Firewood Myths Busted: Bark, Bugs, and Burn Time

There’s a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to firewood — from how it should look to what it should contain. At Grabeldinger Firewood, we hear these same myths come up time and again. Let’s set the record straight.

Myth #1: Bark Means Low-Quality Firewood

Some customers assume that bark-covered wood is dirty or less efficient. The truth? Bark is a natural part of firewood, especially if the wood was split and dried properly. In fact, bark burns just fine and can help get fires started.

That said, some species (like shaggy hickory) have heavier bark that creates more ash. If you're looking for ultra-clean burns, just let us know — we can help you choose the best species for your needs.

Myth #2: Bugs in Firewood Are a Sign of Poor Handling

It's not uncommon to see insects in a pile of seasoned wood, especially in warmer months. A few bugs don’t mean the firewood is bad. They’re just part of nature.

To reduce unwanted hitchhikers:

• Store your wood off the ground and covered

• Only bring in what you need for the day

• Avoid stacking firewood directly against your home

We take care to store and rotate our inventory properly, but once the wood’s delivered, keeping it dry and elevated is key.

Myth #3: All “Seasoned” Wood Is Ready to Burn

Plenty of places throw around the term “seasoned,” but that doesn’t mean the wood is truly dry. Properly seasoned wood has a moisture content of 20% or less — and the only way to be sure is with a moisture meter or solid experience.

At Grabeldinger Firewood, we only sell seasoned wood when it meets burn-ready standards. If you prefer green wood for seasoning yourself, we’ll clearly label that up front.

Myth #4: The Longer the Burn, the Better the Wood

Burn time depends more on wood species and stove efficiency than on how “good” the firewood is. For example:

• Oak burns long and slow — great for overnight heat

• Maple burns hot and steady — ideal for consistent warmth

• Ash lights easily and burns clean — a favorite for many homeowners

A longer burn isn’t always the goal. In fact, a hot, fast-burning fire can be beneficial, especially after a stretch of cooler, low-burning fires. A few strong, high-temperature burns help reduce creosote buildup in your flue — which keeps your chimney cleaner and safer over time.

Choosing the right fire for the right situation is more important than just chasing long burn times.

Know What You're Burning

Firewood isn't one-size-fits-all. The species, cut, seasoning, and even your storage method all affect how it performs. We're here to clear up confusion, answer questions, and deliver wood that's exactly what we say it is.

If you've ever been burned by bad firewood, let us show you how it should be done.