Firewood for Sale: How to Find & Choose It?

Although the main subject of this website is “what can be done with wooden pallets?“, we receive many questions about where to find firewood for sale near me?

First, it is not advisable to use wooden pallets as firewood as they may be chemically treated or have transported chemicals, which gives them a significant environmental impact. You can find more information on the toxicity of wooden pallets.

Wood, a healthy energy source

Firewood provides comfort to the inhabitants of the house through its use. In addition to the savings that can be achieved by its lower cost than other energies, it lights up easily and reaches the desired temperature quickly.

Its appearance is friendly, the controlled fire, the crackling of the wood and the smell of the wood make it a moment of softness and regeneration.

Moreover, in interior decoration, the wood-burning fireplace is the key element that enhances the common space for its soothing benefits.

However, heating with wood requires wood storage space. Disadvantages that could be addressed depending on the housing.

Also, wood energy is a healthy source of energy for the following reasons:

• A carbon-neutral balance sheet: Wood does not contribute to the greenhouse effect (unlike fossil energies) because the CO2 that is released during its combustion corresponds to the CO2 that was consumed during the tree’s growth. It should be noted that a forest left abandoned produces more CO2 than it consumes because of its decomposition.
• A renewable energy source: This resource is widely available. It is estimated that the industry is only exploiting 60 to 70% of the annual potential to date, which means that growth can be expected with confidence. Finally, the consumption of wood as an energy source contributes to the maintenance of forests and our landscapes.
• Sustainable energy: This energy does not raise fundamental ethical questions about its maintenance. It’s a little different with energies that are vectors of wars or disasters… wood-burning also generates local jobs.
• However, the picture is not pink: No energy is perfect and can claim to supplant all others. Not everyone can and could heat with wood (there are constraints, the resource is not infinite, and air quality must be preserved). It is just a matter of acknowledging the value of this energy and giving it a place in the media, for example. Wood energy must also fight to improve its performance in terms of emissions into the air in order to maintain air quality (especially by limiting its impact on “fine” particles). And in the absolute, the best energy is the one we do not consume. Before considering how best to heat yourself, you must first think about how to insulate better.

How to choose the right firewood?

To heat your home properly, you must have:

• Dry wood is essential
• Good quality species
• A good installation
• And regular sweeping

The drying of the wood is more important than the type of wood used in terms of energy yield because the presence of water in the wood absorbs a lot of energy during evaporation. In short, the more water there is, the less heat will be produced by burning wood.

The recommended humidity level is 20% (a green, freshly cut wood contains 50%).

However, wood is considered to be burnable below 25% moisture content.

First of all, therefore, require very dry wood. The ideal for firewood is to have a wood that has had 2 years of drying (but it depends on the species) and has been dried in a kiln at 20%.

Ideally, store the wood at home for a few months in a dry place (if possible in a ventilated area). Before burning it, bring it back for a few days near the heat source.

It should be noted that in case of rain or snow, very dry wood can retain moisture on the surface but it will evaporate quickly. The important thing is the moisture content in the heart of the wood.

The purchase of a moisture meter may give you a mixed indication if it only measures surface moisture (for consumer versions). Another solution, manual this one: Knock 2 logs together; if the sound is dry, the wood is dry!

It will also be possible to identify dry wood:

• by the absence of fungi and molds on the surface (but a dry wood may have taken the rain and present fungi)
• by its ends that show cracks
• or by its “yellow” color (the wood changes from light to yellow as it ages).

What kind of wood species for firewood?

For species, and for firewood, prefer hardwood species. Oak, Charm, and beech are the preferred species. But it is also necessary to know how to accept other species that have other advantages (cheaper price, rapid temperature rise, respect for the diversity of species present in nature…). See below for more precise characteristics of wood species.

More generally, prefer oak, beech and hornbeam wood for heating. They offer better combustion and their fumes are less harmful to humans. Be careful also with wood that is too dry, such as handling wood pallets or vines, because their combustion is too strong and could damage your cast iron pipes and equipment.

Tips: The wood of the Chestnut tree crackles, so it is recommended for closed fireplaces. White and fruit woods ignite quickly but release heat for a shorter period of time. Beware of coniferous trees that produce…resin.

What are the characteristics of wood species used as firewood?

Hardwoods

Hardwoods are generally great for burning indoors because they provide a lot of heat and produce minimal smoke. Not to mention that they’re easy to burn.

• Almond: Almond burns similar to oak in that it produces a long-lasting fire without much ash. It also seasons quickly. As far as firewood for sale, this is a rarity but if you happen across it, almond is a good option.
• Ash: Ash is considered one of the best woods for a steady fire with good heat.
• Beech: Beech burns much like ash. It is a dense hardwood and thus produces a lively fire without much spark.
• Birch: Even though classified as a hardwood, Birch is a softer wood and therefore burns faster.
• Dogwood: Dogwood is extremely dense making it great for burning. You’ll find that it even coals well making for a warm ambiance and more heat.
• Hard Maple: Most maple has a good reputation for burning with fewer sparks and less smoke compared to other woods. If you find Maple firewood for sale, don’t hesitate to grab it up.
• Hickory: Named as one of the best woods for burning, hickory burns even hotter than oak and maple. It holds little moisture and therefore burns quite well.
• Pecan: Pecan burns with very little smoke. Many people prefer to use it for cooking and barbequing.
• Red Oak: Red oak, like most oaks, burns hot and produces minimal coals.

Softwoods

Softwoods aren’t usually as popular for fireplace fires because they produce minimal heat and burn quickly. They are great to use as kindling.

• Cedar: Cedar is often used for kindling because it splits easily and lights easily and then burns hot. Cedar is also good for crackling fires.
• Douglas Fir: Touted as one of the better softwoods for burning because it produces a moderate amount of heat, the Douglas Fir is a great wood for fireplaces.
• White Spruce: Spruce burns hot and sparks a lot so it’s not great in an open fireplace. It’s best used for kindling to get a larger fire started.
• Yellow Pine: It’s important to remember that pine can create a significant amount of creosote which will ultimately cause fireplace fires. Only burn pine minimally and clean your fireplace right away.

FAQs about firewood

What is the drying time of firewood?

The drying time of wood logs so that they are ready to be used in your furnace is usually two years in a well-ventilated and rain-proof place. Professionals also use ovens to shorten this time and obtain firewood that meets all quality criteria, particularly with regard to humidity (less than 20%).

How to recognize dry firewood?

Recognizing a dry wood from a wet wood is not necessarily the easiest way. Several techniques classified below at least at most reliable allow you to know if the humidity level is less than or not less than 20%:

• Visual test: dry wood has no fungus, is significantly lighter and may have large cracks.
• Impact test: grab two logs and hit each other. A duller sound indicates a drier wood, a lighter sound, a drier wood.
• Dishwashing liquid test: on one end of a log, spread a little dishwashing liquid. Blow strongly from the other end. If foam appears, the humidity level is ideal.
• Use of a moisture meter.

What are the dimensions of the logs?

The different sizes of wood logs sold are generally 25 cm, 33 cm, and 50 cm.

How to choose the right log size?

If the choice of log length depends primarily on the dimensions of your heating appliance (wood stove, inserts, fireplace, etc.), it is recommended when it is possible to choose logs in 33 cm or better, in 25 cm. Indeed, a short length promotes inflammation and increases the performance of your wood stove. On the other hand, the use of 50 cm logs for a fireplace stove is quite possible.

Should I dry my firewood before using it?

The professionals offer you dried wood in optimal conditions and ready to use. It is indeed not very interesting as a private individual to dry your own wood, because this step requires at least two to three years. However, once delivered, your firewood must be carefully stored in a safe place.

However, some professionals may offer green wood that requires drying at the customer’s premises. This type of wood is less expensive than ready-to-use wood and saves some money.

How to cut firewood properly?

Your firewood must be split lengthwise to improve log combustion. Be aware that small pieces of wood burn faster and have a higher temperature. On the other hand, if you want to favor a continuous fire, use large logs.

How to store firewood properly?

The storage of firewood must meet two conditions:

• protection against rain;
• good ventilation.

Storage must, therefore, be carried out outdoors under a shelter (shed, log shelter, etc.) or under a tarpaulin, while favoring a sunny exposure. Do not place your firewood in your garage because there is insufficient air circulation. If necessary, use a recovery pallet to avoid storage directly on the ground and to avoid losing the first logs.

When to get firewood?

The best time to get firewood is in the summer. Indeed, you will have time to store it little by little and to find first where to store it.

Then, you will have time without stress to pick them up at our depots nearest you.

Is kiln-dried firewood good?

As its name signifies, kiln-dried firewood is wood that has been dried in a kiln. Typically, it is sold in small packages, rarely in larger supplies.

The process of the kiln is to bakes the firewood, forcing out the moisture that is naturally present. The big advantage of kiln dry is that it takes much less time to dry wood than it does naturally.

Traditional firewood requires between six months and two years of storage of the wood in good conditions before it could be used as firewood.

The choice of burning kiln-dried or traditional firewood depends on how quickly you need to use the wood or how much you’re willing to spend as kiln-dried wood is more expensive.

Overall it’s same-same in terms of heat characteristics.

What kind of heating device is needed?

To properly heat your house, you will also need a heating device adapted to the energy needs of the house (in terms of power in particular) with good theoretical efficiency and good installation. The installation concerns, in particular, the respect of safety standards, the adjustment of the device, and the adjustment of the air inlets. To this end, we recommend that you have your device installed by a professional.

The same applies to the maintenance of your installation. Legally, sweeping must be done twice a year.

What are the units of measurement for firewood?

In Europe: Stere & m3

A stere (500 kg of wood or 1500 kWh on average) corresponds to 1m3 of wood with wood logs of 1 meter but beware if you order wood logs of 33cm you will not get 1m3 of wood simply because logs of 33cm are better stored than logs of 1 meter!

Once stored, 1 stere of firewood in 33 cm will only make 0.7m3.

In 25cm it will only take 0.6m3 against 0.8m3 with 50 cm logs.

These are the connections that cause many of the tensions between sellers and the customer.

Only possible conclusion:

• The firewood Stere is not a very reliable measure… or at least not very clear.
•  It is, therefore, preferable to use the m3 and this is what the law requires…

In the United States & Canada: Cord

The cord is a unit of measure of dry volume used to measure firewood and pulpwood in the United States and Canada.

A cord is the amount of wood that, when “racked and well stowed” measures four feet high by four feet wide by eight feet long (4 ft. x 4 ft. x 8 ft.) and has a volume of 128 cubic feet.

The amount of solid wood in a cord varies depending on the size of the pieces, but for firewood, it averages about 85 cubic feet. The rest of the cord volume is air space.

A full cord (4′ x 4′ x 8′) is the official, standard firewood measure, but four-foot pieces are not used for home heating. So firewood is not offered for sale in the form of its official unit measurement. That’s why measuring firewood can be confusing as in Europe.

Other non-official terms for firewood volume include standing cord, kitchen cord, running cord, face cord, fencing cord, country cord, long cord, and rick, all subject to local variation. The name cord probably comes from the use of a cord or string to measure it.

How to use firewood?

How to light a wood fire?

Whether it is to light a fire in a wood stove, an insert or a stove, the basic principles are always the same:

• open as much as possible the primary and secondary air inlets of the fireplace.
• if you have some, put some firewood in the fireplace.
• place two logs in parallel and leave a space of 1 to 2 cm between them.
• place a firelighter between the logs.
• light up with matches, for example.

How to use your wood stove properly?

To optimize the performance of your wood stove and thus control your firewood consumption, it is essential, once the fire is started, to close the primary air supply. This prevents the wood from flaming too quickly.

While it can be slightly reduced, the secondary air supply must remain open throughout the combustion process to avoid the release of toxic gases. It is only once you no longer see any embers that you can close the arrivals to conserve heat.

How to save firewood?

Consuming less firewood means choosing it well, especially with regard to humidity and species. This also requires the proper use of your wood-burning appliance:

• adjust your secondary arrival as best you can to maintain the fire.
• add firewood as you go along. Too much added at one time tends to kill the fire and cause inefficient combustion. The latter can also be too large and damage the stove.
• remember to have the ducts cleaned on a regular basis.

How to keep your wood fire going at night?

Making a wood fire that lasts all night makes it possible to have a pleasantly heated interior when you wake up, and especially, not to have the chore of rebuilding the fire. To achieve this, it is necessary to select very dry logs and hardwood logs such as oak for example. Place them tightly on a bed of embers. As a result, the logs do not ignite and continue to supply the fireplace with embers until the morning.

Environment and firewood

Where does the firewood come from?

Trees used to produce fuelwood are harvested from local estates forest. These forests are managed in a sustainable way, that is, by taking into account the natural cycle of resource growth.

Are there any quality labels or certifications for firewood?

Professionals in the wood energy sector do not only comply with their legal obligations, for example in terms of the legality of the origin of the raw material. For many, they are part of a demanding approach through various labels attesting to their skills, the quality of the firewood marketed, their commitment to the sustainable management of the resource or their involvement in protecting the environment.

Among the quality labels or certifications, we find in particular:

• NF Firewood certification, which guarantees quality;
• PEFC certification attesting to sustainably managed forests to ensure the renewal of the resource and the preservation of biodiversity;
• the FSC label, whose objectives are similar to those of PEFC certification. However, it is more relevant to forests on other continents;
• local labels, etc.

Is firewood polluting?

As part of the fight against climate change, many people are wondering whether heating with wood is polluting. The material itself has a neutral carbon footprint. Indeed, throughout their lives, trees capture and store atmospheric carbon. On combustion, it is released to be captured again by another tree, hence the importance of wood from a sustainably managed forest.

How to avoid pollution from wood heating?

The carbon footprint of wood energy is neutral. However, an old or inefficient furnace and poor quality fuel can release a number of air pollutants that would otherwise be readily available, such as nitrogen oxides (Nox), carbon monoxide (CO), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

To reduce or considerably avoid such emissions, it is therefore essential to be equipped with a wood stove or any other efficient heating appliance (e. g. with a Green Flame label), but also to choose quality firewood (choice of species, humidity level below 20%, etc.).

All you need to know about heat logs

What is a heat log?

A heat log is a high-quality wood energy fuel. The synonyms used to describe this type of wood fuel are compressed log, compacted log, densified log, agglomerated log, calorific log, briquette, or reconstituted wood, condensed or recomposed wood.

It is produced from the recycling of very dry and untreated wood chips and sawdust. This wood waste is compressed through special equipment called a bricklayer. The heat log obtained is 100% natural without glue or chemical binder.

It is used as a traditional wooden log, but it is 3 to 4 times more calorific. Instead of putting 3 or 4 logs in your fireplace, only one compressed log is needed. It is suitable for all types of appliances: wood stoves, inserts, open fireplaces or even wood stoves or boilers.

The synonyms

There are several synonyms for heat logs:

• The “densified log” or densified wood log because it is much denser and heavier than a cutting log,
• “compacted log / compressed log” due to its manufacturing process,
• “wooden briquettes” because there are cylindrical or square shapes (our advice, prefer the cylindrical!),
• “recomposed log”,
• or calorific log because it gives off a very high level of heat compared to conventional firewood,
• These names do not change the characteristics of heat logs.

Ecological and practical

Heat logs are practical and clean fuels. They fall into two categories of the appellation: “day” for heat logs that produce flames or “night” for those that make it possible to make embers and thus last an entire night.

Heating with heat logs is an ecological act because, in addition to being derived from a renewable energy resource (sustainably managed forest trees), this wood waste is recovered to create this very good fuel.

Day heat log or night heat log: what is the difference and what is the use?

A different composition

The difference between DAY heat wood logs and NIGHT heat wood logs comes from the part of the wood that is compressed.

In the heat log of DAY, it is the heart of the wood with very little or no bark used. This wooden log creates beautiful flames, and heat quickly and intensely over a period of about 2 hours.

This log is easily recognizable by its light color.

In the NIGHT heat log, wood bark and a little sawdust are compressed. The objective of this log is to have slower combustion so that the heat is generated over a longer period of time and in a homogeneous way. Here, wood bark is the ideal ally for this operation. This long-lasting log is used to create a hot ember pavement in the fireplace of your wood stove or chimney to last an entire night or an entire working day.

This log is easily recognizable by its dark brown color.

A different and complementary combustion

The daytime heat log is very easy to use as a replacement for traditional cutting wood (with all the advantages of a performance wood heater and the added convenience of a practical log).

Night bricks are used in smaller volumes. It is there to keep the melting of your installation hot and thus avoid having to restart a fire from scratch every day.

You will place one to three-night heat logs on top of each other (forming a pile) on a bed of embers or a well started hot fire for a duration of 6 to 8 hours while a compressed day log burns for about 1h30 to 2h.

The price per kilo of these NIGHT logs is a little higher but you use much less and with a few kilos you will keep the temperature of your installation very hot for 6 to 8 hours.

It is an ideal fuel when there is a need for a low heat input, such as at night or during the day when there are fewer people in the house. The rest of the time, when you want a higher heat release, you will use the DAY heat logs.

The storage and delivery conditions, technical characteristics such as humidity, ash content, calorific value, etc. are quite similar between DAY and NIGHT heat logs.

How to distribute quantities between DAY and NIGHT

On the basis of our customers’ average consumption, we recommend that the quantities of logs be distributed day and night as follows:

• 1/4 pallet of night heat logs
• 3/4 pallet of day heat logs

Heat log and wood log: comparison

There are two important things here:

1. The humidity level
2. The practical side

The humidity level

This is the main difference for you who are looking for the best fuel or simply to buy wood for your home. Compressed wood logs, like wood pellets, can achieve a moisture content of 10%, while cutting wood can, at best, theoretically reach 17%. However, even in a firewood distributor, most firewood rarely reaches a humidity level of 17-20%, they are often above 30%.

When buying firewood, be aware that the higher the humidity level, the lower the calorific value. The poorer the combustion of firewood, the less heat is released from the wood, and the more clogged the installation becomes.

The moisture content of the wood is directly related to the emission rate of fine particles, which influences the energy released by the fire. As with wood pellets, choosing compressed logs is equivalent to choosing a method of heating with wood or with ecological compressed logs from among the possibilities of wood energy and wood log energy fuels.

The practical side

The main advantages of day & night heat logs:

• the day heat log, 100% natural, for easy use but above all for a high calorific value, intended for all types of appliances that use firewood: inserts, fireplaces, boilers, stoves, wood stoves, open or closed;
• the night heat log, more economical, 100% natural, with a temperature that is maintained thanks to 6 to 8 hours of embers;

Be careful the markers change

The volume of wood to be ordered:

Since the calorific value of compressed wood is higher than traditional firewood, the equivalent of a wooden Stere represents much less volume (logs are made of sawdust and compacted wood chips, so you have more wood per cubic meter).

Unlike the forestry sector, compressed logs are sold by weight. In a log center, it is, therefore, necessary to know the right quantity equivalents if you buy wood: 1 pallet of firewood of one tonne of compressed logs is equivalent to about 4 Steres of dry firewood with at least 2 years of drying. When purchasing compressed wood, the seller communicates with his customer on the volume of wood delivered, expressed in m3. As the size of the compressed log decreases, the apparent volume decreases relative to this Stere unit. For a log length of 1 m, 1 stere will correspond to an apparent volume of 1 m3.

The choice of wood species:

A habit to forget since the humidity level is so low, the species of firewood in compressed logs does not modify the heating performance of these sticks. No more need to have absolutely oak or beech. Compressed logs make it possible to get the best out of all types of wood, simply because it is very dry.

Storage:

Exceptional firewood quality begins with sheltered storage. As soon as the firewood is delivered, a long-lasting firewood log for better firewood must be stored in a dry place.

In use:

The amount of energy released per log is very high, as each log releases a lot of heat. Only one densified log should be placed at a time in wood-burning appliances such as fireplaces, fireplaces, wood stoves or log boilers.

Purchase firewood: why choose heat logs?

Currently, you are buying traditional firewood

Since the time of purchase of firewood and pellets is often only once a year, it is difficult to change your habits, especially since the amounts spent are significant. Also, at the end of the season, even during spring/summer, try it out. Buy a pack or two in withdrawal point to make your opinion.

Currently, you cut your own firewood for free

Making your wood is clearly the best way to access cheap firewood, but do you really know how long you spend there before you heat up with wood? How is your back holding up? No more back pain and they finally find the wood logs equivalent of high-performance heating that they used to split and carefully dry for 2 to 3 years… which is less and less done.

Is there an equivalence between a wood Stere and a quantity of heat logs?

A pallet of one ton of heat logs will produce the energy equivalent of about 4 Steres of traditional firewood.

The difference in volume can be impressive, but it must be taken into account that densified wood logs have a moisture content half as low as that of cutting wood. For the same weight, when burning the compressed log will release about twice as much heat into your fireplace.

In addition, the chips and sawdust that make up the logs are compressed. Their density being very high, the logs are therefore very heavy. It is also said that a compressed log is equivalent to the calorific value of 3 or 4 traditional logs.

It is important to understand these parameters in order to compare the prices of these two fuels.

What are the criteria for selecting a quality heat log?

The important points

On the technical characteristics available on the products, the important points to judge the quality are:

• the humidity level, which must not exceed 12%,
• the shape must be cylindrical for the day log (square shape for the night log),
• diameter: a heat log must be between 8 and 9 cm in diameter to offer a good duration over time and generate beautiful flames,
• and the sympathy of the seller.

And the species is not important?

Strangely enough, the species has very little importance. You can check above the difference in calorific value between species. Densified softwood logs will burn better or equivalent to a compressed oak log. (learn more about the importance of species).

This difference is minimal.

The fouling rate of fireplaces and ducts also changes very little from one heat log species to another and is much lower than what you can have with traditional cut wood.

Conclusion

These quality criteria will vary the performance and efficiency of your stove, insert or chimney. A quality compressed log is easily lit, produces beautiful flames, holds well to the fire and produces burning embers, gives off strong heat, and lasts between 1h and 2h30 depending on your furnace.

All you need to know about wood pellets

What are wood pellets?

Definition

By definition, wood pellet is a fuel in the form of a small cylinder 6 or 8 mm in diameter and an average length of 3.6 cm that is manufactured by heavily compressing sawdust. The term “pellet” refers to these wood grains.

Usage

The pellet is used in generally specific wood-burning appliances such as pellet stoves or pellet boilers. They are used to heat a room in a house, an entire pavilion or even an entire commercial building. Thanks to the very low moisture content of the pellet (<10%), these pellets produce a lot of heat. They thus replace fuel oil and gas because their energy density on the one hand and their granular packaging, on the other hand, make them compatible with automated feeding devices and compatible with the storage volumes of fuel silos.

Continuous feeding

Compared to wooden logs, pellets are, with forest chips, the only way to continuously feed a boiler with PLCs. Thanks to its energy power (ultra-dry compressed wood), it is easier to use than forest chips, which have a low calorific density and therefore require a lot of handling space and more maintenance.

The possibility of having an automatic feed is a necessity for a boiler but has also provided great thermal comfort since the models of pellet stoves have advanced thermal regulation systems.

The packaging

Wood pellets are generally packaged in 15 kg bags on pallets or in bulk.

Delivery is made by tailgate truck and pallet truck for bagged granules, while bulk granules are supplied and delivered by means of a blower truck (like a tanker truck but for the dry matter) or in big bags placed on pallets or unloaded by crane truck.

The industry

The pellet industry is global and follows production standards that define good practices for factories and distributors. These standards guide the actors in the collection, storage, processing of sawdust and the characteristics of the final product that ensure product quality. In these standards, the most demanding are DINplus (DIN+) and ENplus A1 (EN+ A1). It is this pellet that should be preferred for domestic use.

There is a second level of pellet quality certified according to the ENplus A2 standard. There is yet another type of pellet, called “industrial-grade wood pellets”. Everything is said in the name, this fuel requires specialized combustion furnaces that accept a lower quality of fuel but necessarily cheaper too. These furnaces have filters and other equipment allowing them to use these less noble granules while limiting sanitary or environmental constraints.

How much storage space is needed to store wood pellets?

For pellets in bags

Generally speaking, it is necessary to count 1 meter by 1 meter on the ground over a height of about 1m40 for the storage of a pallet of one ton of wood pellets packed in 15kg bags.

If you wish to prepare the location of a pallet in your garage, be aware that the floor dimensions vary and can be 80120cm, 90120cm, or 100*120cm. In addition, provide space around the location you have chosen, whether to direct the pallet truck if your access allows it or space to move around to store the bags by hand.

Knowing that the average consumption of an American household in bagged pellets for its heating of the year is 2 to 3 tons, it is necessary to provide a space of about 3m2 on the floor to store the volume of pellets necessary for 1 year of heating a house.

For bulk pellets

Bulk wood pellets are delivered by blower truck directly into the silo. The average pellet consumption for houses equipped with boilers is about 5.5T/year, but the design study prior to the installation of the boiler determined the size of the silo and therefore the space required for its installation. In this case, the reasoning is no longer in m2 per floor, but rather in the overall volume of the silo.

Some precautions to take

We remind you that it is important to provide an appropriate space (dry, protected from humidity and heat) and consistent with the handling of pellets. Indeed, it is necessary to avoid multiple movements of the bags because this will generate dust. As with the delivery of bulk wood pellets where the silo is too far from the parking point.

Are wood pellets certified?

The ENplus A1 Certificate

Wood pellets or wood pellets that have obtained the ENplus certificate scrupulously comply with the European standard regulating wood heating EN 14961-2. This standard is intended to control the manufacture and storage of wood pellets on an ongoing basis.

The DINplus Certificate

It is a certification developed by an independent body, DINCERTO, which has defined strict specifications for the raw material, physical and chemical characteristics, and calorific value in order to comply with the European standard EN 14961-2. This approach allows both a user and a heater manufacturer to have a guarantee on fuel quality. Moreover, many producers of pellet stoves or boilers do not provide their warranty if the wood pellet used is not certified.

Standard EN 14961-2

Here are some examples of parameters that must be respected along the production chain according to the European standard for wood pellets – EN 14 961-2:

• 6mm granule diameter with a tolerance of + or – 1mm
• or 8mm granule diameter with a tolerance of + or – 1mm
• Length of the wood pellet between 3.15mm and 40mm
• A humidity level below 10%.
• Ash rate at lower temperature 0.7%.
• Mechanical hardness is greater than 97.5%.
• The proportion of fines of less than 1%.
• Density greater than 600 kg/m3 (kilogram / cubic meter)
• A net calorific value between 16.5 and 19 MJ/kg (MegaJoule/kilogram)
• or Net calorific value between 4.58 and 5.28 kWh/kg (kilowatt-hour/kilogram)

The ENplus A1 and DinPlus certifications are quality guarantees for a pellet used on a domestic pellet stove or boiler installation. The technical characteristics are the most demanding. Low-quality wood pellets are produced in France or worldwide, and certified ENplus A2 or ENplus B but intended either for a less demanding clientele ready to carry out more maintenance work on their equipment or for industrial users (large industrial boiler rooms or local authorities).

Where to find firewood?

Can we get firewood in the forest?

The use of forest wood for heating is a way of contributing to the management and preservation of the forest heritage. The wood industry is mainly dedicated to professionals. Can individuals who are looking for cheap firewood go directly to the forest? Unfortunately not, those who do not have their own trees are forced to turn to a professional distribution channel. The possibilities for the private individual to obtain firewood at a good price are rare, but they do exist.

The US forest service

The US forest service is in charge of the administration of state-owned forests. It designates which tree will be cut down and marketed and also ensures the renewal of the forest heritage, among other missions. Forest wood is essentially destined to become timber, in other words, for furniture, construction, and works. The branches and the top are for heating. The cutting of trees is often reserved for professionals but sales to private individuals are also possible. A sales contract is concluded with the private individual and the Stere is sold at a much lower price than the price charged for woodcut or even ready to burn.

Can we get dead trees or fallen wood?

Dead trees and fallen branches provide vital habitat for a range of native species, including birds, possums, reptiles, insects and even other plants and fungi. Tree holes and hollows, in particular, are extremely important, but they can take many years to form.

Once they do, they provide nesting and sleeping places for brush-tailed possums, goannas, and birds such as yellow-tailed black cockatoos, kookaburras, and rosellas. Some native bird species cannot breed without the right sort of holes or hollows to nest in, so the reduction in the number of old trees in the landscape has had a serious impact on their numbers.

Fallen wood can also provide hiding places and food sources for small animals such as echidnas, bats, dunnarts, pygmy possums, geckoes, and other lizards.

For all these reasons it is not allowed to get wood from the forest, national parks & reserves.

Where to find firewood for sale?

Depending on where you are living, firewood rules, regulations, recommendations, and pests of concern are different throughout the USA and Canada. You can find all the information’s about your local regulations at don’t move firewood where they made a cool interactive map to help you!

Know what to ask to firewood sellers

When you start thinking about where to buy firewood near you, one of the first questions you may ask is whether or not delivery is available. You can also find out if the vendor will stack the wood upon delivery or simply leave it piled up in your front yard for you to stack later. If you’re picking the wood up on your own, you should ask if the vendor will help load it.

Do not hesitate to negotiate the price, especially if you’ve researched other vendors in the area.

Find firewood for sale online

In the US, ten states now list their firewood dealers on an easily searchable map at Firewood Scout. This site is really handy to find the nearest place that is selling firewood.

You can also check on websites like Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace, as they can be very useful to find people who are selling firewood.

Ask Google

Google knows everything, you should know that! :) By doing a local search on “Firewood for sale” you should get some good results on companies that are selling firewood near you.

Note: We do not recommend ordering firewood online as it weighs a lot and will incur significant shipping costs. We advise you to go and get firewood around you. Also, when buying from an online retailer, you may not know from where is coming the wood and maybe it crossed the sea, which in terms of environmental impact is worse. By buying locally, you can verify that the wood was taken from the nearest forests.

Contact your State Department of Agriculture (USDA APHIS)

In some places, especially in the Central and Eastern United States, you can buy firewood with a state Department of Agriculture, or USDA APHIS, seal certifying that your firewood has been certified as heat-treated to kill pests. Whenever you must buy firewood for use far from where you are buying it, this is the best type of firewood to buy.

Note that firewood labeled as just “kiln-dried” is not the same as certified heat-treated, and is not safe to move long distances.

Find firewood for sale near you: Check print ads around town

Don’t hesitate to also post or watch for print ads around town. A grocery store, post office, newspaper, or any other heavy area of traffic may be a good place to look for firewood for sale near you or to ask locals if they have firewood they want to discard or if they know someone in their neighbors who are selling away some firewood.

Visit a sawmill in your area

A sawmill’s entire function is to produce usable lumber from tree logs, but they don’t use 100% of the tree. Use this to your advantage by gathering up any scraps they’re willing to sell you, something you could use as firewood at a lot cheaper price.

Sawmills may be willing to sell away wood scraps because they undoubtedly already subscribe to (pay) a service that disposes of their waste. If they can have you buy some of the load from them at a good price or even for free, they may be able to reduce costs; it’s a win-win for both of you.

Where to find firewood for free?

Check your local area online

Websites like Craigslist, The Freecycle Network, and Facebook Marketplace, can be very useful to find people who have no use for firewood and would love for you to take it off.

You can find free firewood by either posting your own ad or looking for ads put up by others. If your neighborhood or town has a special swap group on Facebook, be sure to look and post on there too.

Online ads are helpful for reaching a larger number of people but not everyone visits the websites you may be using.

Check print ads around town

As for firewood for sale, don’t hesitate to also post or watch for print ads around town.

Downed trees or branches after a windstorm

Heavy winds during a storm will often bring down branches or even entire trees, but they also give you the opportunity for free firewood. If you live in a city, there are usually tree remains all over the streets and in parking lots. Your average homeowner may not have the physical capacity, tools, or vehicle space to remove the larger fallen branches from their fences or roofs, in which case you can step in and haul off the debris for them.

Getting free firewood this way is an excellent idea because nobody wants a messy neighborhood. But remember to get out there quickly because depending on the time the storm passes, most people don’t hesitate at all to start cleaning up.

Raid a burn pile

You can’t construct a building or home where there are trees. You can take benefit of these situations where a company or individual is cutting down trees only to dispose of them, by swooping in and removing the wood for them.

Construction sites are a good place to look for this type of free firewood. But if you can’t seem to find any, you might try visiting a landfill where the company may have deposited all the wood, in which case you should have free reign to dig through it and take what you want.

Offer trimming services

If you have the expertise and equipment to prune back branches, this can provide an excellent way for free firewood when you’re in a pinch. One way you can do this is to drive around and look for dying or outgrown trees that should be trimmed. They may hang way over in the street or even hover right above someone’s house.

Contact local tree trimmers

Most local tree trimmers already have a way to dispose of the extra wood they get, but they may be willing to let you have some too. They may even deliver if you ask nicely.

Woodworker scrap wood

A local woodworking shop or a hobby woodworker may have scrap wood they have no need for. Some of this wood makes excellent kindling and you’re providing a disposal service to them so they will reduce their waste disposal costs.

Wood from pallets

Many consumer goods are stored or shipped on wooden pallets including construction materials and furniture. Often, stores cannot return pallets, have no use for them and are anxious to dispose of them. Pallets can be easily dismantled and the wood recycled or burned as firewood.

Conclusion

You should know now everything about firewood, heat logs, wood pellets and where you can find firewood for sale or for free! We hope this article was instructive and that you found all the information needed!

If you have other important information or any tips on where to find firewood for sale or for free, feel free to comment on this article!

Thanks for reading!

FAQs

What tree is good for firewood?

Traditionally, hardwoods are preferred for firewood (Oak, Charm, and beech for example), especially in central and eastern North America, but softer woods make fine fuel for spring and fall use. More generally, it is the density and moisture content that influences firewood behavior in the fire and its value. Hardwoods like maple and oak have a higher energy content per cord and so release more heat per firebox load. They also produce long-lasting fires and coal beds. Softer woods like birch, pine, spruce, and poplar are less dense, burn faster and do not produce a long-lasting coal bed when burned.

Does Walmart sell firewood?

YES, Walmart is now selling firewood. They sell different kinds of firewood and you can even order them online. Walmart really does have some rock bottom prices, but if you’re planning on having more than one campfire, it’s worth just buying locally from someone and getting a nice pile of firewood.

How much should I pay for a cord of wood?

The standard measurement for firewood, a cord is 128 cubic feet. This means that when it is stacked it measures approximately 4 feet high, 4 feet wide and 8 feet long. Cord costs vary across the country, but in general, you can expect to pay between $120 and $180 for a cord of hardwood that is split and seasoned. Prices could go up during the winter season, so you should plan to buy your firewood during the summer.

Can I burn pallets in my wood stove?

Not all pallets should be burned, you may check the pallet stamp before to be sure that the pallet is safe and was not chemically treated with the fumigant methyl bromide (labeled with the initials MB). If so, they are unsafe to burn.. You can find more information on how to know if the pallet is safe in our in-depth article on pallet safety. Also, pallets may have been exposed to a variety of chemicals while they were in use, check visually is the wood is clean and if you are unsure, do not burn them.