Why Properly Seasoned Firewood Matters (And How to Know You're Getting the Good Stuff)
An article about why properly seasoned firewood matters.
How to Choose the Best Firewood for Your Home: A Guide for Nashville, Mount Juliet & Lebanon
When it comes to building the perfect fire—whether in your fireplace, wood stove, or backyard fire pit—the type of firewood you choose makes all the difference. Homeowners across Nashville, Mount Juliet, and Lebanon rely on high-quality, seasoned firewood for cleaner burns, better heat output, and fewer headaches. Here’s what to look for when choosing the right wood for your home.
1. Choose Properly Seasoned Firewood
Seasoning is everything. When firewood has been naturally dried for at least 9 months, it burns hotter, lights easier, and produces far less smoke. Look for firewood that is:
Split and aged
Light in weight
Has visible cracks on the ends
Produces a hollow “clack” when two pieces are struck together
At Music City Firewood, all wood—oak, hickory, ash, maple, or mixed hardwood—is fully seasoned to the ideal moisture level.
2. Understand the Differences Between Hardwood Species
Different hardwoods offer different benefits:
Oak: long-burning, consistent heat
Hickory: extremely hot fires and long burn time
Ash: lights quickly and burns steady
Maple: great all-around heat
Osage & Hackberry: high BTU output, strong heat
Mixed hardwood is a great choice for customers who want quality firewood at a lower price without needing a specific species.
3. Avoid Low-Quality or Unseasoned Wood
Fresh-cut (green) wood produces heavy smoke, creosote buildup, and weak heat. Always avoid:
Unsplit logs
Rotten or punky wood
Very wet or freshly cut firewood
4. Consider Your Heating Goals
For indoor fireplaces or wood stoves along Percy Priest Lake, Lebanon, Mount Juliet, or Nashville, choose high-BTU hardwoods like oak or hickory. For casual backyard fires, mixed hardwood is an excellent value.
5. Buy From a Local, Reliable Supplier
Locally sourced firewood supports sustainability and reduces waste. As a division of Tree Solutions, Music City Firewood repurposes quality logs from our tree service—keeping waste out of landfills and delivering premium firewood to local homes.