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Selecting and Preparing Wood for Your Outdoor Wood Furnace

For the best results, it is best to burn seasoned split wood. However, it may be possible to burn some un-split wood with the split wood depending on quality, size, moisture content and wood type. Properly seasoned wood has a moisture content of 20% or less. It is darker, has cracks in the end grain, and sounds hollow when smacked against another piece of wood. Most wood needs to be split to dry down to 20% within a year. Wood between 4" and 8" (10 and 20 cm) in diameter works well in most cases. Pieces of wood that are too large can reduce output capacity because they burn slower. 

It's important to know the moisture content of your wood for proper operation.

Wood that works well in most cases:
  • Is between 4" and 8" (10 and 20 cm) in diameter.
  • Is approximately 60-70% of the length of the firebox.
  • Typically weighs 10-15 pounds per cubic foot for heavy heat loads.
  • Pieces of wood that are too large can reduce output capacity because they burn slower. Wood that is too long can cause bridging.
  • Seasoned wood burns more efficiently, minimizes the amount of creosote formation, reduces emissions and extends the life of the outdoor furnace.
  • Maintain a quantity of smaller, drier pieces of wood for relighting the fire and for other situations when larger pieces of wood don't work as well.
  • The larger the heat load on the outdoor furnace, the drier the wood needs to be in order to maintain an adequate glowing coal bed.
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Warning

These procedures should be performed by a qualified individual and in accordance with any and all federal, state/provincial and local codes and regulations. When performing work on an appliance, observe all precautions in the literature, tags and labels attached to the appliance and other safety precautions that may apply. When working with electricity and electrical components, failure to follow precautions could result in property damage, personal injury or death.

WARNING indicates the presence of a hazard which can cause severe personal injury or death to an operator or bystander, or substantial property damage if ignored.

Do not proceed without testing the power is disconnected. Make sure the power cannot be reconnected while working with electrical components.