Cutting Your Firewood

On this page, we’ll explore the types of firewood cuts, the products commonly used to cut them, and the rules and laws regarding firewood.

The Types of Firewood Cuts and their Sizes

Below is some of the terms used to describe the type of cuts of firewood, as well as the names of quantities of firewood

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What are the Types of Wood Cuts

Standard Cut: Logs cut to 40 cm (roughly 16 inches) to 50 cm lengths to fit most standard fireplaces and wood-burning heaters.

Uncut Rounds: Sections of a log that have been cut to length but not split, with bark covering the entire perimeter.

Split Logs: Rounds split into smaller pieces, exposing the inner wood to air for faster drying.

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What is a Cord of Wood? – It is a Unit of Measuring Wood

A full cord is the standard 128 cubic feet of firewood. This is what most suppliers refer to when advertising firewood by the cord.

A face cord (or rick) is smaller and typically measures 4 feet high, 8 feet long, and 16 inches deep. It’s essentially one-third of a full cord and often used by those with smaller storage spaces or less frequent firewood needs.

A half cord is half the volume of a full cord, measuring 64 cubic feet. It’s ideal for those who don’t need large quantities of wood but still want a manageable supply.

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What are Smaller Cuts and Bits of Wood Called?

Kindling: Small, finely chopped pieces of dry, softwood (like pine) used to start the fire. Kindling can be categorized

Wood Chips / Off-cuts: Waste pieces or timber off-cuts from sawmills, popular for use in stoves.

Sawdust: Often the by-product of cutting, splitting, or chopping up wood. It has multiple practical uses such as decoration, compost uses, or a fire starter.

Some Other Cuts and Measurements Names

Bolt / Billet: Logs bucked into shorter, stout lengths (usually less than \(2.4\text{ meters}\) or in very short specialized stove lengths) often intended to be split further.

A thrown cord refers to firewood that’s loosely thrown into a truck or storage space, rather than neatly stacked. A thrown cord usually contains less usable wood than a stacked cord due to the gaps between pieces.

Recent Articles on Firewood Cutting Guides

Why do Firewood Laws Exist?

Firewood is mainly regulated to prevent the spread of pests and diseases that can devastate forests. Pests like the emerald ash borer and gypsy moth hitch rides in untreated firewood, often moving hundreds of miles from their native range. Once introduced, these pests wreak havoc on trees, causing widespread destruction and billions of dollars in damage. By controlling the movement of firewood, these laws aim to keep forests healthy and thriving.

Transporting Firewood

If you’re planning to transport firewood, it’s essential to know the rules for both where you’re coming from and where you’re going. Many areas prohibit moving firewood across state lines unless it’s certified heat-treated. Even within a state, quarantine zones can make transporting untreated firewood illegal.

One simple rule to follow is to burn firewood where you buy it. If you’re camping, leave unused firewood behind instead of taking it home. This small action helps stop the spread of invasive species to your area.

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What Happens If You Break Firewood Laws?

Failing to comply with firewood laws can lead to fines, confiscation of your firewood, and even legal action. Penalties vary by state but can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands, depending on the severity of the violation. Beyond the financial cost, transporting firewood irresponsibly can contribute to the loss of native forests, harming ecosystems and communities for generations.

Recent Articles on State Firewood Cutting Guidelines and Cutting Guides

The Types of Products to Cut Wood

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Chainsaws

If you’re cutting firewood, a reliable chainsaw is your most valuable tool. Whether you’re trimming branches, bucking logs, or prepping wood for a firewood processor, the right chainsaw makes the job faster, safer, and more efficient.

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A red handsaw lies on tree trunks in a snowy forest, showcasing rustic woodworking.

Log Saws

Log saws are an incredibly versatile tool for cutting firewood into even pieces, ensuring a consistent size that’s perfect for stacking, burning, or selling. Unlike traditional chainsaws, band saws provide precision and efficiency, making them a valuable addition for anyone who processes firewood regularly.

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Red-handled axe in a tree stump surrounded by chopped wood on a green lawn.

Log Splitters and Axes

When it comes to processing large amounts of firewood for business or heavy-duty personal use, a reliable commercial firewood splitter is essential. These machines are built for speed, power, and durability, handling even the toughest logs with ease. While axes are good for manually doing it.

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Wood Processors

Firewood processors are invaluable for anyone looking to turn logs into firewood efficiently, whether for personal use or a thriving business. With many options available, choosing the best firewood processor depends on your needs, budget, and workload.

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