What is a cord of firewood, and how many cords do I need for a winter?
Fairview's wooded lots make wood heat a natural fit, and homes here that burn it as primary heat go through two to four cords a winter — but at these elevations the real risk isn't running short, it's creosote. A cord is 128 cubic feet. Burning unseasoned wood is the leading cause of chimney fires around here, so how dry your wood is matters as much as how much you have.
Seasoned wood is a safety issue
With propane serving much of Fairview and wooded acreage all around, wood stoves and inserts see steady use as real heat. But wet or green wood smolders, and that smoke condenses into creosote — the tarry buildup that's the leading cause of chimney fires in these parts.
Season split hardwood six months to a year until it's checked, gray, and light, burn it hot in a sealed EPA appliance, and get a chimney sweep every fall before heavy use. A hot, dry fire is both a safer fire and a warmer one.
How much, and buying it right in Buncombe County
At 2,375 feet with wood as your main heat, budget two to four cords and stock early. Dense oak and hickory hold heat overnight far better than soft poplar, so a cord of hardwood outlasts a cord of light wood — buy for density, not for the size of the pile.
If you cut your own from the lot, it still needs a full season to dry. Buy purchased wood by the true full cord, not a 'rick.' We're about 15 minutes away and we pull the Buncombe County permit. Call (828) 545-0525.
Fireplace help in Fairview
We install and service fireplaces throughout Fairview and the rest of Buncombe County — just 15 minutes east from our Asheville-area showroom.
Related questions
- What's the difference between a face cord (or rick) and a full cord of firewood?
- How much does a cord of firewood cost in Western North Carolina?
- Should I stock up on firewood before winter, and how early should I order it?
- What should I look for when buying firewood?
- How much wood does a wood stove burn per day?