Everything you need to know about firewood: method, tools and storage

More economical and ecological, wood heating is coming back into fashion in our homes. Used as main heating or as additional energy, wood heating is modern and easy to use. The winter season is ideal for cutting your own firewood. Find out how to cut firewood and how to store it.

Firewood

Firewood can be purchased from a professional, already cut into logs or just in cubic metres, in which case all that remains is to split it into logs. For economic reasons it is possible to cut wood even in the plots made available by the Municipalities. To do this, you need to cut down the tree and then cut it into cubic meters and logs.

When to cut wood?

The winter period is perfect for cutting wood; the sap runs down into the roots of the tree, so logging is easier.

How to cut wood?

With slaughter:

1) Produce your own firewood from felling to sawing. To start you will need to cut down the tree using a thermal chainsaw. Check out our tips for cutting down a tree

Once the tree has been felled, the branches must be removed, leaving only the trunk. The large branches will be used for heating while the small ones will be used to light the fire in the boiler or stove. Cut the tree into sections measuring one meter by 30 cm. If the diameter of the section is larger, cut it again.

2) You have thus obtained cubic meters of wood which must be cut into logs, which are more manageable and suitable for the dimensions of the hearths in which the wood will burn. To split wood it is necessary to equip yourself with a wood splitter or an emery tool; otherwise the operation can also be performed with a chainsaw.

• To the log splitter: The log splitter does all the work for you, you simply guide the log onto the work surface and the saw cuts the wood.

• With chainsaw: Each one meter log should be cut into small 30cm sections. To do this you can put the trunk on a stand or on 2 stands, in order to have space under the trunk. Then simply cut the log with the chainsaw like a cake.

• At emery: the log is laid out on the ground, you need to stand with your feet on each side of the log. With your arms straight, you need to hit the emery in the center of one end of the log with the sharp side of the emery to create a crack in the wood. You then need to insert the corner and beat in the same way but with the square side of the emery until the trunk splits into 2. Repeat the operation if the piece is still too high. This method is tiring and is suitable when you have small quantities of wood.

Without slaughter:

Do you have cubic meters of uncut wood at home? To break them down into logs, read point 2 of the paragraph How to cut wood?

Choose your tools

To cut:

To cut wood in the best conditions it is necessary to invest in equipment which, fortunately, pays for itself quickly compared to other heating methods

• The indispensable chainsaw, also useful for other jobs in the garden. There are 2 types: electric or thermal. The electric is more suitable for small household jobs, while the thermal is ideal for outdoor work. Consult our advice for choosing the right chainsaw

• The log splitter for sawing wood with one hand and almost effortlessly. The log splitter is very practical for quickly splitting large quantities of wood.

• The merlin, for manually splitting wood, ideal for those who have a few cubic meters to split or logs to cut.

For protection:

Protection during this activity is very important and should not be overlooked. Logging remains a dangerous activity, which is why you need to be properly equipped to reduce the risk of accidents.

• Helmet: to protect against wood splashes and noise
• Protection kit: for complete protection
• Chainsaw oil: to ensure the correct functioning of the chainsaw with each use

Log archiving

For optimal heating, the firewood must be dry and at least 2 years old. It must therefore be stored in ideal conditions.

Conservation

In order for combustion to take place in good conditions in the boiler hearth, dry wood that has been drying for at least 2 years is required. Above all, you should not burn «green» wood, which risks damaging the boiler in the long run.

Storage method

To dry properly, wood must be stored optimally:

• In one place airy ea protected from humidity (if the wood gets wet from the rain, don’t panic, just let it dry for 1 month before using it), if possible against a wall.

• Do not place logs on the ground: place them for example on a concrete slab.
  • Position the base so that the wood is not in direct contact with the ground (concrete, sheet metal, board, etc.)
  • Position vertical supports at each end of the base, this is to be able to store the logs in height and hold the wood
  • Stack the logs staggered

• To protect and store it properly, there are wooden shelters or protective tarpaulins

The log shelter is placed on a concrete slab, then you simply stack the logs and the wood is ready to dry.

conlusion

Wood heating has re-emerged as a practical, economical, and environmentally conscious solution for modern households. Whether used as a primary heat source or as a complementary system, it offers a balance between tradition and efficiency that appeals to homeowners seeking to reduce energy costs and reliance on fossil fuels. Advances in technology have also made wood-burning systems more user-friendly, cleaner, and more efficient than ever before.

One of the key advantages of wood heating is its accessibility, especially for those who have the opportunity to cut their own firewood. The winter season provides ideal conditions for this task, allowing individuals to prepare a sustainable and cost-effective fuel supply. However, cutting firewood requires proper techniques and safety precautions to ensure both efficiency and personal safety. Using the right tools and methods not only saves time but also improves the quality of the wood for burning.

Equally important is the correct storage of firewood. Properly stored wood must be kept dry, well-ventilated, and protected from moisture to maintain its energy efficiency. Well-seasoned wood burns more effectively, produces less smoke, and minimizes residue buildup in heating systems. This not only enhances performance but also contributes to a cleaner and safer home environment.

In conclusion, wood heating represents a smart combination of economy, sustainability, and practicality. By understanding how to properly cut and store firewood, homeowners can maximize its benefits while minimizing effort and environmental impact. As more people look for efficient and eco-friendly heating alternatives, wood continues to stand out as a reliable and rewarding choice for the colder months.