Ideal size of firewood

[PerryPizza]

Just wondering if there is a general consensus on the ideal thickness of firewood splits? (I'm using oak).

[Neil2]

Re: Ideal size of firewood

I split mine down to an end area of about 3 inches by 3 inches.

[PerryPizza]

Re: Ideal size of firewood

That sounds quite thick, what sort of wood are you using?

[skemcis]

Re: Ideal size of firewood

I'm with Neil2 here. I use a mix of spruce,pine, fir. Hardwoods are not easy to find where I am. I find the trick is to split my kindling quite fine, then build the fire up gradually with larger blocks, usually 1/4 splits from 12-14" logs. Basically what I use to heat my house. Works for me.
Ian

[david s]

Re: Ideal size of firewood

Nothing thicker than your wrist is my general rule. And use free untreated wood whenever possible.

[PerryPizza]

Re: Ideal size of firewood

Seems like a good rule of thumb(!) to me...

[ThisOldGarageNJ]

Re: Ideal size of firewood

I actually have 2 or 3 piles of wood,
1. Pallets and wood shop scraps (self explanatory)
2. Nice well dried hardwood (about 3-4 inches across 16 long)
3. My neighbors maple tree ( quartered from a 20"log)

I often start the fire with the pallets or scraps, then throw in some not that dry neighbors maple tree, and when cooking I keep the heat going with some of the nice well dried hardwood that my nephew brings me (He works for a tree service and brings me an 8ft pick up truck full at a time of seasoned hardwood)

Once it gets up to heat its not a problem maintaining it with the dried hardwood, I keep 2 firebricks on the side of the oven and throw a log on top of them as needed...

P.S. pallets are painted to show they are made from hardwood and can withstand more weight, Unpainted pallets are usually made from pine

Mark