From Purchase to Burning: How to Get the Most from Your Firewood

Author : JJ's Firewood Supplies | Published On : 17 Jul 2026

Winter in Perth gets cold. A warm fire makes the house feel nice and cosy. But just buying firewood is not enough. How you store it, dry it, and burn it makes a big difference. Many people buy good wood and still end up with a smoky fire that gives off no heat. Let's look at how to fix that, step by step, from buying the wood to burning it.

Choosing the Right Wood

Not all firewood is the same. Some types burn better than others.

Hardwood vs Softwood

Hardwoods like jarrah, marri, and red gum burn slowly and give off more heat. Softwoods burn fast but don't last as long. If you want a fire that lasts through a cold night, hardwood is the better choice.

Check the Moisture Before You Buy

Ask about the wood's moisture level before buying it. Wet or "green" wood has not dried out properly. It looks fine on the outside, but it causes problems when burned. It smokes a lot, does not burn hot, and can damage your fireplace or flue over time.

Why Dry Wood Matters So Much

Firewood needs to be dry, or "seasoned", before you burn it. This is one of the most important parts of getting a good fire.

What Seasoned Wood Means

Seasoned wood is wood that has been left to dry for months, sometimes up to a year. Freshly cut wood can be more than half water inside. Seasoned wood is usually below 20% moisture.

Why Wet Wood Is a Problem

Wet wood wastes energy. When you burn it, the heat goes into drying out the water first, instead of warming your room. This is why wet wood hisses and pops instead of burning clean. It also makes more creosote, which is a sticky black stuff that builds up inside chimneys. Too much creosote can even cause a chimney fire.

How to Tell If Wood Is Dry Enough

Look at the ends of the logs. Dry wood usually has cracks running through it. It also sounds hollow when you knock two pieces together, and it feels lighter than wet wood of the same size.

Storing Firewood the Right Way

Good wood can still go bad if it's stored the wrong way. Here are some simple rules to follow.

Keep It Off the Ground

Wood sitting on soil or grass soaks up moisture from the ground. Use a pallet, rack, or a few bricks to lift it up.

Cover the Top, Not the Sides

Do not cover the whole wood pile with a tarp. It can make the wood wet and stop air from getting in. Just cover the top to keep rain away. Leave the sides open so air can pass through.

Stack It Loosely

Don't jam the logs together tightly. Gaps between the pieces let air move through, which helps the wood stay dry and stops mould from growing.

Pick a Sunny, Breezy Spot

If you can, store your wood somewhere that gets sun and wind. This helps it dry faster and stay fresh.

Only Bring In What You Need

Keep a small stack near the fireplace for daily use. Store the rest outside. Wood kept indoors for too long can attract insects.

Getting the Fire Going Properly

Once you have good, dry wood, how you build the fire also matters.

Building the Fire Step by Step

Put dry paper or fire starters under small sticks. Start with small pieces of wood. When the fire is strong, add bigger logs slowly. Do not put big logs on a small fire because they can put it out.

Let the Fire Breathe

Fire needs air to burn well. Leave small gaps between the logs so air can move through. A loosely built fire with good airflow burns hotter and cleaner than a fire packed in too tight.

What to Do with Old Ash

Clean out old ash before starting a new fire. But leaving a thin layer of ash at the bottom can actually help, as it insulates the new fire and helps it start faster.

Final Thoughts

Getting the most out of your firewood is not hard, but it does take a little care. Pick good hardwood, make sure it's properly seasoned, store it the right way, and build your fire with airflow in mind. Do these simple things and you will notice the difference straight away, less smoke, more heat, and a fire that lasts the whole evening.

If you're in Perth and looking for well-seasoned oakford firewood, trust JJ's Firewood Supplies. They offer a range of dry, seasoned firewood along with delivery across Perth, so you can skip the hassle of sourcing and storing wood yourself and get straight to enjoying a warm, clean-burning fire.

Ready to stock up for the season? Get in touch with JJ's Firewood Supplies today and get your firewood sorted before the cold nights set in.