How to Select Firewood

Fires are attractive, and add to the appeal of a room. A long-burning fire adds a benefit, because it helps lower your heating bill. This is especially useful during the winter months, when heating costs are generally high. Select the ideal firewood to build a long-lasting fire.

Instructions

- 1
  Look for seasoned wood, or wood that has been aged for six months to one year. If you are buying firewood in advance -- for the following year's winter season -- it may be green. Stack and store green wood in a sunny location for at least six months.
- 2
  Choose wood that is lightweight, indicating that it is fully dry. Strike the wood against an object, and listen to the sound. Dry wood emits a "sharp" sound when it strikes something. Wet wood makes a "dull" noise.
- 3
  Obtain firewood that is cut to fit in your fireplace or woodstove. Cut or split it to size if it is too large.
- 4
  Select pieces of firewood based on your needs. Thin sticks ignite quickly, and burn even more quickly. Thick logs start more slowly, but burn for much longer.
- 5
  Avoid pine wood covered with tree sap. This sap is very flammable, and might cause a chimney fire. Avoid wood that is -- or has been -- covered with poison ivy. The fumes from the ivy-covered log can cause a reaction in some people.

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