4
NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATIONS ARE NOT TO SCALE.
Figure 1
4'
4'
8'
Standard
Cord of
Wood
A face cord is the same height and length as a
standard cord but the depth is only the length
of the logs (12, 18 or 24 inches). A face cord
can contain as little as 25% of the wood found
in a standard cord.
If you buy by the ton, remember that wood
becomes lighter as it dries. When buying green
or wet wood, ask for some extra poundage to
allow for the extra water you will be getting.
9. When comparing woods of the same moisture
content and same species, we fi nd most woods
have approximately the same heating potential
per pound.
However, most wood is sold by volume, not by
weight. To determine the best heating source,
look at the density of various wood types.
(Density is the weight for a given size.) The
higher the density, the more potential heat
output. A standard cord has a volume of 128
cubic feet. This Figure also includes the air
space between and around the wood. The actual
volume in a standard cord is between 60 and
100 cubic feet; depending on how tightly the
wood is packed.
Assuming that you are comparing two standard
cords of different species but the same volume
and moisture content, the denser species will
provide more BTU’s. The table of wood species/
densities reveals more helpful guidelines.
d. Do not stack wood directly against the
walls of your home.
8. Be a knowledgeable wood buyer. There is a
difference in cord sizes. A standard cord stack
of logs is 4 ft. high by 8 ft. long by 4 ft.
deep or the equivalent of this cubic footage,
(Figure 1).
DISPOSAL OF ASHES
Ashes should be placed in a metal container with
a tight fi tting lid. The closed container of ashes
should be placed on a noncombustible fl oor or
on the ground, well away from all combustible
materials, pending fi nal disposal. If the ashes
are to be disposed of by burial in soil or other
wise locally dispersed, they should be retained
in the closed container until all cinders have
thoroughly cooled.
SOFTWOOD VS HARDWOOD
Softwoods contain about 15 percent highly
fl ammable resin which generates creosote soot
in the chimney fl ue. Burning softwood exclu-
sively may not be as desirable nor as safe as
burning denser hardwoods. Many experienced
fi re-builders use small amounts of softwood
kindling and newspaper in conjunction with
starting a fi re with split hardwood logs. Here
are some guidelines to remember:
1. Softwoods produce fast warming and shorter
fi res. Hardwoods burn less vigorously, have
shorter fl ames and produce steady, glowing
coals.
2. As a general rule, denser woods contain more
potential heat per pound. Most softwoods
offer moderate heat value per pound.
3. Different woods vary widely in fl ame heights,
fl ame intensities, smoke characteristics
and in sparking. Most hardwoods do not
spark.
4. Most freshly cut “green” wood will not burn
well and will smoke. Green wood can be from
10 to 40 percent less effi cient than air-dried
seasoned wood.
5. Moisture and resin found inside unseasoned
wood cells will build up pressure under heat
and explode as sparks.
6. Most wood needs to be seasoned 9 to 12
months to reduce the moisture content and
produce good steady fi res. When moisture
content is reduced from 60 to 20%, the gain
in heat potential is nearly 7%.
7. Proper storage of wood, especially during
seasoning, is essential. We recommend that
you:
a. Never store wood on the ground. This
will cause rotting and insect infi ltra-
tion. Raise wood on fl at rock or scrap
wood.
b. Stack wood loosely to allow air circula-
tion.
c. Store wood where it will not be exces-
sively exposed to weather, such as
under a tarp or under a roof.
HARDWOODS DENSITY
Alser, Red .41
Ash .49-.60
Aspen .38-.39
Basswood, American .37
Beech, American .64
Birch .55-.65
Butternut .38
Cherry, Black .50
Chestnut, American .43
Cottonwood .34-.40
Elm .60.63
Hackberry .53
Hickory, Pecan .60.66
Hickory, True .69-.75
Honey locust .66 (est.)
Locust, Black .69
Magnolia .48-.50
Maple .48-.63
Oak, Red .59-.67
Oak, White .64-.88
Poplar .42
Sassafras .42
Sweet gum .52
Sycamore, American .49
Tanoak .64 (est.)
Tupelo .50
Walnut, Black .55
Willow, Black .39
SOFTWOODS DENSITY
Bald cypress .46
Cedar .31-.47
Douglas Fir .46-.50
Fir .32-.43
Hemlock .40-.45
Larch, Western .52
Pine .39-.59
Redwood .35-.40
Spruce .35-.41
Tamarack .53
STARTING A FIRE
Note: Caution must be observed when operat-
ing this fi replace under windy conditions. Do
Not burn large fi res, as fl ames may be drawn
out of the fi rebox. If this occurs, close the glass
doors immediately. If not equipped with doors,
extinguish the fi re or keep it to a minimum if safe.
The screens must be closed at all times while in
operation, except when feeding the fi re.
1. To start a fi re in a the fi replace properly, fi rst
check the operation of the fl ue damper.
2. To prevent smoking at start-up, if the unit is
installed indoors, close any window located
near the fi replace when fi rst lighting a fi re.
The closed windows may be reopened once
a chimney draft is drawn in the fi replace.
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