Selecting suitable firewood is crucial for anyone who relies on wood-burning appliances or enjoys the warmth of a crackling fire. Among the myriad options available, ash wood often garners attention for its reputation as a reliable and efficient firewood source. However, before you stock up on ash logs for your fireplace or wood stove, it’s essential to understand the characteristics, advantages, and potential drawbacks of ash as a firewood choice. In this article, we will delve into the properties of ash wood and its burning performance and offer insights to help you determine whether ash makes good firewood for your specific needs.
Is Ash Good Firewood?
Yes, ash is considered excellent firewood. It has a high BTU output, burns cleanly with minimal smoke and creosote buildup, and is easy to split and handle. Additionally, ash wood is versatile and works well for various wood-burning appliances. However, its suitability can depend on factors like regional availability and personal preferences, so it’s essential to consider your specific needs before choosing ash as your firewood.
Advantages Of Using Ash As Firewood
Using ash as firewood offers several advantages:
High BTU Output:
Ashwood boasts a high heat value, often ranking among the top choices for firewood in terms of energy output. This means that when you burn ash, it generates a significant amount of heat. This high BTU (British Thermal Units) output makes it an excellent choice for heating applications, especially during the colder months. Whether heating your home with a wood-burning stove or enjoying a cozy evening by the fireplace, ash wood can efficiently provide the necessary warmth.
Low Smoke and Creosote Buildup:
One of the notable advantages of ash firewood is its ability to burn cleanly with minimal smoke production. When you burn ash, you’ll notice less smoke billowing out of your chimney or fireplace than other wood types. Moreover, ash wood produces less creosote, a flammable residue that can accumulate in the chimney. Less creosote buildup means reduced fire hazards and a decreased need for frequent chimney cleaning, saving you time and money in the long run.
Ease of Splitting and Handling:
Ashwood’s physical characteristics contribute to its popularity. It typically has a straight grain, which makes it relatively easy to split into firewood-sized pieces. Whether you’re using a splitting maul, axe, or mechanical log splitter, working with ash is less physically demanding than hardwoods with more irregular grain patterns. Its moderate weight also makes it manageable to lift and stack, making it accessible to beginners and experienced wood burners.
Minimal Resin and Sap Content:
Ashwood is known for its low resin and sap content. This quality results in a cleaner and more predictable burn. Resin-rich woods can sometimes create a lot of popping and sparking when burned, which can be a safety concern. Ash’s minimal resin content reduces these issues, providing a safer and more enjoyable fire experience. Additionally, you won’t have to deal with sticky residue on your hands or fireplace surfaces when handling ash firewood.
Versatility for Different Appliances:
Ashwood’s versatility is another critical advantage. It can be used in various wood-burning appliances, including wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, and outdoor fire pits. Whether you’re looking to heat your home, cook food over an open flame, or simply enjoy the ambiance of a crackling fire outdoors, ash wood can meet your needs. Its adaptability makes it a practical choice for various heating and cooking applications.
How To Properly Season And Store Ash Firewood
Properly seasoning and storing ash firewood is crucial in ensuring that it burns efficiently, provides adequate heat, and is safe to use. Seasoning, in this context, refers to reducing the moisture content of the wood to an optimal level for burning, typically around 20% or less. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to properly season and store your ash firewood:
1. Cut and Split the Wood:
Start by cutting your ash logs into manageable lengths, typically between 12 to 18 inches, depending on the size of your wood-burning appliance. Once you have the desired lengths, split the wood into pieces with a diameter of no more than 6 inches. Splitting the wood exposes more surface area, allowing for better and faster drying.
2. Choose the Right Location:
Select a suitable location for stacking your firewood. Ideally, this area should be well-ventilated and offer good airflow. An outdoor location is preferable because it allows natural airflow and reduces the risk of pests and insects infesting your firewood.
3. Elevate and Prepare the Stacking Area:
To prevent moisture absorption from the ground, use pallets, bricks, or wooden planks to elevate the stack off the ground. This elevation helps keep the wood dry and less prone to decay. It’s also advisable to level the ground and clear away debris or vegetation before stacking.
4. Neatly Stack the Wood:
Stack the ash firewood neatly in rows or piles, ensuring adequate space between the logs. A loosely stacked pile allows air to circulate freely, which is essential for effective drying. Try to stack the wood in a way that takes advantage of prevailing winds to aid in the drying process.
5. Cover the Top (but leave sides open):
While allowing air circulation is crucial, cover the top of the stack with a waterproof tarp or a roof-like covering. This protective covering shields the wood from rain and snow, preventing it from getting excessively wet. Leave the sides open to maintain airflow and ventilation.
6. Monitor Moisture Content:
Properly seasoned firewood typically has a moisture content of around 20% or less. To ensure your ash firewood reaches this ideal level, use a moisture meter to check the moisture content periodically. Allowing the wood to dry for at least 6-12 months is essential to achieve the desired moisture level.
7. Rotate the Stack:
To ensure even drying, periodically move or rotate the wood within the stack. This practice ensures that all pieces of wood are exposed to air and dry uniformly. Wood stacked initially at the bottom or in the middle of the pile may need to be brought to the top for thorough seasoning.
8. Protect from Pests and Rodents:
Keep a watchful eye for insects and rodents that may infest your woodpile. To prevent infestations, consider wrapping the woodpile with fine mesh netting or using insect repellents specifically designed for firewood storage.
9. Store Firewood for the Off-Season:
Once your ash firewood is adequately seasoned and ready, transfer it to a covered storage area for the off-season. This ensures that the wood remains dry, protected, and readily available when ready to use it.
10. Invest in a Firewood Rack or Shed:
For long-term and convenient storage, consider investing in a firewood rack or a dedicated storage shed designed for firewood. These structures are specifically crafted to keep firewood dry, well-ventilated, and protected from the elements.
11. Prioritize Safety:
When handling firewood, always prioritize safety. Wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and eye protection. Exercise caution when using sharp tools for cutting and splitting wood, and be mindful of lifting heavy logs to prevent injury.
By diligently following these steps for seasoning and storing ash firewood, you can ensure your firewood is well-prepared to provide efficient and clean-burning heat when needed. Properly seasoned wood not only enhances the quality of your fire but also reduces the risk of chimney buildup and contributes to a more enjoyable and safe wood-burning experience for you and your household.
Tips For Efficient And Safe Burning
Burning wood efficiently and safely is essential for both your comfort and safety. Here are some tips to help you achieve efficient and safe wood burning:
- Use Dry, Seasoned Firewood:
Dry, seasoned firewood is crucial for efficient and safe burning. Seasoned wood has had ample time to dry, reducing its moisture content to around 20% or less. This lower moisture level ensures that the wood burns more cleanly and produces less creosote, a flammable residue that can accumulate in your chimney and pose a fire hazard. Wet or green wood can lead to poor combustion, less heat output, and increased smoke production.
- Proper Firewood Storage:
Storing firewood properly is essential for maintaining its dryness and quality—store firewood in a dry, well-ventilated area, such as a woodshed or covered storage rack. Elevate the stack off the ground using pallets or supports to prevent moisture absorption from the soil. Cover the top of the stack with a waterproof tarp or roof-like covering while leaving the sides open for airflow. This prevents rain and snow from soaking the wood while allowing air circulation to keep it dry.
- Burn Small to Large:
When starting a fire, use smaller pieces of wood, kindling, or newspaper to ignite the fire quickly. These smaller pieces create a hot bed of coals that helps ignite larger logs more efficiently. As the fire builds, gradually add larger logs to sustain the heat and extend the burn time.
- Use a Fireplace Screen:
A fireplace screen or glass door is essential for safety. It is a barrier to prevent sparks, embers, and logs from popping out of the fire and onto your floor or carpet. This protective measure significantly reduces the risk of accidental fires and burn injuries.
- Regular Maintenance:
Annual maintenance by a professional chimney sweep is vital for safe wood burning. Creosote, a byproduct of wood combustion, can accumulate in the chimney lining over time and become a fire hazard. A chimney sweep will clean the chimney, inspect it for damage or obstructions, and ensure safe operation of your wood-burning appliance.
- Open the Damper:
Before lighting a fire, ensure the damper or flue is fully open. The damper controls the flow of air and exhaust gases in the chimney. Properly opening it allows for sufficient airflow, which is crucial for efficient combustion. A closed damper can result in poor draft and incomplete combustion.
- Burn Hardwoods for Longer Heat:
Hardwoods like oak, maple, and hickory are denser and burn longer than softwoods. They provide sustained and consistent heat, making them an excellent choice for overnight burns or extended warmth. While softwoods like pine ignite quickly and provide intense heat, they burn faster and may require more frequent reloading.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, ash wood can be an excellent choice for firewood due to its high BTU output, minimal smoke and creosote buildup, ease of handling, and versatility. However, its suitability ultimately depends on regional availability, sustainability, and individual preferences. By understanding the unique attributes of ash firewood and following proper seasoning and burning practices, you can make the most of this wood type while ensuring an efficient and environmentally responsible wood-burning experience.
