• neilghuman

How to Choose the Right Firewood for Your Home

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.

  • neilghuman

Navigating the Challenges of Labor Shortages in the Construction Industry

The construction industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving field that plays a vital role in shaping our built environment. For entrepreneurs and companies in the construction business, understanding the nuances of this industry is essential for long-term success. In this blog post, we’ll explore key aspects of the construction business, from market trends to effective project management and everything in between.

Understanding Market Trends

One of the first steps to thriving in the construction business is to keep a close eye on market trends. With advancements in technology, sustainable building practices, and changing consumer preferences, the construction landscape has transformed significantly. For instance, the increasing demand for green buildings and energy-efficient designs presents opportunities for construction companies to differentiate their offerings. Staying informed about industry trends can help businesses pivot and adapt their strategies to remain competitive.

Building a Strong Brand

In the construction business, reputation is everything. A strong brand can set you apart from competitors and instill confidence in potential clients. To build a recognizable and trustworthy brand, focus on delivering quality work, maintaining transparent communication, and showcasing successful projects through case studies and testimonials. Leveraging social media and a user-friendly website can also amplify your brand presence, allowing you to connect with potential clients and other stakeholders in the industry.

  1. Experience and Expertise: Highlight your company’s years of experience in the industry, showcasing specialized skills, certifications, and successful project completions that demonstrate your competency.
  2. Quality Assurance: Emphasize a commitment to high-quality materials and construction practices, along with a rigorous quality control process to ensure that projects meet or exceed industry standards.
  3. Customer-Centric Approach: Focus on exceptional customer service, including clear communication, responsiveness, and a dedication to understanding and meeting clients’ specific needs and preferences throughout the project.
  4. Sustainability Practices: Showcase your company’s commitment to environmentally friendly construction practices, including the use of sustainable materials, energy-efficient designs, and waste reduction strategies.

Effective Project Management

Project management is at the heart of any successful construction business. Implementing robust project management practices ensures that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the desired standard. Investing in project management software can streamline workflows, enhance collaboration among team members, and improve overall productivity. Additionally, regular training and skill development for project managers and team members will foster a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.

Highlight your company’s years of experience in the industry, showcasing specialized skills, certifications, and successful project completions that demonstrate your competency.

Robert S. Faulk – Veneer Construction Company

Embracing Technology

The construction industry is witnessing a technological revolution that can significantly enhance productivity and efficiency. Tools such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), drones, and project management apps are transforming traditional construction processes. By embracing these technologies, companies can improve project visualization, accuracy, and safety. Staying updated with the latest technological advancements will not only improve your operational efficiency but also appeal to tech-savvy clients looking for modern construction solutions.