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How to Season Firewood: Splitting, Stacking and Drying Time

How to season firewood: split, stack off the ground, cover only the top, wait at least six months and test for under 20 percent moisture, per EPA.

By Woodlot Gear ReviewPublished 1 min readHow we research
Close view of the split ends of a tightly stacked firewood pile

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Split the wood, stack it outdoors off the ground where sun and wind reach it, cover only the top, and let it dry at least six months. Burn it when a moisture meter reads under 20 percent. That is EPA's Burn Wise guidance.

Steps

  1. Split rounds soon after cutting; split wood dries faster than rounds.
  2. Stack outdoors, off the ground, on a rack or rails.
  3. Cover only the top; EPA says covering the sides traps moisture.
  4. Wait at least six months (EPA); dense hardwoods often take longer.
  5. Test: split a piece and read the fresh face. Under 20 percent is ready.

Signs it is ready

SignSource
Moisture meter under 20%EPA
Darker colorEPA
Lighter weightEPA
Hollow sound when knockedEPA
Bark pulls off by handMissouri Department of Conservation

Why it matters

Missouri's conservation department says freshly cut wood holds too much water to burn efficiently and wet wood can build tar-like creosote in the flue, which can lead to fires.

Gear: firewood racks, moisture meters, firewood carriers. Measuring: cord calculator.

Frequently asked questions

How long does firewood take to season?

At least six months per EPA; dense hardwoods often need longer, so test with a meter.

What moisture should firewood be?

Under 20 percent, per EPA. Check with a moisture meter on a freshly split face before burning.

Should I cover my firewood?

Cover only the top; EPA says covering the sides traps moisture.

Does splitting firewood help it dry?

Yes; split pieces expose more wood to air and dry faster than whole rounds.

What happens if I burn wet wood?

It burns poorly and, Missouri's conservation department warns, builds creosote in the flue that can cause fires.

Sources

  1. Best Wood-Burning Practices, US EPA Burn Wise
  2. Home Heating, Missouri Department of Conservation

Cover photo: Split Wood by Free Nature Stock, CC0 1.0, via StockSnap. Cropped.

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Planning & SafetyFirewoodSeasoningMoistureStorage

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