Request for Hints on How to Use Sub Par Firewood

[gbreitenbeck]

Unfortunately, I ordered a cord of wood this week from what turned out to be a less than scrupulous wood supplier. The wood is Red Oak. The problem is it appears that it was cut just a few months ago plus it was delivered very damp. I have a hard time getting it started and an even harder time keeping it burning. I'm looking for some advice on how I can use this wood this winter. The dealer refuses to take the wood back and I have no other location for wood storage other than where this unseasoned and damp wood is now stored.
I use a wood burning stove and store my wood in my garage on a face-cord sized, steel rack. I live in a townhome and outside storage isn't possible.
If anyone on this forum has a suggestion on how I can improve the combustion characteristics of this load of wood, I sure would appreciate the advice.

 

[gzecc]

Unfortunately there is no magic. Maybe post an ad on Craigslist to trade your wet cord for 1/2 a seasoned cord.

 

[jatoxico]

Always tough. Split it down smaller, try to get some dry scraps or pallets or buy some bio-bricks or similar product. Use any dry stuff you can get to geta coal bed going then add the wet stuff on top. Rinse and repeat.

 

[Sinngetreu]

I am using some sub-par wood this winter and the only thing that works for me is to split it small and stack a lot by the stove to dry out as much as possible. Also pallet wood or lumber scraps to add to the fire will help get it hot to burn the wet stuff. You wont get the best BTU's but it should get you by.
If you can get a hold of other wood like Ash or Pine, do it. That will dry a little quicker and can help out.

 

[bmblank]

Split small and lots of air to the fire.

 

[tcassavaugh]

Split small and lots of air to the fire.

+1.....that's about all you can do......and oh yeah, learn from the experience. might see if there is anywhere you might be able to pick up some slab wood to mix with it. lots of mills sell it relatively cheaply.

 

[Firewood Bandit]

Chalk it up to learning.

Store it until next year and buy some good seasoned wood.

 

[paul bunion]

The way to accellerate drying is to kiln it. (broken link removed) Too bad you can't hold your garage at 220 for a day and a half. You might be able to rig a lower temp kiln if you have forced air heat and can duct a register into a dishwasher or larger sized box (metal shelving wrapped in plastic?) and dry some wood so that is useable this winter or early spring. Getting approval from someone such as yoru wife/GF to rig such a thing in your house might be tough also.

 

[robbydanilow]

this is my first year burning and I've also been burning some sub par wood. I've had very good results splitting it small like 2 to 3 inch maximum splits and stacking them around the stove. I can tell you though the oak that came in this mixed hardwood cord is very slow to dry out. my wood stove is installed in front of a fireplace so the area behind is like a kiln this year.

 

[red oak]

Red oak is one of the slowest woods to dry. I would search for pallets or untreated lumber at this point in the winter and mix in some smaller splits. It can be done but it is a headache for sure. Check your chimney every two weeks and clean as needed. Luckily in NC I'm guessing you have only 2 months left to burn.

 

[BillLion]

Maybe to get a good hot fire started consider buying some fatwood from LL Bean or a similar supplier.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

Well, we have a couple guys on this forum who claim they can cut down an oak and burn it. Perhaps you need to talk to them.....

 

[peakbagger]

Split it as small as you can and if you have somewhere to store it inside near the stove for even a few days it will help.

 

[Missouri Frontier]

what turned out to be a less than scrupulous wood supplier

Imagine that! Sorry you got rooked. Split it small. have the next load sitting in a rack by the stove, while burning the current one. Mix in some dry stuff. All you can do. BTW welcome to the forum.