These specifications define acceptable firewood pieces. (For kindling, see Kindling Specifications.)
Firewood is split from firewood rounds. While it is desirable to have some larger firewood pieces (for optimal banking of an overnight fire), in general smaller pieces are preferred. When in doubt, re-split a piece.
- Length nominally 13 inches; must be between 10 and 14 inches.
- The length of the longest side must be under 8 inches.
- The height perpendicular to the longest side must be under 5 inches.
- A round 4 inches in diameter or larger must be split at least once.
- The cross sectional area should nominally be under 25 square inches (a 5 x 5 inch square piece).
- Acceptable pieces will fit through an opening defined by the Firewood Cross-Section Template.
- If a piece will not fit through the opening it should be re-split.
- Firewood should be regular in shape; irregular pieces, normally due to presence of large knots, should be moved to the reject area.
While there is no minimum size specified for firewood, and given that kindling is available, pieces smaller than 2 inches by 2 inches (4 square inches cross sectional area) should be avoided.
The following Firewood Measurement Template may be used to gauge piece cross-section:
The above template permits a piece having a cross sectional area of 36 square inches, 45% larger than the desired nominal size of 25 square inches. While some such pieces are acceptable, most should be re-split. Again, When in doubt, re-split a piece.