- always buy from a reputable supplier
- ask the right questions before buying
- inspect the firewood at the source before purchasing
- be home for the delivery and inspect the wood before accepting
- be sure to get a detailed receipt
The Seller's Reputation Counts
The firewood business is widely unregulated. Sellers come and go. That leaves the buyer with very little protection. Make sure you buy from a supplier that is established and reputable. Ask a friend or neighbor if they were happy with their wood. Compare recent purchases only. Wood varies greatly throughout the year, especially in the busy Fall and Winter months.
Do You Know What Questions to Ask?
If the seller knows you are knowledgeable you will most likely get a fair deal. Start by asking some basic questions to get a feel for the quality of the firewood as well as the seller's integrity:
What type of wood will my delivery be?
Only buy hardwoods. On Long Island that will be mainly Oak and Maple.
What is the price for a cord?
By law the cord is the only legal measurement for selling firewood. Loosely stacked a cord measures (4 ft. x 4 ft. x 8 ft.) = 128 cubic feet. DO NOT BUY A PILE, TRUCK LOAD, FACE CORD or other vague amount. Any marketed quantity should include a cubic foot or log count estimate.
How long has the wood been seasoned after being split?
Split hardwood takes over a year to season correctly in the humid conditions of Long Island. Firewood does not begin seasoning until split.
Cut trees & logs DO NOT SEASON.
What is the moisture content of your firewood?
This is a question suppliers love to avoid. The correct moisture content for air dried firewood is 30% or less. If the answer you receive is "it varies" or "I'll have to check", then tell them you'll have your own moisture meter to test the load and will refuse delivery if it is more than 30%. If you really want to be safe have the seller include the moisture content on the receipt.
There are many more questions to ask, but the few listed above are the most important and will signal to the seller that you know what you are talking about.
Go to the Source & Inspect Prior to Purchasing
It amazes me how many people buy firewood completely blind. Would you buy anything for a few hundred dollars without seeing it first? Then why would you do that with firewood? You can't return a few tons of wood so you'd better inspect it beforehand. Look for generally organized and clean conditions. The wood should not be lying in a moist area or be out of the sun & wind. Good firewood should be kept dry and in the direct sun and prevailing winds. Any signs of dirty conditions will probably mean your wood will be the same. Clean conditions will lead to clean wood that you'll be happy to bring into your home.
Schedule Delivery When You Will Be Home
When the delivery truck comes to your house, go outside and meet the driver. Not only will you save him some trouble but be sure to ask to examine the wood before it is unloaded. Do not accept the firewood if you feel the wood is not up to your standards. Once it is dropped, you are obligated to buy it. While the truck is full you have the upper hand to speak with the boss and refuse delivery. I guarantee you they do not want that truck coming back full.
By Law You Must Be Provided a Receipt
A written receipt is required for firewood sales in NYS. It should contain a description of the wood that includes the type of wood, quantity and price. Of course many suppliers like to deal in cash, but pay the extra sales tax to protect your purchase. Without a receipt you have no recourse.
and Finally......
To enjoy your fireplace or wood stove this Winter be sure to make educated choices when purchasing your firewood. Buying firewood during the Summer or early Fall will guarantee the lowest prices, best quality and plenty of time to season the wood further. Waiting until the Winter to purchase wood is like buying an air conditioner in July - the selection will be the lowest and the prices will be the highest.
We're here with quality KILN DRIED firewood all season long at:
www.lifirewood.com
