Photo: lil artsy

Is it better to chop wood wet or dry?

cuttingedgefirewood.com - Is It Easier to Split Wet or Dry Wood? - Cutting Edge Firewood

How much is a big shed?

The larger the shed, the more it will cost. A small 4-foot by 7-foot shed ranges from around $100 to $1,000, while a larger 12-foot by 16-foot shed...

Last updated Aug 19, 2021

Should concrete pad be larger than shed?

If you're using a concrete shed base, the concrete slab should be the same size as the shed. However,if you're using a gravel foundation, the...

Last updated Sep 18, 2020

Promotion

Splitting is an important step to creating high-quality firewood or cooking wood. Whether you use an ax or a hydraulic log splitter, doing so creates smaller pieces of firewood that are easier to burn. If you’re planning to split some wood in preparation of winter, though, you might be wondering if it’s easier to split wet or dry wood.

The Purpose of Splitting Wood

Before we reveal whether wet or dry wood is easier to split, let’s first take a closer look at the purpose of splitting wood. Splitting is performed primarily for the purpose of creating firewood that’s easier to burn than whole logs. Many common tree species, including most hardwoods, have fire-resistant bark. The bark can still ignite, but it takes hotter temperatures than barkless wood. Splitting wood creates smaller pieces of wood with less bark, so they ignite and stay lit with greater ease than whole logs. Splitting also expedites the drying or “seasoning” process. All firewood and cooking wood should be dry burning. Otherwise, it will produce an excessive amount of smoke and minimal heat. Leaving wood exposed to the outdoor air will typically dry it out within six to 12 months, assuming it’s properly stacked and covered. Splitting wood, however, can speed up this process so that wood dries more quickly. Again, this is because splitting lowers the surface area of bark. With less bark covering the surface of split wood, moisture will evaporate from its pores more quickly. Finally, splitting wood creates smaller pieces of firewood that are appropriate for most fire pits, fireplaces, grills, smokers and stoves. You may discover that whole logs are too large to fit inside these wood-burning accessories. Once split, though, the whole logs are cut into pieces about one-third of their original size.

Dry Wood Is Typically Easier to Split

Different tree species have different organic compositions. Some, for example, are denser than others, making them more difficult to split. Normally, though, you’ll find that dry, seasoned wood is easier to split than wet wood. Regardless of the tree species from which it was harvested, dry wood contains less moisture, so there’s less resistance when cutting and splitting it. An ax or log splitter blade will easily cut through dry wood thanks to its low moisture content.

Can I Split Wet Wood?

Absolutely! It may be slightly more difficult than splitting dry wood, but many people actually prefer to split wet wood because it encourages faster drying times. As mentioned earlier, split wood contains less bark, so moisture is released from it more quickly. A stack of whole logs can take a year or longer to fully season, whereas a similar-sized stack of split wood may take just six months to season. Because of this, it’s not uncommon for individuals to split their wood immediately harvesting it, after which they can leave it to dry.

Use a Log Splitter for Wet Wood

What is broken concrete called?

Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) — also called “crushed concrete” — is made up of asphalt debris from other construction projects that can be...

Last updated Oct 25, 2022

How long does a vinyl shed last?

25 to 30+ Year Vinyl Sheds: 25 to 30+ Year Lifespan One of the most popular shed types we build, vinyl sheds are our best option for the lowest...

Last updated May 12, 2018

Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

If you struggle to split wet wood using an ax, consider investing in a log splitter. This machine lives up to its namesake by automating the otherwise laborious and time-consuming task of splitting wood. Log splitters typically feature a gas-powered engine that cuts through wood with 10 to 30 tons of force. You can easily split entire cords of wet or dry wood using a log splitter. It’s a smart investment for anyone who regularly harvests their own wood. The high cost of log splitters, however, may deter some people from buying them. A standard consumer-grade log splitter can cost anywhere from $500 to $5,000, with commercial-grade log splitters costing even more. Consider how much wood you intend to split to determine if a log splitter is worth the cost.

Some Types of Wood Are Easier to Split When Wet

Keep in mind that some types of wood are easier to split when wet. Oak, for example, is a popular hardwood that’s easier to split when wet. When initially harvested, you can split wet or green oak without waiting for it to dry first. For most other species, though, you’ll probably discover that dry wood is easier to split.

In Conclusion

The bottom line is that you can split both wet and dry wood. The latter is usually easier to split, though many people prefer to split the former so that it dries out more quickly. But if you use a log splitter, you shouldn’t have trouble splitting either wet or dry wood. If splitting firewood sounds too difficult, consider ordering firewood for sale from the experts here at Cutting Edge Firewood. We offer a wide variety of firewood and cooking wood, which you can order from our online store. All of our firewood comes split and ready to burn. If you live outside of Georgia, click the button below to order a firewood package.

Order Split Firewood Online

cuttingedgefirewood.com - Is It Easier to Split Wet or Dry Wood? - Cutting Edge Firewood

Do you always own the fence on the left?

First let's clear up the age old myth of; “Each home owner is responsible for maintaining the fence on the left-hand side, as you look at the...

Last updated Sep 7, 2019

How do I keep moisture out of my garden shed?

How Do You Stop Dampness In A Shed? Insulate. Insulation not only makes your shed more energy efficient by reducing heat gain and loss, it also...

Last updated May 23, 2022

Promotion

How do I get paid to be someone's friend?

Where can you get paid to be an online friend? Rent a Friend. Rent a Friend is a legit site that does exactly what it says in its name, in that it...

Last updated Jun 23, 2019

Promotion

Do you need a base for a metal shed?

A: All sheds need a substantial base. The base should be solid, square, flat and level to ensure the stability of your shed. We recommend using...

Last updated Apr 25, 2021