You have many choices when it comes to buying firewood. When making your selection, Mr. Firewood offers the following tips and guidelines to choosing great wood — wood that's easy to start and light and will bring long-lasting warmth to your family.

Buy From a Reputable Source

During the fall and winter many “peddlers” come out to make a quick buck, selling Grandpa's old wood pile for premium price. Buying wood from an unknown source is much like Forrest Gump says: “You never know what you're gonna get.”

Make Sure the Wood is Seasoned

Seasoned firewood will have cracks and weighs much less than Green (fresh) wood. Green wood is hard to start and light due to the moisture in the wood from the sap and water still in the tree. Seasoned wood will ignite and burn much more easily and will cause fewer problems since it's dry.

Make Sure Your Wood is Stacked Properly

Criss cross stacking is not proper stacking for firewood.  Per the State of Texas:  Firewood is to be stacked in a manner that the logs lay parallel with each other and stacked the proper length and height for Cord or Half cord measurement. The wood must be tightly stacked as to not allow large holes or gaps in the stack.

Know What You’re Burning

Just because it's wood doesn't mean it's safe to burn in your home. Below is a list of recommended woods and woods to stay away from with their volatile heat and flash factors: