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When it comes to building a campfire, everyone will tell you that the type of firewood you use makes all the difference. What they're forgetting to mention is that moisture conditions matter. Properly seasoned wood needs to be very dry. To guarantee that it's very dry, buy a digital moisture meter.
Dry firewood is the make-or-break detail for an awesome and safe campfire. If it's wet, the fire may smoke heavily, burn inefficiently, and struggle to stay lit (and it's even worse when it's freshly cut green wood).
In contrast, dry wood ignites easily, burns hotter, and produces less smoke.
Many consumers haven't heard of a wood moisture meter, but it's an affordable product and can immediately help you determine if the types of wood you're using for a campfire has a low moisture content reading.
You don't need to like camping, and you don't need to be a frequent backyard fire enthusiast, but if you're building campfires ever, this is an indispensable tool that works on all species of wood and will save you a headache.
How to Test Firewood for Dryness
Once you have a pin moisture meter, you'll never question whether the wood surface is too moist, or if the core of the freshly chopped log has a high humidity level. Here’s how to use it:
- Select a Piece of Wood: Choose a piece of firewood from your pile. Ideally, the dead wood material should have been split and stored properly for at least six months, but we know how you roll (because we're the same way).
- Insert the Moisture Meter Probes: Push the probes of the moisture meter into the wood for deep moisture detection. Make sure the probes are in contact with the inner part of the wood for an accurate reading. (YES, the probes are very sharp. Do not attempt to test your own human moisture level.)
- Read the Measurement: The assessment of moisture in wood should be 20% or less for burning. If the reading is higher, the wood needs more time to dry.
FAQs
How can I tell if wood is dry without a moisture meter?
You can spot dry firewood by its color, weight, and sound. Dry pieces are lighter and often show cracks on the ends. When knocked together, seasoned firewood makes a hollow sound. Wet wood is dense and heavy in comparison.
If you don’t have a meter for firewood, look for lighter weight and faded color as signs of lower moisture content in wood.
What happens if I burn wet firewood?
Burning wet firewood leads to thick smoke and creosote buildup. This buildup increases the risk of chimney fires in a wood-burning stove or fireplace.
Wet logs burn inefficiently, wasting fuel and reducing heat. Using drier wood improves air quality and supports safe burning, especially in wood stoves and outdoor wood boilers.
How Long Does Firewood Take to Dry?
Pieces of firewood can take six months to 12 months to dry. Soft wood species dry faster, while hardwoods like oak need more time. Splitting the wood and stacking it in a wood shelter with good airflow speeds things up.
Seasoned firewood generally has lower content of firewood moisture, making it burn cleaner and more efficiently.
Do I Need a Moisture Meter to Check Firewood?
Using a meter for wood is the most reliable way to check how ready your wood is. Pinless meters scan the outer surface without leaving marks; pin-type meters measure electrical resistance inside the wood. A quality tool like a high-end wood moisture test meter gives accurate temperature readings and helps avoid burning a wet piece by accident.
