Identify wood and other issues

  • Active since 1995, Hearth.com is THE place on the internet for free information and advice about wood stoves, pellet stoves and other energy saving equipment.

    We strive to provide opinions, articles, discussions and history related to Hearth Products and in a more general sense, energy issues.

    We promote the EFFICIENT, RESPONSIBLE, CLEAN and SAFE use of all fuels, whether renewable or fossil.
  • Hope everyone has a wonderful and warm Thanksgiving!
  • Super Cedar firestarters 30% discount Use code Hearth2024 Click here

Maj92az

New Member
Sep 26, 2020
50
N Idaho
hello. My home came "pre furnished " with a cord of wood that was stored in the basement. At first I thought how well could it be seasoned?? Humidity down there stays a bit high. No wind. No sun. A cheap and expensive moisture meter reads 10-15%.

Is there any other issues that can cause wood to be "fake seasoned "? I am having a heck of a time... mostly blackens and wants to go out... i am in the PNW. I collect Douglas fir and tamarack.. although I'm second guessing whats down stairs.

Can anyone tell??
 

Attachments

  • [Hearth.com] Identify wood and other issues
    20201108_101707.webp
    225.6 KB · Views: 183
  • [Hearth.com] Identify wood and other issues
    20201108_101635.webp
    107.6 KB · Views: 181
  • [Hearth.com] Identify wood and other issues
    20201108_101549.webp
    128.3 KB · Views: 173
Sure looks like Doug Fir to me...at 10-15% it should burn no problem. But judging by the axe marks it must have been fairly green when they split it.

Are you re-splitting the pieces before you test moisture?
 
  • Like
Reactions: moresnow
As mentioned you need to re-split a few pieces and check the freshly exposed interior face.
 
I believe that it could be that dry in a basement, providing it has been down there for several years.
 
If I do not use everything that is in the basement in one season.
It just sits there till next fall the moisture content at that point is 8 to 11 %
and my basement in the summer is cool and humid. So what you have is good to go