There’s nothing quite like the warmth, crackle, and aroma of a real wood fire. But not all firewood is created equal — the right choice can mean the difference between a cozy, efficient burn and a smoky, frustrating one. Whether you’re heating your home, fueling your stove, or setting the mood for a backyard gathering, here’s how to pick firewood that’s perfect for you.
1. Know Your Wood Types
The first step is understanding the difference between hardwoods and softwoods.
-
Hardwoods (like maple, oak, and alder) burn longer and hotter — great for home heating and long winter nights.
-
Softwoods (like fir, pine, and cedar) ignite easily and produce quick heat — ideal for kindling or short, lively fires.
For most Washington homes, a mix of both offers the perfect balance between easy lighting and lasting warmth.
2. Choose Seasoned Firewood
Always buy seasoned firewood — wood that has been dried for at least 6–12 months. Seasoned logs burn cleaner, produce less smoke, and release more heat.
💡 Pro Tip: Look for wood with grayish ends, visible cracks, and a hollow sound when tapped — all signs it’s ready to burn.
3. Check Moisture Levels
Firewood that’s too wet wastes energy evaporating moisture instead of heating your home. Ideally, the moisture content should be below 20%.
At Washington Firewood Services, we ensure every log is thoroughly seasoned and moisture-tested before delivery — so you get maximum heat with minimal smoke.
4. Match Wood to Your Fireplace or Stove
-
Open fireplaces: Use dense hardwood for a steady, slow burn.
-
Wood stoves: Choose medium splits for even heat and easy control.
-
Outdoor pits: Mix softwood for quick flames with hardwood for longer-lasting coals.
The right firewood enhances performance, reduces buildup, and keeps your setup efficient all season long.
5. Think Local and Sustainable
Buying local firewood supports the community and helps prevent the spread of pests like the emerald ash borer.
All of our wood at Washington Firewood Services is responsibly harvested right here in the Pacific Northwest — ensuring sustainability and cleaner burns you can feel good about.
Choosing the right firewood isn’t just about what burns — it’s about how it burns.
Clean, seasoned, and properly sourced wood gives you more heat, less smoke, and peace of mind knowing you’re heating your home efficiently and responsibly.
At Washington Firewood Services, we hand-split, season, and deliver only the best firewood for homes and businesses across King and Snohomish Counties — so you can enjoy every fire, every time.