Firewood
Our customers have many questions about firewood. This page has been specially designed to guide you. Please note that we receive frequent questions about this subject from our customers. The questions that come up most often are : How much space does a cord of wood take up? Can we get firewood at any time? How do you know when the wood is dry? And why is it important to know? Our customers also wonder if it is possible to burn construction wood.
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The dimensions of a cord of wood
A cord of wood is 16 inches deep, 48 inches high and 96 inches long. These are its dimensions. You don't feel like getting less than you paid for? Then, once the wood is strung, take a tape measure to confirm that you have received the quantity you requested. This way, you will be reassured that you got the wood you asked for, and nothing less.
The right time to get wood
The ideal time to buy your firewood is when spring arrives. First of all, you are sure to have enough time for your wood to dry out in time for fall. Another important advantage is that prices are usually lower at this time of year because supply usually exceeds demand. Sometimes you may not be able to order the quantity you need at one time. In this case, it is wise to give a deposit to your supplier. This way, not only will you reserve your wood, but it will not be insufficiently dry when the fall comes. All the more so since demand is very high during this period.
Use moist wood
What happens when wet wood is burned? A lot of trouble! First of all, this condition causes the chimney to clog more quickly because it is conducive to the formation of creosote. This is a safety hazard. An additional disadvantage is that it will be even more complicated to start the fire. This is normal, because moisture slows down the spread of the flames. Another point is that the glass of your stove will get dirty more quickly. To avoid all these disadvantages, use wood with a moisture content of less than 20%. It takes more damp wood to produce the same amount of heat.
Knowing the difference between a dry and a wet wood
Differentiating between dry and wet wood is much less complicated than you might think. At the end of the logs, you will notice cracks. If these are hollow and flared, your wood is dry. Another trick is to strike two logs together and listen for the type of sound this produces. This sound is brittle when the wood is dry. One last tip: compare the weight of a log from last year, if you still have some, with the weight of one you just received. If the wood you received is dry, their weight will be relatively the same.
Hardwood, softwood and calorific value
Soft wood is not useless. On the contrary, if you want to make a more modest fire at the arrival of autumn or in the last hints of winter, it is quite appropriate. Safety is not compromised and no particular difficulties are involved. On the other hand, you will get a greater accumulation of creosote in your chimney by burning soft wood. Except that if you have your chimney swept as many times as required in a year, that is, once or twice depending on your consumption, you can be reassured.
Which hardwoods have the best heating value? Here is a useful list, presented in order from least to most calorific value: American Lime, Balsam Poplar, Butternut, Aspen Poplar, Silver Maple, Black Ash, Black Ash, Grey Birch, Black Cherry, Paper Birch, Cherry, Red Maple, American Elm, White Ash, Yellow Birch, Red Oak, American Beech, Sugar Maple, Hickory, Apple, White Walnut and White Oak.
Which hardwoods have the best heating value? Here is a useful list, presented in order from least to most calorific value: American Lime, Balsam Poplar, Butternut, Aspen Poplar, Silver Maple, Black Ash, Black Ash, Grey Birch, Black Cherry, Paper Birch, Cherry, Red Maple, American Elm, White Ash, Yellow Birch, Red Oak, American Beech, Sugar Maple, Hickory, Apple, White Walnut and White Oak.
Pallet and lumber
Above all, avoid using pallets or lumber to make your fire. Usually, pallets have been treated, so it is not advisable to burn them indoors, as they pose a significant health risk. Not to mention that your chimney will be dirtier. As for lumber, do not use it indoors if you do not know whether or not it has been treated. If you insist on it, an outdoor fire is less harmful to your health. However, visit this page first to find out more about the requirements of your municipality or insurance company.