Hi all,
I've been burning wood for the last 10 years. For most of that time, I've been buying well seasoned, pre-split from a local supplier with a good product for $90 per face cord delivered (1/3rd cord).
This past year, I've moved and the 'best' price around here for a similar product is $105 per face cord. I am planning to order ~10 face cords.
Now, the same supplier also carries the Canawick compressed sawdust blocks, and they are offering a 1920-lb pallet for $320 delivered - roughly comparable in price to a full cord of hardwood.
Certainly the compressed blocks are easier to manage / stack / store and I would pay a small premium for it... but how does the heat output compare? Obviously, a 1920lb pallet is lighter than a full cord of maple, oak, and ash... but the moisture content in the compressed product it lower, which means I'm not paying the water and losing the heat value to boil that water off.
I guess the basic question is - how do you compare the value of these two products?
For all those who suggest I cut, split and season my own wood - I'd love to, but at this point in my life I just don't have the time without making compromises elsewhere. That will probably change in another 5 years once my sons get to the age they can help with the work!
Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
I've been burning wood for the last 10 years. For most of that time, I've been buying well seasoned, pre-split from a local supplier with a good product for $90 per face cord delivered (1/3rd cord).
This past year, I've moved and the 'best' price around here for a similar product is $105 per face cord. I am planning to order ~10 face cords.
Now, the same supplier also carries the Canawick compressed sawdust blocks, and they are offering a 1920-lb pallet for $320 delivered - roughly comparable in price to a full cord of hardwood.
Certainly the compressed blocks are easier to manage / stack / store and I would pay a small premium for it... but how does the heat output compare? Obviously, a 1920lb pallet is lighter than a full cord of maple, oak, and ash... but the moisture content in the compressed product it lower, which means I'm not paying the water and losing the heat value to boil that water off.
I guess the basic question is - how do you compare the value of these two products?
For all those who suggest I cut, split and season my own wood - I'd love to, but at this point in my life I just don't have the time without making compromises elsewhere. That will probably change in another 5 years once my sons get to the age they can help with the work!
Thanks in advance for any suggestions!