All you need to know about firewood

Before you stock up on firewood for winter, make sure you understand the different types of timber you can use plus, what to look out for when buying.

Wood Type

Different types of wood burn at different rates, so make sure you know how fast your firewood will burn to keep track of how much you are likely to get through. Also be wary of cost, as while one type of firewood might be initially cheaper to buy, if you’ve got to use more of it then it might not actually work out as the cheapest option.

As a general rule softwoods burn faster than hardwoods and are usually cheaper to buy.

Pine is one of the most commonly used types of softwood. It burns relatively easily and has a good heat output. It can be used in most wood fires and for open fires.

Make sure you always check with the manufacturer of your wood fire before using any type of firewood to make sure it is ok.

Macrocarpa is another common wood. It’s a medium wood, which burns well and cleanly but does have a tendency to spark, which means it is not suitable for use in open fires.

Hardwood tends to be more expensive to buy initially although it takes longer to burn. Manuka is a commonly used hardwood, it burns longer and is hot. You might also see gum wood. Gum is also slow to burn and burns very hot. Both Manuka and Gum can usually be used in wood fires and open fires.

You could also use a blend of different wood types. A blend is often cheaper to buy and will often last just as long as hardwood fuel, it’ll really depend on what woods are used though.

Always avoid using treated timber as firewood. The chemicals it contains are very toxic and hazardous to the environment when burned and they can also corrode your appliance. Also do not use old painted timber as lead based paint is toxic when burnt.

Wood Quality

Never use green or wet wood. If it’s either of these it won’t burn well, and it’ll clog up your flue. Green wood also doesn’t burn cleanly so it will affect the air pollution levels of your fire.

The key to a good fire is using firewood that is as dry as possible. The moisture content of your firewood should be less than 25 per cent.

Wood Quantity

Firewood is legally allowed to be sold by volume in cubic metres or by description such as a trailer load, and is usually sold as a thrown measure. This equates to the wood as if it were thrown into a container, rather than stacked wood.

When you buy firewood sold by volume the seller must have used an approved measure, which has been approved by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs Measurement and Product Safety Service (MAPSS). This measure could be a trailer or a bin. Ask the seller to show you their certificate of approval before you purchase. Their approved measuring device should also be marked with its volume in cubic metres, and have an identification and certificate approval number. It may also have a lead stamp imprinted with a Crown.

Wood Storage

To store firewood stack it in a sheltered place or put a cover over it. Try to store in a sunny spot, sheltered from rain and with good ventilation. You want air to circulate around the wood to keep it dry. Try not to stack your wood too tightly either as you want gaps for air to circulate between it as well as around it.

Where to buy

Most Mitre 10 MEGA stores stock firewood at certain times, but what they stock will vary from store to store. As each store is locally owned and operated they work with local suppliers on this. We recommend contacting your local store before making a special trip to check they are able to meet your requirements.