Even though we are in the middle of summer, it’s never a bad time to consider your firewood needs for the following winter. As you’re probably aware, Colorado gets some serious winters, and if you want to be ready for cold weather, you need to make sure your wood stove or wood burning fireplace is well fed and happy.
Split Wood
The first thing you’ll need to do is cut all of your wood to fit. Measure the dimensions of your fireplace or stove, and make sure all of your wood pieces will work. You may also find someone willing to do the work for you.
Stack It
Wood needs to be stacked correctly so that it can dry out completely. Wet or green wood will not burn well, so it’s up to you to use properly seasoned wood. There are many different ways to stack wood, but the idea is that air should be able to circulate around the individual pieces so that it can dry. Try and stack your woodpile so that it faces the prevailing winds as much as possible, but make sure to keep it away from the house—it’s a haven for insects.
Let it Dry
Wood needs to dry for a “season” or two before it can be burned. That season usually means about six months, but some hardwoods can take up to a year.
Rain Protection
Wood is going to get rained on, but to avoid it getting constantly drenched, you should store it under a shed roof where it can still get air. Alternatively, you can use a tarp and keep a few rocks on top to keep it in place.
Hi-Tech Appliance specializes in wood stove sales and wood fireplace sales. Contact us and take a tour of our showroom to find the right unit for your home.
