Bulk firewood delivery offers a convenient, cost-effective, and reliable way to ensure you have ample fuel for heating throughout the colder months. Whether you use firewood as your primary heating source or for the ambiance of occasional fires, buying in bulk is often the smartest choice for savings, quality, and convenience. This comprehensive guide covers the essentials of bulk firewood delivery, including types of wood, benefits, ordering tips, and best practices for storage.
1. Understanding Bulk Firewood Delivery
Bulk firewood delivery is a service provided by firewood suppliers who deliver large quantities of firewood directly to your home. Instead of buying firewood by the bundle or small stack, bulk orders are typically sold by the cord or fraction of a cord. This service is particularly valuable for homeowners who rely on wood heat during winter or for those who enjoy frequent fires.
What is a Cord?
In the U.S., firewood is commonly measured by the cord, which is a standardized amount of wood:
- Full Cord: A full cord measures 128 cubic feet, which usually translates to a stack 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long when neatly stacked. This is enough wood for moderate to heavy use through an entire heating season.
- Face Cord: A face cord is a third of a full cord, generally about 4 feet high by 8 feet long but only one log deep (around 16 inches deep). This is ideal for those who burn wood less frequently or for supplemental heating.
2. Types of Firewood for Bulk Delivery
There are many types of firewood available for bulk delivery, and each type offers distinct characteristics and benefits.
- Hardwoods: Hardwoods like oak, maple, and hickory are denser, providing a higher BTU (British Thermal Unit) output per log. They are ideal for long, hot burns, making them the preferred choice for consistent heating.
- Softwoods: Softwoods such as pine and fir ignite quickly and burn at a hotter but faster rate. They’re best used as kindling or for short fires, such as in an outdoor fire pit or a quick indoor fire for ambiance.
- Mixed Loads: Some suppliers offer mixed loads of hardwood and softwood, which are ideal for those who want the best of both types. Mixed loads are often more affordable and allow for flexibility in burn type and heat output.
- Kiln-Dried Firewood: Kiln-dried firewood is dried in a kiln to reduce moisture content to around 10-20%. It provides a clean, efficient burn with less smoke and creosote buildup, making it ideal for indoor fireplaces and wood stoves.
3. Benefits of Ordering Firewood in Bulk
Bulk firewood delivery offers a variety of benefits, from cost savings to convenience. Here’s why many people opt for this approach:
- Cost Savings: Buying firewood in bulk is generally much cheaper per cord than purchasing it by the bundle or small stack. Additionally, bulk discounts are often available for larger orders, making it an economical choice for those with higher wood usage.
- Convenience and Consistency: Bulk delivery saves the hassle of making repeated trips to buy small amounts of wood. This is especially beneficial in rural areas where firewood suppliers may be scarce or during peak demand in winter months.
- Quality Assurance: With a reputable bulk supplier, you’re more likely to get well-seasoned wood with lower moisture content, ensuring a hotter, cleaner burn. Many suppliers also certify their wood as kiln-dried or sustainably harvested.
- Availability for Long-Term Heating: Having a full supply of firewood on hand for the season means you don’t have to worry about running out mid-winter or relying on overpriced or low-quality firewood during peak demand periods.
4. Choosing a Reliable Firewood Supplier
Selecting a reliable firewood supplier is key to ensuring you get quality wood that meets your needs. Here are some factors to consider:
- Local Reputation and Reviews: Check for suppliers with good reviews and a solid reputation. Reliable suppliers are transparent about their firewood’s moisture content, wood types, and sources.
- Wood Quality and Drying Process: Make sure the supplier provides seasoned or kiln-dried wood. Unseasoned wood has high moisture content, resulting in a lower heat output and more creosote buildup.
- Sustainability: Many reputable suppliers practice sustainable forestry methods, ensuring that their wood is responsibly sourced and environmentally friendly.
- Delivery Fees and Minimum Order: Ask about delivery fees, which may vary based on distance. Some suppliers offer free local delivery, but there may be minimum order requirements.
- Seasonal Availability: Some suppliers may run out of certain types of wood during peak season. Ordering early or in the off-season can help you secure the type and quantity you need.
5. Ordering Bulk Firewood: Important Tips
Ordering bulk firewood requires some planning to ensure you get what you need for the season.
- Determine Your Usage Needs: Estimate your wood usage for the season to decide on the amount. A home relying primarily on wood heat may need 3-5 cords, while supplemental burners may need only 1-2 cords.
- Specify Wood Type and Seasoning: Clearly communicate with the supplier about the type of wood and its moisture content. If you want kiln-dried or fully seasoned wood, make this a requirement.
- Check for Compliance with Local Regulations: In some areas, there are restrictions on the type of wood that can be delivered, especially if pests like the emerald ash borer are a concern. Some states have laws on transporting firewood across county lines.
- Delivery Time and Location: Coordinate with the supplier about the delivery time and location on your property. Ideally, the delivery area should be easily accessible by truck and close to your wood storage area.
6. Storing Bulk Firewood Properly
Proper storage is essential for maintaining the quality of your firewood, especially if it’s not fully seasoned.
- Choose a Dry, Elevated Location: Stack firewood on a raised surface to keep it off the ground. Pallets work well for this purpose, allowing for air circulation and preventing wood from absorbing ground moisture.
- Cover the Top, Leave Sides Open: Use a tarp or cover to protect the top of your woodpile from rain and snow, but leave the sides open to allow airflow. This helps the wood continue drying and prevents mold and rot.
- Stack Safely and Securely: Stack wood in a stable formation, ideally in rows with some space between them for air circulation. Avoid stacking too high, as this can be a safety hazard.
- Season Wood When Necessary: If your firewood is not fully seasoned, allow it 6-12 months to dry before use. Split logs will dry faster than whole rounds, so splitting larger pieces can speed up the seasoning process.
7. Pros and Cons of Bulk Firewood Delivery
Like any heating solution, bulk firewood delivery comes with its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
- Cost-Effective: Bulk purchases reduce the cost per cord and often come with discounts.
- Convenient: Fewer trips to buy wood and a full supply on hand for the season.
- Quality Control: Bulk suppliers usually offer high-quality wood, especially when you opt for kiln-dried or well-seasoned options.
Cons:
- Storage Requirements: A large quantity of wood requires sufficient storage space.
- Initial Investment: The upfront cost of bulk firewood can be substantial, though it offers savings over time.
- Potential Pests: Firewood can sometimes harbor pests, though kiln-dried wood minimizes this risk.
8. Calculating Bulk Firewood Needs
Determining the right quantity of firewood depends on factors like climate, home size, insulation quality, and whether wood is your primary or secondary heat source. Here’s a basic guideline:
- Primary Heat Source: Homes using wood as the primary heat source typically require 3-5 cords for the winter.
- Secondary Heat Source: For supplemental heating, 1-2 cords are usually sufficient.
9. Comparing Bulk Firewood to Other Heating Options
When deciding on a heating solution, it’s useful to compare bulk firewood to other options.
| Heating Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk Firewood | Renewable, cost-effective, cozy ambiance | Requires storage, time to season |
| Propane | Consistent, no storage needed | Non-renewable, cost varies |
| Electric Heating | Convenient, low-maintenance | High cost in winter, dependent on power |
| Pellet Stoves | Clean-burning, efficient | Requires pellets, more equipment |
10. Environmental Benefits of Bulk Firewood
When sourced sustainably, bulk firewood offers several environmental benefits:
- Carbon Neutral: Wood burning is carbon-neutral, as trees absorb CO₂ as they grow and release it when burned, resulting in a balanced carbon cycle.
- Renewable Resource: Unlike fossil fuels, firewood is renewable. When harvested responsibly, it helps maintain healthy forest ecosystems.
- Reduced Emissions: Well-seasoned or kiln-dried wood burns cleaner and produces fewer emissions than unseasoned wood, especially in EPA-certified stoves or fireplaces.