In Australia, enjoying a good wood fire is a cherished tradition. But not all wood is created equal when it comes to getting that perfect fire. So, lets deep dive into what exactly makes for good wood for a wood fire.
1. Wood species
The type of wood you choose to burn plays a significant role in how well your fire will perform. in Australia, hardwoods like ironbark, redgum and yellow box are fantastic. This is because they’re a denser wood which provides a longer, hotter burn and, a steady heat output making it perfect for heating (and cooking).
Soft woods like pine and cedar may be easier to light however they burn faster, produce more smoke and resin making it better suited for kindling rather than main fuel source. faster, produce more smoke and resin making it better suited for kindling rather than main fuel source.
2. Seasoning your wood 
Seasoning refers to the process of drying out your wood to reduce its moisture content. Freshly cut/green wood contains lots of water which makes it difficult to burn. Ideally your firewood should be seasoned for at least 12 months prior to burning, it also needs to have a moisture content of less than 20%.
To check the moisture content of your wood you can use the scandia moisture meter or if you don’t have one on hand you can look for the cracks in the end grain, it’ll be lighter in weight and will make a hollow sound when tapped together.
If you chose to use unseasoned wood in your wood heater it will produce more smoke, creosote and less heat making it both inefficient and potentially hazardous.
3. Size and splitting matters! Splitting your wood gives you a better burn because it gives you more surface area exposed to the flames, it also helps the wood dry out faster.
4. Storage conditions 
Store your wood using one of scandia’s many stylish wood storage solutions. Making sure it’s off the ground and stacked loosely will allow air circulation which helps with the seasoning process and keeps the wood dry.
5. Clean and safe burning
Ensure that the wood your burning is free from any chemicals, paints, treatments, inks etc. Burning treated or painted wood releases toxic fumes that can be harmful to both your health and the environment. Stick to natural, untreated wood for a clean and safe fire.
Good wood is the cornerstone of an enjoyable and efficient wood fire. By making sure you’ve got the right species, properly seasoned wood and storing it correctly you’ll be able to make the most of your wood-burning experience.