How Long Does Firewood Need to Season? (Complete Guide for Georgia Homeowners)
Introduction: The Green vs. Seasoned Firewood Question
If you’ve ever tried to light a fresh-cut log, you know how frustrating it can be. The wood hisses, smokes, and barely catches fire. That’s because it’s green wood — freshly cut and full of moisture. To burn properly, firewood needs to be seasoned.
So, how long does firewood need to season? The short answer: 6 to 12 months, depending on the type of wood and how it’s stored. But there’s more to it than just waiting.
At Paul & Babe’s Firewood in Acworth, GA, we specialize in seasoned hardwood delivery across Cobb, Paulding, and Cherokee Counties. Whether you’re a DIY stacker or someone who just wants wood ready to burn tonight, this guide will tell you everything you need to know.
What Does “Seasoned Firewood” Mean?
Seasoning is simply the process of drying out firewood until its moisture content is low enough to burn efficiently.
Freshly cut (green) wood: 50%+ water content
Properly seasoned wood: below 20% water content
👉 Why it matters:
Seasoned wood lights easily
Burns hotter and longer
Produces less smoke
Reduces creosote buildup in your chimney
At Paul & Babe’s Firewood, every cord we sell is fully seasoned and ready to burn.
How Long Does Firewood Need to Season?
The time it takes depends on the species of wood, the climate, and how it’s stacked and stored.
General Rule of Thumb
Softwoods (pine, cedar, fir): 6 months
Hardwoods (oak, hickory, maple, cherry): 9–12 months
Dense hardwoods like oak: Up to 18–24 months for full drying
In Georgia’s Climate
Our hot summers and mild winters actually make seasoning a bit quicker than in northern states. With proper airflow, many hardwoods can be ready in 8–12 months.
Signs That Firewood Is Properly Seasoned
Wondering if your stack is ready to burn? Here’s how to check:
Color: Seasoned wood is grayish or dark compared to freshly cut wood.
Weight: Dry wood is noticeably lighter.
Sound: When struck together, seasoned logs make a sharp “clunk” instead of a dull “thud.”
Cracks: You’ll see splits and cracks at the ends.
Moisture meter: For accuracy, seasoned firewood should measure under 20%.
Can You Burn Green Wood?
Technically, yes. Practically, no.
Green wood produces less heat
Creates thick smoke
Increases creosote buildup (a fire hazard)
Leaves more ash behind
👉 If you’re heating your home or hosting a cozy firepit night, always choose seasoned hardwood.
How to Season Firewood Faster (DIY Tips)
If you cut your own wood, here’s how to speed up the drying process:
Split it early: Smaller pieces dry faster.
Stack off the ground: Use pallets or racks (we build custom racks!).
Face the sun: Orient your stack so it gets maximum sunlight.
Airflow matters: Leave space between rows for air circulation.
Cover the top only: Use a tarp or cover that shields from rain but allows air to move through the sides.
How Much Seasoned Firewood Do You Need?
That depends on how often you burn. Here’s a breakdown:
🔥 Bundles – Great for camping or one-night fires.
🔥 ¼ Cord – Enough for occasional fires in fall and winter.
🔥 ½ Cord – Ideal for families who burn regularly in the fireplace.
🔥 Full Cord – Best for homeowners heating with wood all season.
👉 A full cord = 8 ft long × 4 ft high × 4 ft deep = 128 cubic feet.
Firewood Delivery Near Me (Cobb, Paulding & Cherokee County)
If you don’t want to wait a year to season your own firewood, buy from a trusted local source.
At Paul & Babe’s Firewood in Acworth, GA, we deliver:
Seasoned hardwood bundles, ¼ cords, ½ cords, and full cords
Custom-built wood racks
Stacking service available on request
We serve:
Cobb County – Marietta, Kennesaw, Smyrna, Powder Springs
Paulding County – Dallas, Hiram, Braswell
Cherokee County – Canton, Woodstock, Holly Springs
Long-Tail SEO Questions Answered
Here are some exact phrases people search on Google:
🔹 How long does oak firewood need to season?
Oak is dense and requires 12–24 months for full seasoning.
🔹 How long does pine firewood need to season?
Pine seasons much faster — usually 6 months.
🔹 Can I burn firewood that isn’t seasoned?
You can, but it will smoke, struggle to burn, and create chimney buildup.
🔹 What’s the best way to season firewood in Georgia?
Split it, stack on racks off the ground, and cover only the top to allow airflow.
🔹 Where can I buy seasoned firewood near me?
If you’re in Acworth, Cobb, Paulding, or Cherokee County, call Paul & Babe’s Firewood — we deliver seasoned hardwood ready to burn.
Why Buy Seasoned Firewood Instead of Cutting Your Own?
While cutting your own wood may sound cheaper, there are hidden costs:
Chainsaws, fuel, and safety gear
Hours of labor splitting and stacking
Waiting up to 2 years before wood is ready
When you buy from Paul & Babe’s Firewood, you get:
✅ Ready-to-burn seasoned hardwood
✅ No waiting or hassle
✅ Affordable delivery options
How to Store Your Seasoned Firewood
Even seasoned firewood can go bad if not stored properly. Follow these tips:
Use a wood rack (we build custom racks for your home)
Keep the stack off soil to prevent rot
Store at least 20 feet away from your house to reduce pests
Cover only the top of the stack
Rotate old wood forward and burn it first
Why Choose Paul & Babe’s Firewood?
Family-owned and operated in Acworth, GA
Seasoned hardwood only – guaranteed dry and ready to burn
Fair pricing for bundles, ¼ cord, ½ cord, and full cords
Delivery across Cobb, Paulding, and Cherokee County
Custom racks and stacking service available
Our business started with three brothers wanting to fund mission trips and family adventures — and it’s grown into a trusted local firewood service serving hundreds of families each year.
Call to Action
If you’ve been wondering how long firewood takes to season, now you know: 6–12 months (or longer for hardwoods like oak). But you don’t have to wait.
👉 Order seasoned hardwood bundles, ¼ cord, ½ cord, or full cords today
👉 Ask about custom wood racks and stacking service
👉 Delivery to Acworth, Cobb, Paulding, and Cherokee Counties
📞 Call 678-831-9087 or order online at Paul & Babe’s Firewood
🔥 Stop waiting. Burn better wood today.
