How to Season Wood for your Campfire
One of the keys to a successful campfire is the wood you use. Dry, seasoned wood burns hotter, brighter, and with less smoke than green or unseasoned wood. But how do you season wood for your campfire? It’s not as difficult as you might think. In this post, we’ll take you through the steps to season wood for your next campfire.
Choose the Right Wood
First things first, you need to choose the right wood for your campfire. Hardwoods like oak, hickory, and maple are ideal as they burn hotter and longer than softwoods like pine and spruce. Make sure the wood is clean and free of dirt and debris. If you need a good coal base for cooking with pie irons, hardwoods are also the best option.
Split the Wood
Once you have your wood, it’s time to split it. Splitting the wood exposes more surface area, allowing it to dry faster. Use a maul or splitting axe to split the wood into manageable pieces.
Stack the Wood
Stack the split wood in a dry, well-ventilated area. Make sure to stack it in a way that allows air to circulate around the wood. Leave space between the pieces of wood to allow for air circulation.
Cover the Wood
Cover the stacked wood with a tarp or other cover to protect it from rain and snow. Make sure the cover is secure, but also allows air to circulate. This will help to keep the wood dry while it seasons.
WAIT
Now comes the hard part – waiting. Depending on the wood and the climate, it can take anywhere from six months to a year for wood to season properly. You’ll know the wood is seasoned when it’s grayish in color and makes a hollow sound when you hit two pieces together.
Test the Wood
Before using the wood in your campfire, make sure it’s dry and well-seasoned. You can do this by splitting a piece of wood and checking the moisture content with a moisture meter. If the moisture content is above 20%, the wood needs more time to season.
Enjoy Your Campfire
Once your wood is dry and well-seasoned, it’s time to enjoy your campfire. Use the well-seasoned wood to create a warm, cozy fire that will keep you and your fellow campers warm and toasty.
Seasoning wood for your campfire may take time and patience, but it’s well worth the effort. Dry, well-seasoned wood burns hotter, brighter, and with less smoke than green or unseasoned wood. By following these steps, you can ensure that your campfire is a success every time.
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