Understanding how to dry wood quickly makes a big diffrence between a frustrating frei and one that burns longer and warmly – unlike green wood that hisses smokes and struggles to once when tossed in the fireplace.
At 12 Points Farms LLC, we work hard to produce kiln dried firewood thats ready to burn right away!
If youv’e recently gathered your own logs or split woods for the next season, we can tell you how to speed up the firewood drying process with the right techniques – lets break it down!
Why it is Important How To Dry Wood Quickly
Before we dive into the “how”, it is important to understand why dry wood is so important. Firstly, freshly cut logs can hold up 50% moisture, which makes it difficult to burn. Ideally, firewood should have a moisture content below 20% for high heat burns.
With excess water retentions, most of the fires energy is wasted evaporating the moisture, resulting in:
- Lower heat output
- Thick smoke and soot buildup
- Difficulty in lighting or keeping a fire going.
- Increased creosote accumulation in chimneys.
How To Dry Wood Quickly at Home
If you have freshly cut logs, here are some practical steps and quick ways to dry wood at home.
- Split the Logs Right Away
Full logs dry slower than splitted wood because the barks traps moisture inside. For the fastest ways to dry logs for firewood, Always split the how to dry wood quickly into smaller pieces to expose the inner surface for faster evaporation.
- Stack Firewood Properly
Stack wood i rows off the ground with pallets or a raised platform to allow airflow underneath and between logs. Avoid leaning stacks against walls so that airflow is able to reach all sides evenly. Crisscross stacking is a popular method to increase ventilation and stability.
- Pick a Sunny and Windy Location
A sunny and breezy area is important to speed up the drying process. Position your woodpile in an area with minimal shade and avoid stacking directly against fences or buildings where air doesn’t circulate well.
If you live in a damp or shaded region, move the stacks occasionally to dry spots.
- Only Cover the Top
Covering firewood completely can trap moisture inside. Use a tarp or cover just the top of the stack and leave the sides open for ventilation. This prevents moisture from soaking the how to dry wood quickly and allows proper airflow circulation.
- Test Moisture Content Regularly
You can easily test when the wood is ready and dried with a moisture meter. Simply insert the probes into the center of a split piece.
Best Methods to Speed Up Firewood Seasoning
If you’re short on time, here are some techniques you can use for faster results.
- Use softwoods like pine or spruce, as they contain less dense fibers and dry quickly.
- Remove bark to speed up evaporation.
- Rotate the stacks every few weeks.
- Store in small batches so air can circulate easily between pieces.
These small steps can make a big difference in reducing the drying time from months to just a few weeks! If you’re experiencing difficulty with any of the steps, let us know today!
How Long is the Firewood Drying Process?
The drying time depends on factors like how to dry wood quickly type, thickness, climate, and drying methods. Here’s a simple guide to help you get a clear picture.
| Wood Type | Air Drying Time | Kiln Drying Time |
| Softwood | 4-6 months | 1-2 days |
| Hardwood | 12-18 months | 3-5 days |
| Mixed Hardwood | 6-12 months | 2-4 days |
This is why most homeowners prefer kiln-dried firewood as the quickest and most reliable option for long-lasting fires.
How to Stack and Store Firewood Properly
The way you store your firewood determines its performance and how long it can last – even after the drying process.
- Keep stacks at least 6 inches off the ground.
- Place them under a covered shelter or firewood shed.
- Never wrap them tightly in plastic, as it can trap moisture.
- Always store seasoned firewood separately from green wood.
When in Doubt – Choose Our Kiln-Dried Firewood
If you’re short on time or want a guaranteed long-lasting burn, kiln-dried firewood from 12 Point Farms LLC is your best choice! Here’s why.
- Kiln dried to perfection
- Free from mold, bugs, and excess smoke.
- Available for delivery straight to your doorstep.
Kiln-dried friewood is a guaranteed option to enjoy long-lasting fires – perfect for fireplaces, stoves, and outdoor fireplaces. Get yours today!