August is one of the best times to check your firewood supply. The days may still be warm and dry, but Vancouver Island’s cooler temperatures and wetter weather will return soon.

Firewood that is dry, properly stacked and protected from rain will help your wood stove or fireplace produce more useful heat with less smoke. A little preparation now can prevent frustrating fires and damp wood later in the season.

1. Check Whether Your Firewood Is Dry

Firewood needs time, airflow and protection from rain to season properly. Wood that still contains too much moisture can be difficult to light, produce less heat and create more smoke and creosote.

A firewood moisture meter provides a quick way to check your supply. For the most useful reading, split a piece of wood and test the freshly exposed interior rather than the outside surface. Properly seasoned firewood should generally have a moisture content of 20 percent or less before burning.

Other signs of seasoned firewood include:

• Cracks forming across the ends of the pieces
• A lighter weight than freshly cut wood
• A dull, hollow sound when two pieces are struck together
• Bark that has started loosening from the wood
• A dry interior without a strong fresh-wood smell

Appearance alone is not always reliable, which is why a moisture reading can be helpful.

2. Stack Firewood for Airflow

Good airflow helps moisture escape from split firewood. Stack the pieces neatly rather than leaving them in a loose pile where the centre may remain damp.

Keep the wood raised above the soil using a solid rack, treated runners or another stable base. This reduces contact with ground moisture and allows air to move underneath the stack.

Whenever possible, position the stack where it receives some sunlight and natural airflow. Avoid pressing firewood tightly against the side of your home or enclosing it in a poorly ventilated space.

3. Protect the Top Without Trapping Moisture

Vancouver Island’s fall rain makes proper firewood coverage important. A roofed woodshed is ideal because it protects the wood from rain while leaving the sides open for ventilation.

If you use a cover, protect the top of the stack while leaving the sides open. Wrapping the entire pile tightly in plastic can trap moisture and slow the drying process.

Before the rainy season begins, inspect your storage area for:

• Leaks or damaged roofing
• Pooled water around the base
• Vegetation blocking airflow
• Unstable or leaning stacks
• Signs of insects or rodents

Only bring a small amount of firewood indoors at a time, and keep it a safe distance from your stove, fireplace and other heat sources.

4. Match Your Firewood to Your Heating Plans

Your expected wood use will depend on the appliance, the size of your home and whether wood is your primary heat source or occasional supplemental heat.

If your current stove struggles to heat the space, uses more wood than expected or is becoming difficult to operate, the problem may not be the firewood alone. The appliance may no longer be properly matched to your heating needs.

Pioneer Fireplace carries a wide selection of wood stoves for different room sizes and heating requirements. Homeowners with an existing masonry fireplace can also explore wood inserts designed to turn an older fireplace into a more practical source of heat.

Your August Firewood Checklist

• Estimate how much firewood you have available
• Split larger pieces to help them dry
• Test moisture levels on freshly split surfaces
• Raise the stack above the ground
• Leave space for air to circulate
• Protect the top from rain without enclosing the sides
• Inspect the storage area before fall weather arrives
• Arrange professional chimney and appliance service when required

Get Ready Before the Rain Returns

Dry firewood and proper storage make wood heating easier, cleaner and more dependable. Taking care of these details in August gives your remaining firewood more time to dry and helps protect your supply before Vancouver Island’s wet weather returns.

If you are considering a new wood stove or insert, visit Pioneer Fireplace in Nanaimo, Parksville or Campbell River. You can also contact Pioneer Fireplace for help choosing an appliance that fits your home and heating needs.

Prepare now and enjoy dependable wood heat throughout the cooler months ahead.