When temperatures drop, many homeowners start asking the same question: “Where can I get fireplace wood nearby?” A quick Google search of phrases like “firewood bundles near me” or “firewood near me” will reveal that you’ve got plenty of options. Then you must decide which is the best choice for sourcing the fuel you need.
To find the best wood, fireplace users need to know what options are out there and what the pros and cons of each source may be. Not all fireplace wood is the same. Our guide unpacks everything you need to know, including why kiln-dried wood may be the better option compared to seasoned wood.
Common Places to Find Fireplace Wood Nearby
When on the hunt for “firewood delivery near me,” you’ll find a few options, which include:
Big-Box Stores and Gas Stations
Big-box stores and home improvement retailers are a common source of wood for fireplaces. If you live in an area known for cold weather, even local gas stations typically have bundles of fireplace wood for sale.
But is this the best wood for fireplaces? Usually not. These bundles will do in a pinch, but they typically contain a mix of different species. Bundles that sit outdoors are going to absorb moisture if they aren’t stacked properly. Additionally, you’ll likely pay more per log than you realize.
Local Tree Services or Roadside Sellers
Local tree companies sometimes turn debris into fireplace wood to make an extra buck. While the wood may be cheap, it’s not always the best quality. The same goes for local roadside sellers.
One of the big concerns with fireplace wood from these sources is consistency. Often, the suppliers don’t adequately “season” or dry the logs. Drying wood in open air without a kiln takes several months. If the wood has not been seasoned properly, the moisture content may be too high, meaning it will snap and pop when you start your fire. You may even have trouble getting the fire lit at all.
Firewood Delivery Services
A dedicated firewood delivery service is one of the best options for sourcing high-quality fireplace wood. A professional company will focus on quality, consistency, and safety.
The best providers also kiln-dry their logs. This means that the logs have been dried in a temperature-controlled environment and brought down to the ideal moisture content levels. You get clean-burning logs ready for immediate use. You avoid pests, mold, and excess moisture.
In addition, you can have the logs dropped off straight to your door. This can be especially helpful if you don’t have your own truck or trailer, or if you want to order a large quantity of logs.
Why Quality Matters for Fireplace Wood
Your fireplace needs dry, dense wood. Wet or poorly processed logs don’t burn efficiently. They also create safety risks.
High-quality fireplace wood provides the following benefits:
- Burns hotter and steadier
- Produces less smoke
- Creates minimal ash
- Reduces creosote buildup
On the other hand, low-quality wood can be a pain to light. Once you get it going, some of the heat energy will be lost burning away excess moisture. You’ll find yourself having to clean your fireplace more often. That’s why investing in higher-quality logs is a wise choice.
Why Kiln-Dried Firewood Is the Best Choice
Kiln-dried logs are the best firewood for a fireplace. Kiln drying removes excess moisture through controlled heat and humidity. Most kiln-dried fireplace wood reaches moisture levels below 20%, which means it will light easily and burn more cleanly.
For comparison, wood that has been seasoned in the open air may have an inconsistent moisture content. The moisture content of seasoned logs will depend on:
- The weather
- How it was stacked
- The species
- How long it has been seasoned
Kiln-dried logs allow you to avoid all of these inconsistencies.
Benefits of Kiln-Dried Fireplace Wood
Kiln-dried wood offers clear advantages over seasoned logs, including the following:
Cleaner Burn
Choosing a fuel source that will provide a clean burn is crucial, especially when building a roaring fire in your fireplace. The last thing you want is moist logs that create a lot of excess smoke.
Since kiln-dried logs have been brought down to the ideal moisture levels, they create minimal smoke. You’ll also avoid popping and sparking, which happens when the flames reach pockets of moisture within logs that have not been properly dried.
More Heat Output
Dry wood is much easier to light, and it burns hotter. If you are ready to have a cozy night by the fire, kiln-dried logs are the way to go. You will enjoy a slow-burning fire and plenty of heat output.
Improperly seasoned logs don’t yield the same level of heat output. This means you may have to pile on more logs, which could be unsafe. Save yourself the headache and go with kiln-dried.
Consistent Performance
Each log burns the same way. Once you figure out how many logs you need to warm your home in your fireplace, you can easily build cozy fires in the future. However, it’s important to use the same species of wood and the same drying process.
Switching to a different species or changing from kiln-dried to seasoned logs will impact performance. If you aren’t sure which species you like best, try out a few different options or talk to a knowledgeable supplier.
Pest-Free Wood
The kiln-drying process eliminates insects and larvae. Seasoned wood may still contain pests, which can creep into your home. Give yourself peace of mind and protect your living environment from insects by investing in high-quality wood that has been properly dried in a high-heat kiln.
Less Creosote
Creosote is the tar-like substance that accumulates in your chimney when you burn wood. While all logs will produce some creosote when they are burned, wood with a higher moisture content will produce more creosote.
Kiln-dried logs burn cleaner, leaving less residue in your chimney. That also means you’ll have to clean it less frequently. This can save money and reduce long-term maintenance needs.
What Happens When You Don’t Use Kiln-Dried Firewood?
Using firewood that has been seasoned is a roll of the dice. If you are lucky, the logs will have been seasoned properly and have a relatively low moisture content. If not, your logs could be green, meaning they contain way too much moisture.
Wet logs release steam as they burn. That steam cools the fire and pushes smoke back into your home. You may also have a hard time getting the fire going at all. Other issues include excess smoke, a strong odor, and crackling or hissing logs.
Choosing the Right Wood Species for Fireplaces
The species you use matters. Hardwoods burn longer and produce more heat. Softwoods ignite faster but burn quickly. Popular hardwood options include:
- Oak
- Hickory
- Maple
- Ash
These species rank among the best wood fireplace options for steady heat. When they have been kiln-dried, they provide reliable performance with minimal smoke.
You can use softwoods like pine for outdoor fires. However, they create more sparks, which is why most homeowners avoid them for fireplaces.
Fireplace Wood Sizes and Delivery Options
There are plenty of options when ordering firewood. Most fireplaces can accommodate standard split logs. However, if your fireplace is narrower, you may need shorter cuts so you can easily stack the wood.
Professional suppliers also offer options in terms of quantity. You can order bundles, bulk cords, and a variety of other quantities. Most importantly, you can arrange to have the wood delivered straight to your door. Nothing is more convenient.
How to Store Fireplace Wood Properly
Once your logs arrive, you need to stack them properly so they are ready to go when it’s time for your next fire. Here are a few simple tips:
- Store your wood off the ground
- Use a covered area with airflow
- Keep wood away from walls
- Leave the logs outside until you are ready to burn them
Kiln-dried firewood has already been freed from any pests and is easy to store. The simple tips above will keep it ready to go.
How to Spot High-Quality Fireplace Wood
Here are some signs of good fireplace wood:
- Cracks at the ends of logs
- Light weight
- No visible mold
- No strong musty smell
Logs that have been prepped by a professional will also feature uniform cuts. They will be stacked neatly.
Why Local Matters When Buying Fireplace Wood
Buying locally means faster delivery and better service. A local supplier that offers kiln-dried wood is the best choice. Focus on providers that offer both pick-up and delivery. That way, you can get the fuel you need when and where you need it.
Get the Right Fireplace Wood This Winter
ProCut Firewood offers kiln-dried firewood for fireplaces and outdoor burns. We offer local delivery and pickup as well as exceptional pricing and even better service.
Contact us to arrange firewood delivery today.
