We bought some wood that is “hardwood” - I think it is mostly very hard cherry. It is dried, some might be still cut from this year though. When we burn it, it looks nice for awhile then it burns out and leaves logs that are just charred and black. Why? What should we do? Do we need to mix in other types of less hard wood or something? What is the way to get the best use of our firewood…obviously this is our first fireplace so any good tips are welcome.
DAREN
Comments
This wood is not well seasoned, and if you are using logs, it’s even worse. Split it, and let it season more.
sounds like it is still green to me ( not seasoned out ) most wood requires around a year to dry up all the sap that is in it if you have some wood that is a year or so older u can mix it and it will help it to burn up completely and make sure u keep it dry. because it is not wet on the outside doesn’t mean it isn’t a little damp on the inside
Sounds like it’s not very dry.
To improve the ability of it to burn you can split it.
Or just mix in some smaller wood.
Remember to build the fire with at least two logs so the heat will bounce back and forth.
Its green its not cured completely.
Your wood may not be seasoned but I think the real problem is you simply do not have a bed of coals but up enough to sustain the heat that will complete the burn. When you get the fire going, you need to build up a nice bed of coals and they will keep it hot.
Also, are you using fireplace iron dogs?
These allow air to get under the logs to complete the combustion as well as build up the coal bed.
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