when the pieces are too long or too thick they can become cumbersome. If you don’t want to have to cut wood at home, don’t buy long pieces. Keep in mind that it’s best to have firewood that’s consistent in length for the sake of fire maintenance. Logs about 14 to 18 inches work well for most stoves and fireplaces. Finally, you may want to buy some smaller pieces (“kindling”) to help start your fire.
If you need quality firewood in the Kingwood, TX area, contact Forest Tree Service today.