How to Tell When Firewood Is Truly Seasoned

Knowing whether your firewood is truly seasoned isn’t just about getting a good burn — it’s about heat efficiency, safety, and protecting your wood-burning system.

What Does “Seasoned” Mean?

Seasoned firewood is wood that has been properly dried to reduce its moisture content, typically to 20% or lower. Freshly cut “green” wood can contain up to 50% water, which makes it hard to ignite and produces lots of smoke, creosote, and wasted energy.

Signs That Firewood Is Seasoned

✅ Cracks at the Ends

As firewood dries, it naturally shrinks and splits. Cracking or checking on the ends is a strong visual indicator that moisture has left the wood.

✅ Lighter Weight

Pick up a piece of green wood and a seasoned one of the same size — the seasoned one will be noticeably lighter.

✅ Hollow Sound

When you knock two seasoned logs together, they make a crisp, hollow "clack". Green wood has a duller, heavier thud.

✅ Gray, Weathered Appearance

While color alone isn’t foolproof, many seasoned logs lose their vibrant tone and develop a faded, grayish outer layer.

✅ Burns Hot with Little Smoke

Truly seasoned firewood ignites easily and burns clean, with very little visible smoke.

Use a Moisture Meter (Our Pro Tip)

We recommend a wood moisture meter — a small, affordable tool that gives you a reading of the moisture inside a log. For best results, split the wood and test the freshly exposed surface. Look for readings below 20%.

Why Seasoning Matters

• 🔥 Hotter burns = more heat for your home.

• 🧹 Less creosote buildup = safer chimney.

• 💰 More value from every log you burn.