On to the next phase...burning! Many thanks to you all!

[Tenn Dave]

You're really going to be pushing it on 2 cords. I've got around 2800 sq. ft. here and I use on average around 7 cord a year, give or take......that's going 24/7, pretty much from mid October right up into May.....

18-20%, if that is on a freshly re-split piece, isn't too bad, but it's not optimal either. That would suffice getting you through this year, but you want to make sure you check your flue and cap frequently (you should do this regardless, being a newbie wood burner) until you know the characteristics of your stove, flue, wood, etc....

I think you'll be fine burning the 18-20% stuff this winter, but try to get three years ahead. You'll hear us saying this all of the time on here, and you'll thank us for doing it eventually.....

I was in your shoes not so long ago....now I'm sitting on 30 cord of wood, at over 4 years ahead! I never have to worry about my wood being seasoned, it has plenty of time to do so......
And in regards to covering, you only want to TOP COVER the wood....don't cover the sides as it cannot get air if you do that.....

Just wondering if it is possible for the wood to get too dry?

 

[begreen]

with your 1600 ft, I'd guestimate around 3-4 cords would get you through....

We get by on 2.5 cords a year in a 2000 sq ft house with the T6 in a mild climate. If the winter is not exceptionally cold I think you will be ok. Otherwise you may be nibbling on the 2014 stash in February. Let the heat pump warm the place when it's over 50F outside.

 

[TooColdHere]

You should be fine with 3-4 cords. I'm just across the ditch from you in Annapolis and I burn about 3 cords in a season. Granted I've only been burning for two seasons and its has not been too terribly cold the past few winters. I've managed to build up my supply to ten cords just in case.

Hey, neighbor! Now you guys have me on a mission! I think I'l order another two cords and one every 3 months thereafter. Do you gather/split yourself or have delivered? I bought a used splitter and figured it would be my "between games" activities this fall. I'll buy until I get a good head start.

 

[TooColdHere]

Just wondering if it is possible for the wood to get too dry?

My wood guy mentioned this. I thought it was because I was pushing for a couple cords since Spring, but every time we scheduled the rains came and it would trash the yard driving around back to dump. Any opinions? He mentioned wood beginning to break down.

 

[BrotherBart]

Off the ground with a way for air to get under it and it will be fine. Top cover it and leave good space between the rows and it ain't gonna "break down". And if it is 18-20% inside a fresh split that will be primo this season. On Kent Island three cord a year will be just about right. Expect to cook off most of four your first season getting settled in with a new stove. I have been doing this for a while and I still burn way too much wood the first year with a new stove. But pretty consistently three cord of hardwood a year after that.

And I don't have a furnace or heat pump.

 

[begreen]

My wood guy mentioned this. I thought it was because I was pushing for a couple cords since Spring, but every time we scheduled the rains came and it would trash the yard driving around back to dump. Any opinions? He mentioned wood beginning to break down.

Some wood breaks down, but not from being too dry. Alder wants to disintegrate if allowed to. It is a nitrogen feeder tree in the forest and rots quickly. But under full cover and away from moisture it will keep for years.

 

[ChadD]

Looks nice I like the paddles on the wall.

 

[TooColdHere]

Off the ground with a way for air to get under it and it will be fine. Top cover it and leave good space between the rows and it ain't gonna "break down". And if it is 18-20% inside a fresh split that will be primo this season. On Kent Island three cord a year will be just about right. Expect to cook off most of four your first season getting settled in with a new stove. I have been doing this for a while and I still burn way too much wood the first year with a new stove. But pretty consistently three cord of hardwood a year after that.

And I don't have a furnace or heat pump.

I think you are correct there. I need to budget for the "fun factor" this first year.

 

[TooColdHere]

Looks nice I like the paddles on the wall.

Thanks! I found a woman over the Bay that made them. One says "Kent" and the other "Island". A lot of renov work coming this winter.

 

[Rbfish]

Hey, neighbor! Now you guys have me on a mission! I think I'l order another two cords and one every 3 months thereafter. Do you gather/split yourself or have delivered? I bought a used splitter and figured it would be my "between games" activities this fall. I'll buy until I get a good head start.

Split it all by hand with a maul. I use wedges for the tough stuff and chunk the tougher stuff with the saw. Not sure about the Eastern Shore, but lots of people around here give wood away for free. I'd check around Craigslist before you pay for wood. It helps to live in a neighborhood with lots of trees, tell your neighbors you burn wood. Once word gets out you'll take it off their hands for free, they come out of the woodwork. It saves them from paying to have it hauled away by the tree company. With the rash of big thunderstorms we've been having, I keep myself busy.

 

[TooColdHere]

Split it all by hand with a maul. I use wedges for the tough stuff and chunk the tougher stuff with the saw. Not sure about the Eastern Shore, but lots of people around here give wood away for free. I'd check around Craigslist before you pay for wood. It helps to live in a neighborhood with lots of trees, tell your neighbors you burn wood. Once word gets out you'll take it off their hands for free, they come out of the woodwork. It saves them from paying to have it hauled away by the tree company. With the rash of big thunderstorms we've been having, I keep myself busy.

Very good points. I need a new chainsaw and have a couple-three cords of rounds...some 21/2-3' across to take care of. Between the saw/splitter and trailer, I am looking forward to fall. Thanks!

 

[ScotO]

Just wondering if it is possible for the wood to get too dry?

Never......
Wood will "hit the wall" when it his a certain MC, which is relative to the climate and humidity in your area.....