Removing Moisture from Wood (to burn)

Removing moisture from wood is essential if you want efficient, clean-burning firewood or stable timber for construction and DIY projects. Wood that hasn’t been properly dried produces excessive smoke, burns poorly, and can even damage stoves or chimneys through creosote build-up.

Whether you’re preparing firewood for winter or seasoning timber for woodworking, there are several proven ways to remove moisture effectively.

Why Removing Moisture from Wood Matters

Freshly cut wood (also called “green wood”) often contains more than 50% water. Burning or working with wet wood creates problems:

• Poor burning performance – damp logs are harder to light and produce less heat.

• Excess smoke and soot – too much moisture leads to smoky fires and creosote deposits.

• Damage to tools and structures – wet timber can warp, split, or rot over time.

By drying wood properly before use, you not only improve efficiency but also extend the lifespan of your stove, chimney, or woodworking project.

Common Methods of Wood Drying

There are multiple wood drying methods, each with advantages depending on your needs:

1. Air Drying

• The most traditional method for removing moisture from wood.

• Logs are stacked outdoors in a ventilated area, usually covered on top but open at the sides.

• This wood drying process can take 6–18 months, depending on wood type and weather conditions.

2. Kiln Drying

• Uses industrial kilns to dry wood quickly and evenly.

• Reduces moisture to below 20% in just a few days.

• Preserves natural colour and ensures consistent burning quality.

3. Vacuum Drying

• Places wood in a vacuum chamber to rapidly extract moisture.

• Often used for specialty timbers where speed and precision are essential.

4. Surface Drying

• Applies heat directly to the outer layer of wood to evaporate moisture.

• Useful for quick results but less effective for larger logs.

How to Tell if Your Firewood is Dry

After removing moisture from wood, it’s important to test whether it’s dry enough to burn. Ideally, firewood should have 18% moisture content or less. Here are some reliable methods:

Oven-Dry Testing

• A laboratory-style method that weighs wood before and after oven drying.

• Accurate but time-consuming and impractical for everyday users.

Moisture Meter

• The quickest and most reliable option for homeowners.

• A handheld device that measures electrical resistance in the wood to provide a moisture percentage.

Soap Test

• Rub a little soap on one end of a log, blow through the other end.

• If bubbles appear, the wood is dry enough to allow airflow.

Sound Test

• Knock two logs together:

  • Dry wood makes a crisp, ringing sound.

  • Wet wood produces a dull thud.

• Note: cold temperatures can sometimes make wet wood sound drier than it really is.

Visual & Touch Inspection

Signs of properly dried wood include:

• Cracks at the log ends.

• Bark peeling away naturally.

• A light, clean surface with no mould or fungi.

• A firm, hard feel rather than soft or damp.

• A lighter weight compared to freshly cut logs.

Quick Checklist for Dry Firewood

Your wood is likely ready to burn if it:

• Feels hard and dry to the touch.

• Has visible cracks at the ends.

• Shows no signs of mould.

• Produces a clean, woody scent (not damp).

• Reads 18% moisture or less on a moisture meter.

Final Thoughts

Removing moisture from wood is essential for safe, efficient, and enjoyable burning. While traditional air drying works well if you have time and space, kiln-dried firewood is the fastest and most reliable choice for immediate use.

For homeowners, the simplest way to check dryness is with a moisture meter, giving you confidence that your firewood is ready for the stove.

By investing time in properly drying your wood, you’ll enjoy hotter fires, cleaner chimneys, and a much more efficient fuel source all winter long.

Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Moisture from Wood

How long does it take to remove moisture from wood naturally?
Air drying can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years depending on the type of wood, the size of the logs, and the weather conditions. Hardwoods usually take longer than softwoods.

Is kiln drying better than air drying?
Yes. Kiln drying is faster and more consistent, reducing moisture content to below 20% within days instead of months. It also eliminates pests and mould, making kiln-dried wood more reliable for immediate burning.

What moisture level should firewood be before burning?
Firewood should have a moisture content of 20% or less, ideally around 15–18%, for safe and efficient burning. Wet wood (also called green wood) can cause smoke, creosote build-up, and poor heat output.

Can I use a moisture meter to test my wood?
Yes. A moisture meter is the quickest and most accurate way for homeowners to check dryness. Simply press the probes into the wood, and it will give you a percentage reading of moisture content.

Does removing moisture from wood make it last longer?
Definitely. Drying wood prevents rot, mould, and warping. This not only improves firewood performance but also increases the lifespan of timber for construction and woodworking projects.