How Much Firewood Will I Need Over the Winter?

How much firewood will I need over the winter?
Let’s talk about stocking up on firewood for the winter. There’s nothing worse than running out of wood mid-February when it’s colder than a snowman’s nose outside!

How Much Wood Do You Need?

  1. Consider Your Home Size: Is your home more cozy cottage or Home Alone style sprawl? Bigger homes naturally require more fuel.
  1. Insulation: Well-insulated homes need less wood. If your house is drafty, thinking about doubling your estimate.
  1. Burning Habits: Are you lighting a fire every night, or only on special occasions? Your burning habits make a huge difference.
  1. Fireplace/Wood Stove Efficiency: Is your fireplace or wood stove a modern, efficient model or a bit older? Older models consume more wood.
  1. Type of Wood: Different types of wood burn differently. Oak burns longer, while pine burns faster.

Rough Guide to Firewood Needs:

  • Occasional Ambiance: 1-2 cords
  • Supplemental Heating: 2-3 cords
  • Main Heating Source for a Small Home: 4-5 cords
  • Primary Heating for a Larger Home: 6-8 cords

Remember, a cord is 128 cubic feet of stacked wood. Picture a pile 4 feet high, 8 feet long, and 4 feet deep. That’s a cord!

Now, go forth and stack that wood. Winter is coming, and you’ll be ready to enjoy cozy nights by the fire!