Introduction
There is nothing quite like a roaring wood fire during a New Zealand winter. However, the quality of your fire depends entirely on the quality of your wood. Burning wet or "green" wood produces more smoke, less heat, and leads to dangerous creosote buildup in your chimney.
The key to great firewood is the "seasoning" process—reducing the moisture content to below 20%. This starts with how you cut and store your logs.
The Art of Cutting Firewood
Size Matters
Cut your logs to a length that fits comfortably in your fireplace or wood burner. Usually, 30cm to 40cm is the standard. Consistent lengths make stacking much easier and more stable.
Split for Speed
Never store large rounds whole. Splitting the wood exposes more surface area, allowing moisture to escape significantly faster. Aim for various sizes: smaller kindling and larger "overnight" logs.
Stacking for Success
Keep it Elevated
Never stack your wood directly on the ground. Use pallets, treated timber, or a dedicated wood rack. This prevents the bottom layer from rotting and allows air to circulate underneath the pile.
The "Chimney" Effect
Stack your wood loosely. If logs are packed too tightly, air cannot flow through the pile, and the wood will stay damp. A well-stacked pile should allow a "small bird to fly through it."
Covering and Location
- Cover the Top, Not the Sides: Use a tarp or a lean-to roof to protect the wood from rain. Leave the sides open to let the wind do the work of drying.
- Sun and Wind: Place your wood pile in a location that gets plenty of sunlight and prevailing wind.
- Distance from Home: Keep your wood pile at least 3-5 meters away from your house to avoid bringing pests and dampness too close to your walls.
Cutting and storing firewood correctly is the difference between a smoky, frustrating fire and a clean, efficient burn. Start your prep early to ensure you have a "dry" winter ahead.
Need a hand with the heavy lifting? From powerful STIHL chainsaws to ergonomic axes, we have everything you need at STIHL SHOP Tauranga to make firewood prep a breeze.