Firewood Moisture Test - Split vs. Non-Split

I was curious about rounds of firewood seasoning if they weren't split. I have rounds from the same tree, some split, some not. In this video I check the moisture percentage of both to see which has seasoned better. Firewood Moisture Test - Split vs. Non-Split
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[@TKCL]

Ive been taking a big interest in moisture myself. I'll be following all my species, totes racks ect throughout the coming months to track drying. Nothing makes a pleasurable or miserable burning experience like very dry vs moist wood.

[@Back40Firewood]

Yeah recreational burning with a ton of smoke is not fun at all....unless you're sitting with your back to a nice breeze...hahahaha

[@timthompson5885]

That was a really cool comparison. I was very surprised on what the moisture was on the already split wood. Stay safe my friend!!

[@aldiminico6513]

Thank you Doctor Dan for the experiment 👍

[@realairplane261]

I like the doctor, since he shows good judgement and is a better example than most high end youtubes.

[@healyfamily4]

Seasoned dry wood does make your OWB and woodstoves more efficient. This is the first year that I have had two year old seasoned wood compared to one year and I can notice the difference. Great way to start my day with B40 and a cup of coffee!

[@Back40Firewood]

Ohh yeah you'll notice a huge difference with well seasoned dry wood compared to partially seasoned. I've noticed that too...it's a long wait, but worth it...lol 😀👍🍻

[@teejay6611]

That’s good information. I have been trying to let my wood 15 or less. Nice to know I was close to being right. Thank you god’s blessing for you and your family.

[@toddsoutsideagain]

Totally agree! I’m no expert but it just makes sense that split wood dries faster. We usually try to split it immediately after we buck it up to start the process ASAP. Thanks for sharing. B🆒

[@Back40Firewood]

That's right...at one point I was gonna put a sign in the woodyard that read: 'Big & Tall, Short & Small....We Split Them All'....lol. Cuz that's pretty much my mindset. 😀👍🍻

[@GPOutdoors]

Nice. Some good info Dan! Keep smiling!

[@Back40Firewood]

Thanks GP...the lower I see the numbers on that moisture meter the more I smile! Hahahahaha 😀👍🍻

[@MrDWS1984]

Awesome information. Ive got the same moisture tester. We managed to get our stacks covered before this snow came this year. Thanks Back 40

[@WoodsTreeFarm]

great vid Dan, addresses something I've always wondered. good job!

[@Back40Firewood]

Thanks...yeah I was curious about leaving that Ash in bigger round form if it would start drying down at all....not much so on the splitter it's gonna have to go..lol 😀👍🍻

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Great test!

[@goingoutdoorswithmatt7962]

That makes sense. Seems like the bark would hold the moisture in. Splitting it, let's air get to it and dry it out faster.

[@WSTMike]

Good video on raising awareness of moisture content. Dryer the better. When I went to 12-18 months drying, my boiler became much more efficient.

[@Back40Firewood]

Yes indeed...you'll notice a big difference in wood that's seasoned a few years. I never understood people putting green or semi-seasoned wood in a boiler. Not sure they understand that then the boiler has to act like a kiln 1st....hahahaha 😀👍🍻

[@terrypomatto907]

Fricknjeep explains a lot about the difference in moisture on wood and different types of wood. I love watching wood splitting because when I was younger we supplied our house heating and hot water using a Johnson Energy Converter stove. I split all firewood by hand and would prefer to cut stand dead trees after the bark had fallen off. We had twenty acres in south central Illinois and we was there for twenty years. We burned mostly dead Elm and occasionally I will harvest dead Hickory but the hickory was a real job to split by hand.

[@dukeflem]

That is a very good visual indication of proper seasoning methods. That should be very helpful to viewers. I always try to be under 15% for my wood stove and a lot of my wood is about 7% when I burn it. I have two meters so that i can check one against the other when it is borderline. I seldom burn round logs unless they are small diameter. You might also compare the reading you get from fresh split centers versus just measuring on the ends just so you can make quick checks on stacks.

[@Back40Firewood]

That is a good idea on checking the ends...would be interesting to see how consistent it was. I prolly should have another meter to compare to, but honestly for the most part I can tell by the weight and the sound the wood makes...that's my 'unofficial' way of telling whether its ready to burn or not...lol 😀👍🍻

[@dukeflem]

@@Back40Firewood You are correct about your unofficial way. It works. It's good to have the meter though as different woods affect the weight and sound. You are doing great and are well beyond most people that sell around here. Cut it, split it, call it seasoned, sell it. Some even tell people it's better to burn unseasoned wood at night so it will burn longer. (It's either ignorant or dishonest)

[@kroy-rz8cd]

I'm glad you did that, thanks!

[@outdoorswithlarryrobin]

Dan good review! Personally I sell at 12-18% my customers love the way the wood burns, cherry the only exception, they seem to prefer 20-25% for its Aroma🪵👍🏼🇱🇷

[@Back40Firewood]

Thanks...ohh yeah Cherry is a bit better with higher moisture to bring out that nice smell when it burns...much better, plus when it dries down too much it burns pretty quick. 😀👍🍻

[@mikedonaldson1820]

Depends on the stove too, ours is a bear to keep cranking with MC higher then 18% Great Video

[@rogervandergriff1851]

Very helpful video thanks

[@mikejones3155]

Great video!!!

[@stannelson2582]

This year in my wood stove I’m burning maple and beech that is around 15 %. What crazy difference from ash the last few years. The ash was around 20 %. Way less ash way less creosote in the pipe and more heat from the lower percentage beech and maple.

[@goingoutdoorswithmatt7962]

That is interesting to know.👍

[@Mike-ip8hg]

Hi I'm in England Nottingham.. I totally agree with what you say as I found out myself defo best to split.I also found the smaller I split it drys faster Obviously but then gets to small .You look like you got a good set up there I'm jealous. Thanks for the video tho .mike

[@stanleykeith6969]

Hello Dan, I see you where knocking snow off your garage. I would wait till you have some dry weather so the garage is dry. I had one of those one time and I found out if you cover the top with heavy plastic the snow will slid off better and the plastic will help you garage last a little longer.

[@TakeNoneForTheTeam]

Nice test. Thank you.

[@realairplane261]

I wish my hanger roof was that easy to clear, especially the last 5 years. This year has been great in upper most Wisconsin for snow load. 😎

[@markdiulio9424]

Great video always wanted to know

[@adamcarter5678]

Interesting test there Shifty! Yeah I personally don't like burning wood in the round form in my stove. My experience in the past is pieces like that always under perform anything that is split. Just did a test yesterday of some maple that I split in September, at that time it was at 35% -38%. And right now it is at 24%

[@bobeby5751]

Guess I'll have to let my rounds sit longer! I love rounds in my furnace because stacking things just right in there basically makes for an automatic feeder. The sides of my furnace are sloped a bit. When the wood in the center burns down enough, a round will roll into the coals. Keeps from the furnace getting too many coals on a pile and it running too hot! Thanks for the test.

[@markhowes126]

Last year I burned a fair amount of popple and basswood that I split in owb. I was shocked how well it did compared to unsplit oak beech and maple limb wood. Its all cut 32 inches and in same woodshed. Just burned much better than the firewood heat charts would tell you it should. Splitting sure seemed to make big difference.

[@jamesahr2634]

If it keeps me warm im happy😊

[@reesegary]

That was very interesting. I've had my outdoor boiler 13 yrs now and never used good seasoned wood. Just always cut Ash trees down as needed. I might have to change my ways, lol Great video Dan!

[@Back40Firewood]

I've noticed a big difference in how much and how often I have to load it depending on how seasoned the wood is.

[@rodneysweetnam8653]

Hi Dan - it's Big Rodders in Ireland. Interesting video. I bought a moisture meter and tried to be scientific but gave it up as the results were conflicting and I was confused! I have a smallish stove and I split all my mixed species logs to your bundle wood size, I just let it season for at least 18 months in roofed but opened sided stores. It stands to reason that larger sized logs, particularly when barked, will take longer to season. My perception is that logs cannot be too dry. Surely, if overdry, logs would absorb moisture to bring them up to the average humidity of the general surroundings. Perhaps subscriber "frinknjeep" has a theory on the subject. Keep on Splitting!!

[@waynetanguay6640]

Great information. Thanks

[@whitebassbenny]

The maple pine and cedar I have were split a year ago. Burns pretty good but some still has sizzle. I can’t wait till next winter to. Gonna be really dry by then.

[@gringopines3476]

NICE WHITE COAT OF SNOW, LOOKS SWEET... NICE LITTLE TEST, I KINDA TRIPPED OUT MY BROTHER- IN- LAW WITH THE MOISTURE METER. LAST NOVEMBER WHEN WE GOT THE STOVE, I TESTED THE WOOD WE GOT AND SHOWED HIM HOW WET IT WAS. BOUT 35%, ALSO IT WAS HARD TO SPLIT. THAT'S WHEN I GOT THE GREEN LIGHT ON THE SPLITTER. WAS'NT SUCH A STUPID IDEA AFTER-ALL. I LOVE IT WHEN I'M RIGHT... THANX FOR THE SNOW SHOTS, STAY COOL MY BROTHER... PEACE...

[@Back40Firewood]

Next you're down you'll have to split a piece open and see what it's at now. The splitter will really making busting that wood open easy, and should get ya a few years ahead so it all has plenty of time to dry. It wasn't much snow, but was nice to get a nice covering. 😀👍🍻

[@joeford7350]

Very good video!

[@jasonj411]

I generally like my wood to season for a minimum of 10 months, i split almost everything unless it is less than 3-4 inches across

[@Living-The-Dream]

You might want to also compare wood stored under cover as your rounds are as compared to rounds stored outside in the sun/wind. I think you will find the same type of ratio....as far as splits to rounds, but you will also find the wood exposed to the sun and wind (Rounds/Splits) will be drying out much faster then those stored out of the sun/wind. 🪵🪓🔥👍🤠

[@alfkeulen5725]

Splitting quite simply increases the surface area from which moisture can escape, so splitting makes wood dry more quickly. Also, bark is water proof: nothing in, but also nothing out. So: this video is high in QED!

[@ethicalaxe]

You're also exposing the very wet inside to dry out. You're right about bark holding in moisture. I dry lumber for tool handles and keep the bark on so it doesn't crack. Basically like sealing lumber with wax/glue/paint/anchor seal. Whatever gets it done. Except this is the face of the lumber instead of just endgrain.

[@thebradleysoncatbirdhill6849]

When the video opened, and you were banging inside the shed cover to knock the snow off, I thought it would have been really cool if you could have overlaid a voice screaming...."Get me out of here!!!"🤣🤣🤣

[@brianrizzi6321]

Next experiment would be to compare moisture from split wood in stacked row, Totes, Bag, and a loose pile.

[@Back40Firewood]

That is a good idea...I have some in all of those forms, just that it all didn't get split at the same time. Maybe have to set that up for next year..lol

[@brianrizzi6321]

@@Back40Firewood you could take an 8 inch round, split it 4 ways then take a reading. Put a little orange marker paint on them to distinguish them and put one in the pile, one in the bag, one in the Tote and one in a row. Then take another reading 4-6 months from now and see how they all faired.

[@tombryan720]

Also, moisture escapes split wood much more quickly when it burns. Smoldering logs are not good for a chimney anyway.

[@michaelbyrne9837]

Thanks for the helpful video Shifty. One thing though, I was told to always stick the meter in across the grain not along the grain. Any opinions guys? By the way, my t-shirt arrived today. Thanks again!

[@Back40Firewood]

Yeah I've heard different ways of putting in the meter. Good to hear the t-shirt arrived. 😀👍🍻

[@mattalley4330]

Seems to me, novice on this subject as I admittedly am, that since small rounds have about the same moisture content as the split wood I am saving a lot of effort in splitting bigger rounds (say, 8 inches and larger) and not bothering with the smaller ones.

[@Dorchwoods]

Just curious, how come you don't sell bundles of softwood? Are your customers primarily using them for campfires outside? I sell bundles to local campgrounds in Southern Maine in the summer months, and pine/spruce is definitely the wood of choice. No need for it to burn hot on a 70 degree evening, and tourists just want to start a fire easily. Curious what the firewood customers are like in your area and if they're specifically requesting hardwood. Love the channel btw!

[@Back40Firewood]

I do mix softwoods into the bundles and the stand during late Spring/Summer/Early Fall....but during winter I usually fill both with Oak so if they are using it for some heat its decent wood for throwing out BTUs. 😀👍🍻

[@Dorchwoods]

@@Back40Firewood gotcha, that makes sense! I'm not sure I'd have much of a market here in the winter but thanks for the input. One of my favorite firewood channels btw! You inspired me to sell bundles in nicely packaged mesh bags over plastic wrapping, because quality is key!

[@christhomas9837]

Great info, thanks. I cut some 30" maple that had been sitting at my yard for 4 years. For me it was quite a challenge with just a box store splitter. It has 20% moisture and I'm using it right now. I also have some ash that was split 2-3 years ago. I didn't check the moisture but I'm burning that also. It burns quite quickly. Can wood be too dry?

[@Back40Firewood]

Well the drier it is the quicker it will burn depending on the type of wood. You should still get decent heat from it however. 😀👍🍻

[@claytondaughtridge3427]

I ve always liked both.i feel like if you split small rounds your just wasting your wood because it burns up too fast.i like too keep a few larger rounds 6 in or less for night time burning.

[@fricknjeep]

hi there B40 my self and others could write books on drying wood and all like your experiment are good info . in the sawmill industry air drying is around 1 year pre inch so a 2x2 would be around a year . a 4x4 2 years 8x8 4 years . unseasoned wood will burn water wont it has to be turned to steam and go out the stack . that takes BTUs and that has to come from its self . thats why its not efficient . its heating its own water not your boiler water , i have 5 different moisture meters and they all read different , where you poke the wood and how you poke the wood changes the reading . with the grain or not . center or end . i could go on and on . but i do know that hickory i put on the scale 12 days ago went from 686 to 646 in 12 days keep them coming there all great john

[@Back40Firewood]

Ohh yeah there's all kinds of info on seasoning wood, what % is best to burn at and so on. And there's so many factors that come into play including like ya said, the moisture meters...lol....Wow, 40 pounds in 12 days that's a big drop isn't it or is that about average?

[@fricknjeep]

@@Back40Firewood thats about average 75% in the first 3 months takes another year for the rest . john

[@digbyodell2924]

I think it must be the most common misconception that ash dries down faster than other similar hardwoods, it doesn't. What is actually happening is it has a head start so in a 40 yard dash, it would be starting 15 or 20 yards ahead! Of course the same rules apply to it as to why splitting and stacking ASAP is always better, but one can leave larger splits in with oak or process ash a bit later in the year when oak wilt is a possible issue (March-July) and still have it finish seasoning at about the same time.

[@mikedaugharty5544]

good info there!!

[@sureflamefirewood4174]

Talking about bundles how many did you end up going through in 2020 ?

[@denverbasshead]

How's that shelter logic building holding up?

[@larrykluckoutdoors8227]

I guess I will have to buy a tester sometime. Good video.

[@Back40Firewood]

They can be handy to have, but most of the time it gives me readings higher than I want...lol Thanks Larry....by the way, your closing for Scheib was awesome!! hahaha

[@larrykluckoutdoors8227]

@@Back40Firewood Thanks

[@user-hn9qg5qm3o]

Will moisture content be different in a log depending on where you stick the moisture meter, heartwood versus sapwood?

[@alfkeulen5725]

From what I've read, readings close to the bark are highest. My source is Norwegian Wood, a book that opened my eyes to drying and burning wood properly

[@timothychase3798]

Round wood lasts longer but split wood burns better.

[@WhackinAxes]

In my experience ash hasn’t burnt very good until it was low twenties. I have burned some in the thirties and it burned but sizzled a lot.

[@Back40Firewood]

Yep that's what happened with some burn tests I did...it burned, just not very good. How's the knew doing? Still cracking the whip with you dad in the woodyard?

[@WhackinAxes]

The knee is doing good! Going in for a post check up today. And yes dad is still out in the woodyard😂

[@Lifeinthe906]

I just had a person tell me the wood I sold her last summer was "really wet" I asked how she knew. She has a moisture meter and was checking it. I asked how much moisture was in it? Her response 15% some as much as 18% !! Are you a 20% or less guy?

[@Back40Firewood]

lol...my goodness 15%!! That's soaking wet....hahaha....hopefully you were able to inform her that generally anything under 20% is 'better'. Yep, I shoot for 20%.

[@DanielAtkinsFirewood]

I guess this would also apply to the Styrofoam wood (Grand fir) we have here on the west coast. LoL . Guess I will do a viedo as well just to see how it goes..

[@Back40Firewood]

Ohhh my yeah don't let the rain hit that stuff it'll soak it up like a sponge...hahaha...that's why that Fir bark is so thick...lol

[@DanielAtkinsFirewood]

@@Back40Firewood : hahahahah😂😂😁😂😂

[@canamrider7195]

If I can't knock the bark off with my fingers then it is not ready to split nor to burn.

[@realairplane261]

Hey Dan, does it work to just pray that the wood is dry enough, or should we use the science? LOL

[@lliamarden8560]

I’m trying to find out how much the wood being frozen throws off the meter. Anybody know?

[@cliffnieporte7817]

Not sure about that,but the operating temp. on the low end on my General Tools meter is 32 degrees f. So there might be an issue with below freezing.

[@gregmosczynski5928]

👍

[@speakstheobvious5769]

Well before I watch the whole video I'm going to take a SWAG: Split wood has more surface area to burn per weight, it burns faster and hotter. Rounds don't burn as hot but they will burn a lot longer. Obviously split wood will have less moisture over time int he some environment as round. I'm no pro and know nothing about this stuff but those are my guesses.

[@traviscover590]

I like your new video the moming you did a really good jop i have too get me one too good jop the moming buddy

[@Back40Firewood]

Thanks my friend...glad you enjoyed. 😀👍🍻

[@traviscover590]

Good night too you guys buddy 🍺🍺

[@patrickcorbett8361]

I shoot for 15.% & under for dryness

[@williamklein6649]

Just goes to show you can’t split into a truck and deliver it. Not even ash.

[@back40woodhoundsenior93]

trying to burn water sucks let your wood dry it will pay you well . the SR.

[@kentuckymotorsports9815]

You can burn green ash

[@shermanhofacker4428]

Not a really good test. Should have compared 4 inch round with 4inch split.

[@stannelson2582]

Checkout young blood family farm channel for a nice pallet wood storing and moving solution instead of ibc totes

[@Back40Firewood]

Cool, thanks....I'll have to check that out cuz I'm looking at a few options. I'd never be able to have all my wood in totes, but now with the tractor being able to move larger amounts of wood around any and all options are on the table...lol

[@ralphkanagy4602]

Nice video buddy how is your hand doing text me back

[@Back40Firewood]

Thanks...hand is almost back to 100%, just a bit sore when making a fist.

[@larrykluckoutdoors8227]

First

[@douglasthompson2740]

Good topic but when you edit drop all the repetition. In the first four minutes you said the same thing over and over and over.!!