On average, firewood takes about six months to a year to season properly. That’s assuming you stack it correctly, leave it in a sunny and breezy spot, and the weather cooperates. With the right conditions, the moisture content drops below 20%, which is ideal for efficient, clean burning. Some denser hardwoods, like oak, may need closer to a year—or even longer.
Species Matters
Not all wood is the same. Hardwoods like oak, hickory, or maple are denser and can take up to a year or more to fully season. Softwoods like pine or spruce usually dry out faster—sometimes in as little as four to six months. The flip side is that dense hardwoods, once seasoned, tend to burn hotter and longer.
Split Versus Round Logs
Splitting your wood speeds up seasoning significantly. Split logs have more surface area exposed to air, letting moisture escape faster. Rounds, or unsplit logs, dry more slowly, especially if they’re thick. If you’re eager for quicker results, split early and stack immediately.
Proper Stacking and Storage
How you stack is crucial. Leaving gaps between pieces allows airflow to circulate. Piling logs directly on the ground traps moisture at the bottom, so elevate them with pallets or boards. A simple roof or tarp on top shields your stack from rain, but keep the sides open. Sealing the stack under a tight cover holds moisture in, negating your seasoning efforts.
Checking Moisture Content
You can guess dryness by sight and feel—well-seasoned wood often has cracks at the ends and a more hollow sound when you knock it against another piece. But for accuracy, grab a moisture meter. A reading below 20% means you’re good to go. If it’s much higher, give it more time or consider kiln drying.
Final Thoughts
For most folks, plan on at least six months, with a possibility of up to a year or more for dense hardwoods. Speeding it up involves good stacking practices and splitting the wood sooner rather than later. In the end, patience pays off. Properly seasoned wood is easier to light, burns hotter, and keeps your stove or fireplace running clean.