| Seasoned wood is timber that has been felled | | | | Were this may not be feasible it can be left |
| then cut into lengths of approx 300 to 400 mm | | | | outside in a woodstore as above preferably for |
| by 100 to 125mm kiln dried or left in the | | | | up to a further six months. This process has |
| environment to undergo this process. We will | | | | taken approx 18 months so if the seasoning |
| discuss the later of the two. | | | | process starts in early spring it is ready for the |
| All timber when felled has a very high water | | | | stove in time for the heating season the following |
| content which needs to be greatly reduced so | | | | year. Unlike many years ago our lives are not |
| that the wood especially hardwood with a much | | | | centred on the woodburnig stove, which then was |
| higher calorific heat value than soft wood can | | | | also used for cooking purposes. The easier option |
| burn in a woodburning stove produce a great heat | | | | is to buy from a properly managed forest where |
| ,help the stove to burn efficiently and produce | | | | they kiln dry the wood and deliver it seasoned all |
| minimum pollution to the environment | | | | ready for your woodburning stove. |
| Firstly after the wood has been cut to the | | | | When the wood is seasoned it will feel so much |
| approx sizes as stated above it is then stacked | | | | lighter as most of the water has been removed. |
| outside in a fashion so that the air can flow | | | | Seasoned hardwood will feel heavier than |
| through it to help the natural drying process. The | | | | seasoned softwood as it is a denser material with |
| rain and the wind help remove the tannins from | | | | a much higher calorific heat value than softwood. |
| the wood. This first process is best to take place | | | | Burning seasoned wood in your woodburning |
| in late winter or early spring as it is a six-month | | | | stove will produce a much higher temperature and |
| process. | | | | ensure the gases from the wood are ignited and |
| The wood is then covered above for a further | | | | burnt off, greatly reducing emissions into the |
| six months in such a way that the air can flow | | | | environment. Seasoned wood burning in an |
| through it but it is now protected from the rain. | | | | efficient woodburning stove should not produce |
| The final stage is to bring the wood indoors to go | | | | smoke from your chimney. |
| through its final drying phase. | | | | |