How to Tell If Your Firewood Is Seasoned (and Why It Matters)
- Michelle Persolja
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Freshly cut trees — often called “green wood” — contain a lot of moisture. Depending on the tree species and when it was cut, green wood can have a moisture content well over 30%. By comparison, seasoned firewood (properly dried) measures below 20%. We measure this with a tool called a moisture meter.
How to Tell if Firewood is Seasoned
While most households don’t have a firewood moisture meter, there are a few easy ways to tell if your wood is ready to burn:
Sound test: Tap two pieces of wood together. Seasoned firewood makes a crisp, hollow sound, while green wood sounds dull and muffled.
Cracks on the ends: As firewood dries, it develops small splits or “checks” at the ends.
Weight: Dry wood is noticeably lighter than freshly cut wood, since moisture adds significant weight.
Why Your Fire Might Not Be Burning Well
Even perfectly seasoned firewood won’t burn properly if the fire isn’t built the right way. If your wood is smoldering or won’t stay lit, consider these common causes before assuming the firewood is the problem:
You’re not using kindling. Kindling — small, dry sticks or thin splits — helps bridge the flame from your starter to the larger logs. Starters (whether store-bought, homemade, or gas-assisted) are not meant to ignite full-size logs on their own.
Your logs are too tightly packed. Fire needs oxygen. Arrange your logs so that air can flow freely between them and between the starter and the wood. Without airflow, even seasoned firewood will struggle to ignite.
A tried-and-true method we recommend is the log cabin fire build, which allows for excellent airflow and steady burning.
How to Stack and Store Firewood Properly
Proper storage is just as important as proper seasoning. Choose a storage spot that:
Is protected from rain and snow
Has good airflow on all sides
Keeps the wood off the ground — use pallets or a rack instead of placing it directly on soil
This helps your firewood stay dry, prevents rot, and ensures that your next fire burns hot and clean.
Stay warm,
Nick & Michelle Persolja
The Firewood Co.
37859 Stevens Blvd
Willoughby OH
Seasoned & Kiln Dried Firewood Always in Stock!
We serve Lake, Geauga, Cuyahoga, Lorain, Summit, Medina, Portage, Trumbull, Ashtabula and Mahoning Counties.
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