Dry vs. Seasoned Firewood: What’s the Difference (and Why It Matters for Georgia Homeowners)
Dry vs. Seasoned Firewood: What’s the Difference (and Why It Matters for Georgia Homeowners)
Why the Right Firewood Matters
If you’ve ever lit a fire that smokes too much, crackles endlessly, or refuses to stay lit, you’ve probably dealt with the wrong kind of firewood.
In Georgia, where humidity and mild winters affect how wood dries, understanding the difference between dry and seasoned firewood can make or break your fire experience.
At Paul & Babe’s Firewood, we help homeowners across Cobb, Paulding, and Cherokee County burn smarter — with properly seasoned hardwood that’s ready to light, burns clean, and keeps you warm all night.
Let’s explore what makes firewood truly “dry,” what “seasoned” actually means, and how to choose the best wood for your fireplace, stove, or firepit.
What Is “Dry” Firewood?
At its simplest, dry firewood is any wood that has lost most of its internal moisture — typically below 20% moisture content.
However, not all “dry” wood is the same. Some wood becomes dry naturally over time; other wood is kiln-dried or stored indoors to remove moisture faster.
🔹 Key Characteristics of Dry Firewood:
Light in weight compared to freshly cut wood
Cracks or splits visible on the ends (called “checking”)
Makes a sharp “clink” sound when two pieces hit together
Bark peels easily
Burns easily with minimal smoke
🔹 Dry Firewood Moisture Range:
Ideal: 15–20% moisture
Too Wet (Green): 40–60%
Too Dry (Brittle): <10% (burns too quickly)
👉 In Georgia’s humid climate, firewood can take 6–12 months to dry properly outdoors unless kiln-dried.
What Is “Seasoned” Firewood?
Seasoned firewood is wood that’s been cut, split, and air-dried naturally for several months — usually 6–12 months for most hardwoods.
The term “seasoned” refers to the seasoning process, which allows moisture to escape slowly, leaving the wood perfectly balanced for clean burning.
🔹 Characteristics of Seasoned Firewood:
Moisture content between 15–25%
Feels lighter and sounds hollow
Ends are darker and split
Burns with bright, consistent flames
Produces steady heat and minimal smoke
👉 At Paul & Babe’s Firewood, all our oak, hickory, and mixed hardwood is fully seasoned — split and stored for months before delivery so it’s ready to burn right away.
Dry vs. Seasoned Firewood: The Key Differences
FeatureDry FirewoodSeasoned FirewoodDrying MethodArtificial (kiln, indoor, or short-term air drying)Natural air drying over timeMoisture Content10–20%15–25%Drying Time2–6 months6–12+ monthsSmell & ColorLighter, less aromaDarker, rich wood scentBurn QualityBurns quickly, may sparkLong, even burn, steady coalsBest ForImmediate short-term useHome heating, fireplaces, stoves
In short:
👉 All seasoned firewood is dry, but not all dry firewood is seasoned.
Seasoned wood has had time to age naturally, stabilizing its moisture and density for the perfect burn. Dry wood might be “ready,” but it often lacks the depth and consistency of seasoned wood.
Why Moisture Content Matters
Firewood moisture content determines how efficiently it burns.
Too wet: Produces steam, smoke, and poor heat.
Too dry: Burns too fast, wasting fuel.
Just right (15–20%): Hot, efficient, low-smoke fire.
🔥 Effects of Moisture on Burning:
Moisture %Result50%Won’t light easily, lots of smoke30%Burns unevenly, sizzles and pops20%Ideal burn for fireplaces and stoves<10%Burns fast, low coals
👉 That’s why seasoned firewood — which naturally stabilizes at around 15–20% moisture — gives the best performance.
Why Green or Wet Firewood Is a Problem
“Green” firewood is freshly cut and still loaded with sap and water. Burning it can cause:
Heavy smoke that irritates eyes and lungs
Low heat output (energy wasted drying the wood in your fireplace)
Creosote buildup in chimneys (fire hazard)
Mold and insects if stored improperly
Burning green wood is like trying to boil water while heating your home — most of your fire’s energy goes into evaporating moisture instead of producing warmth.
👉 Always choose seasoned or kiln-dried hardwood for your Georgia home.
How to Tell if Your Firewood Is Seasoned
You don’t need fancy tools to tell if your wood is ready to burn — just a few simple tests.
✅ 5 Easy Ways to Check Firewood Readiness:
Look at the ends: Cracked and gray means seasoned.
Feel the weight: Seasoned wood feels noticeably lighter.
Listen for the sound: Two seasoned logs make a clear “clack.”
Check the bark: Loose bark or peeling = dry.
Burn test: Wood should catch quickly and burn evenly with little smoke.
👉 If your wood smokes heavily, hisses, or sizzles, it’s still too wet.
How to Season Firewood at Home
If you cut or buy green firewood, you can season it yourself — but it takes time and patience.
🪓 Step-by-Step Firewood Seasoning Guide:
Cut and Split Early
Split logs into smaller pieces to expose more surface area.Stack Properly
Stack wood in single rows with airflow between each log.Keep It Off the Ground
Use pallets, cinder blocks, or one of our custom-built wood racks to prevent moisture absorption.Cover the Top, Not the Sides
Protect from rain but let air circulate freely.Let It Sit
Most hardwoods in Georgia need 6–12 months to season properly.
👉 Bonus Tip: Stack your wood facing south for maximum sun exposure — a big advantage in Georgia’s climate.
Kiln-Dried Firewood: The Fast Alternative
Some firewood sellers offer kiln-dried firewood, which is artificially dried in a high-heat chamber to rapidly remove moisture.
🔹 Pros:
Ready to burn immediately
Consistent moisture level (10–15%)
Kills bugs, mold, and fungus
🔹 Cons:
More expensive than air-seasoned
Burns faster due to lower moisture
Lacks the natural aroma of seasoned wood
👉 At Paul & Babe’s Firewood, we specialize in naturally seasoned hardwood, which maintains that authentic aroma, dense texture, and longer-lasting burn.
Local Firewood Delivery in Acworth, Cobb, Paulding & Cherokee County
We make it easy to get properly seasoned firewood delivered right to your home.
🚚 Delivery Options:
Bundles – Great for firepits or camping
¼ Cord – Ideal for occasional fireplace use
½ Cord – Perfect for weekly burning
Full Cord – Best value for daily or winter-long heating
We also offer:
✅ Stacking services for convenience
✅ Custom-built wood racks for long-term storage
✅ Seasoned hardwood (oak, hickory, mixed hardwoods)
🏠 Delivery Areas Include:
Cobb County: Acworth, Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, Powder Springs
Paulding County: Dallas, Hiram, Braswell
Cherokee County: Canton, Woodstock, Holly Springs
How to Store Your Firewood After Delivery
Even seasoned wood can reabsorb moisture if not stored correctly — especially in Georgia’s humid climate.
🔥 Firewood Storage Tips:
Use a rack or pallet — Keep wood 4–6 inches off the ground.
Choose a sunny, open area — Sunlight and airflow are key.
Cover the top only — Use a tarp or roof, not plastic wrap.
Face logs east-west — This orientation maximizes drying from the sun’s path.
Rotate your pile — Burn older wood first to keep your supply fresh.
👉 Pro Tip: Our custom wood racks are built to last — perfect for keeping your firewood dry and organized.
Common Myths About Dry and Seasoned Firewood
❌ Myth #1: If it feels dry, it’s seasoned.
Not necessarily. Wood can feel dry on the surface but still hold 30–40% moisture inside.
❌ Myth #2: All hardwoods season the same.
Dense hardwoods like oak need twice as long as softer woods like pine or poplar.
❌ Myth #3: Covering the entire stack dries it faster.
Wrong — it traps moisture. Only cover the top to protect from rain.
❌ Myth #4: Seasoned wood doesn’t need airflow.
Air circulation is crucial. Without it, mold and mildew can form even on seasoned wood.
Why Buy Seasoned Firewood Instead of Drying It Yourself
While seasoning firewood at home is rewarding, most homeowners don’t have the space or patience to wait 6–12 months.
Buying ready-to-burn seasoned hardwood saves you time, effort, and frustration.
At Paul & Babe’s Firewood, we handle the entire process:
We cut, split, and season our wood at our Acworth lot.
We deliver it dry, seasoned, and ready to burn.
We offer bundles to full cords, depending on your needs.
We even build custom wood racks so you can store it perfectly year-round.
No guesswork. No waiting. Just grab a log, light it, and enjoy.
Long-Tail Firewood Questions from Georgia Homeowners
🔹 Is dry firewood the same as seasoned firewood?
Not exactly. Dry firewood might be artificially dried, while seasoned firewood has naturally air-dried over time.
🔹 How can I tell if firewood is seasoned?
Cracks on the ends, gray color, light weight, and hollow sound when struck together.
🔹 What’s the best firewood for Georgia homes?
Seasoned oak and hickory — they burn hot, steady, and clean.
🔹 How long does it take to season firewood in Georgia?
6–12 months depending on wood type and weather conditions.
🔹 Where can I buy seasoned firewood near me?
From Paul & Babe’s Firewood — we deliver seasoned hardwood across Cobb, Paulding, and Cherokee Counties.
Why Choose Paul & Babe’s Firewood
We’re a family-owned and operated firewood company located in Acworth, Georgia, proudly serving local families with premium seasoned hardwood.
What We Offer:
✅ Seasoned hardwood only (oak, hickory, and mixed hardwoods)
✅ Clear, honest sizing — bundles, ¼, ½, and full cords
✅ Delivery and stacking service
✅ Custom-built wood racks
✅ Reliable service with a local touch
We take pride in providing firewood that’s cut right, dried right, and delivered on time — because we believe every Georgia home deserves a warm, clean-burning fire.
Conclusion: The Right Firewood Makes All the Difference
If you’ve ever struggled with smoky fires, wet logs, or poor heat, it’s not your fireplace — it’s your wood.
The solution? Properly seasoned hardwood from Paul & Babe’s Firewood.
We deliver ready-to-burn oak and hickory firewood across Acworth, Cobb, Paulding, and Cherokee Counties, available in bundles, ¼ cords, ½ cords, and full cords.
Plus, we’ll even stack it for you and build a custom rack to keep your wood clean and dry.
📞 Call 678-831-9087 today to order your seasoned firewood delivery.
🔥 Burn better. Stay warmer. Support local.
