Douglas Fir As Firewood (7 Tips For Long-Lasting Coals)

Ah, the crisp scent of woodsmoke on a chilly evening! There’s something deeply satisfying about splitting logs and stacking firewood, isn’t there? For me, it’s more than just a chore; it’s a connection to nature, a little bit of self-sufficiency, and a darn good workout! Over the years, I’ve learned a thing or two about the best firewood, and Douglas Fir always seems to make its way into my woodpile. It’s readily available where I live, burns relatively clean, and gives off a decent amount of heat. But let’s be honest, getting that perfect stack of long-lasting coals isn’t always easy, and figuring out the costs involved can be a real head-scratcher. So, let’s dive deep into the world of Douglas Fir firewood, from maximizing its burn time to understanding the often-murky waters of firewood pricing.

Douglas Fir as Firewood: 7 Tips for Long-Lasting Coals

Douglas Fir is a common softwood found across North America and even in some parts of Europe. It’s known for its distinctive pyramidal shape and relatively fast growth, making it a popular choice for construction lumber. But what about firewood? While not the absolute best, it’s a solid contender if you know how to handle it.

1. The Good, the Bad, and the Fir-y: Understanding Douglas Fir’s Burning Properties

Let’s start with the basics. It’s not as dense as hardwoods like oak or maple, meaning it burns faster. However, it’s denser than softwoods like pine, giving it a better heat output than those.

Pros: Easy to split when green, readily available in many regions, seasons well relatively quickly (6-12 months), and provides a decent heat output (around 20 million BTUs per cord).
Cons: Burns faster than hardwoods, produces more smoke than hardwoods, can be a bit resinous, leading to creosote buildup in chimneys.

Think of it as a good all-rounder. It’s a reliable choice, especially if you can get it at a good price.

2. Seasoning is Key: Patience is a Virtue (Especially with Fir)

This is the most critical step for any firewood, but especially for Douglas Fir. Unseasoned Douglas Fir is a smoky, sputtering mess. You want that moisture content down to 20% or less for optimal burning.

Splitting Early: Split your Douglas Fir as soon as possible after felling. This allows for better airflow and faster drying. I usually aim to split it within a week or two of cutting it down.
Stacking Smart: Stack your firewood in a single row, off the ground (pallets work great), with plenty of space between rows for air circulation. Orient the stack to take advantage of prevailing winds.
Patience, Young Padawan: Give it at least 6-12 months to season properly. A moisture meter is your best friend here. Don’t guess! I’ve found that in my climate (Pacific Northwest), Douglas Fir usually takes about 9 months to reach the ideal moisture content.
Kiln-Dried Option: If you are in a hurry and money is not an issue, Kiln-dried firewood is an option, it can cost you up to 50% more.

3. Fire Starting Finesse: Taming the Fir-y Beast

Douglas Fir can be a bit stubborn to light, especially if it’s not perfectly seasoned. Here’s my go-to method:

Tinder Time: Start with a generous amount of dry, easily ignitable tinder. Think birch bark, pine needles, or commercially available fire starters. I often use a mix of fatwood (resin-rich pine) and dried grass.
Kindling Kingdom: Build a teepee structure with small, dry kindling. Gradually increase the size of the kindling as the fire grows.
Fir Focus: Once the kindling is burning well, carefully add smaller pieces of Douglas Fir. Don’t smother the flames! Gradually introduce larger pieces as the fire establishes itself.
Top-Down Burning: I’ve had great success with the top-down burning method. Place the larger pieces of Douglas Fir at the bottom, followed by kindling and tinder on top. This allows for a cleaner, more efficient burn.

4. Airflow is Your Friend: Breathing Room for Better Burning

Proper airflow is crucial for any fire, but especially for Douglas Fir, which can produce a lot of smoke if starved of oxygen.

Damper Dynamics: Adjust your fireplace or stove damper to allow for sufficient airflow. Experiment to find the sweet spot – too much airflow and you’ll lose heat up the chimney; too little and you’ll have a smoky, inefficient fire.
Grate Expectations: Use a grate to elevate the firewood and allow air to circulate underneath.
Strategic Stacking: Don’t pack the firewood too tightly. Leave space between the logs for air to flow.

5. Mixing and Matching: Douglas Fir Plays Well with Others

Douglas Fir burns best when mixed with other types of wood, especially hardwoods.

Oak Overlays: I like to use oak as a base layer, as it burns long and hot. Then, I add Douglas Fir on top for a quicker, more lively flame.
Maple Magic: Maple is another great choice for mixing with Douglas Fir. It burns cleaner than oak but still provides a good heat output.
Avoid the Pine Pitfalls: I generally avoid burning pine in my fireplace, as it produces a lot of smoke and creosote. However, if you must burn pine, mix it sparingly with Douglas Fir and hardwoods.

6. Creosote Control: Keeping Your Chimney Clean

Because Douglas Fir can be resinous, it’s important to be vigilant about creosote buildup in your chimney. Creosote is a highly flammable substance that can cause chimney fires.

Regular Inspections: Have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional chimney sweep at least once a year, or more often if you burn a lot of Douglas Fir.
Hot Fires are Happy Fires: Burn hot, clean fires to minimize creosote buildup. Avoid smoldering fires, as they produce more smoke and creosote.
Creosote Logs: Consider using creosote sweeping logs periodically to help break down creosote deposits in your chimney.

7. Ash Management: The End of the Line

Ash is a natural byproduct of burning firewood. Here’s how to handle it:

Cool It Down: Allow the ashes to cool completely before removing them. This can take several days.
Metal Matters: Store ashes in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Never store ashes in a cardboard box or plastic container, as they can still contain hot embers that could start a fire.
Garden Gold: Wood ash is a valuable soil amendment. It contains potassium, phosphorus, and other nutrients that plants need to thrive. Spread wood ash thinly in your garden or compost pile.
Avoid the Alkali Alert: Be careful not to over-apply wood ash, as it can raise the pH of your soil and make it too alkaline for some plants.

The Nitty-Gritty: Understanding Douglas Fir Firewood Costs

Now, let’s talk about the part that often makes people groan: the cost. Firewood prices can fluctuate wildly depending on your location, the time of year, and the type of wood. I’ve seen prices range from $150 to $400 per cord, and sometimes even higher!

Acknowledging the Variables: It’s Not a One-Size-Fits-All World

Before we get into specific numbers, it’s crucial to understand that firewood costs are influenced by a multitude of factors. These include:

Wood Species: Hardwoods like oak and maple typically command a higher price than softwoods like pine and Douglas Fir.
Location Accessibility: If the wood is located in a remote area that’s difficult to access, the price will likely be higher due to increased transportation costs.
Seasonality: Firewood prices tend to be higher in the fall and winter when demand is at its peak.
Seasoning: Seasoned firewood is typically more expensive than green (unseasoned) firewood.
Quantity: Buying in bulk (e.g., a full cord) is usually cheaper than buying smaller quantities (e.g., a face cord or a few bundles).
Delivery: Delivery charges can add significantly to the overall cost.
Local Regulations: Some areas have regulations regarding firewood harvesting and transportation, which can impact prices.

Breaking Down the Costs: From Tree to Fireplace

Let’s break down the various cost components involved in getting Douglas Fir firewood:

Timber Purchase or Harvesting Costs:
- Permits: If you’re harvesting your own firewood from public lands, you’ll likely need to obtain a permit. Permit fees vary depending on the location and the amount of wood you’re allowed to harvest. In my area, a firewood permit for national forest land costs around $20 per cord.
- Timber Prices: If you’re purchasing timber from a private landowner, the price will depend on the species, size, and quality of the trees. Douglas Fir timber prices typically range from $200 to $400 per thousand board feet (MBF), but this can vary significantly depending on market conditions.
Tool Costs:
- Chainsaw: A good quality chainsaw is essential for felling trees and bucking logs. Chainsaw prices range from $200 for a basic model to $1000 or more for a professional-grade saw. I’ve been using a Stihl MS 271 Farm Boss for years, and it’s been a reliable workhorse.
  - Chainsaw Maintenance: Don’t forget about maintenance! You’ll need to factor in the cost of bar oil, chain sharpening, spark plugs, and air filters. I usually spend around $50-$100 per year on chainsaw maintenance.
- Splitting Maul or Log Splitter: A splitting maul is a manual tool for splitting logs, while a log splitter is a powered machine that makes the job much easier. Splitting mauls cost around $50-$100, while log splitters range from $500 for a small electric model to $3000 or more for a gas-powered hydraulic splitter.
  - Log Splitter Rental: If you only split firewood occasionally, renting a log splitter might be a more cost-effective option. Log splitter rental fees typically range from $50 to $100 per day.
- Other Tools: You’ll also need other tools like a felling axe, wedges, a measuring tape, and safety gear (helmet, eye protection, ear protection, gloves, chaps). These items can add another $100-$200 to your initial investment.
Labor Wages:
- Logging Crew: If you’re hiring a logging crew to fell and buck the trees, labor costs can be a significant expense. Logging crew rates typically range from $50 to $100 per hour per person.
- Firewood Handlers: If you’re hiring someone to split, stack, and deliver the firewood, labor costs will depend on the amount of wood and the distance involved. Firewood handler rates typically range from $20 to $40 per hour.
Transportation Costs:
- Fuel: If you’re transporting the firewood yourself, you’ll need to factor in the cost of fuel. The cost of fuel will depend on the distance you’re traveling and the fuel efficiency of your vehicle.
- Truck Rental: If you don’t have a truck, you’ll need to rent one. Truck rental fees typically range from $50 to $100 per day.
Permits (if applicable):
- As mentioned earlier, you may need to obtain permits for harvesting firewood from public lands or for transporting firewood across state lines. Permit fees vary depending on the location and the regulations in place.

Industry Benchmarks and Statistical Data: What’s the Going Rate?

To give you a better idea of what to expect, here are some industry benchmarks and statistical data:

Average Price per Cord of Firewood: According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average price per cord of firewood in the United States is around $250. However, this can vary significantly depending on the region and the type of wood.
Douglas Fir Firewood Prices: In my area (Pacific Northwest), Douglas Fir firewood typically sells for around $200-$300 per cord, depending on whether it’s seasoned or green.
Equipment Rental Fees: As mentioned earlier, log splitter rental fees typically range from $50 to $100 per day. Truck rental fees typically range from $50 to $100 per day.
Labor Rates: Logging crew rates typically range from $50 to $100 per hour per person. Firewood handler rates typically range from $20 to $40 per hour.

Case Study: My Own Firewood Adventure

Let me share a personal example to illustrate the cost breakdown. Last year, I decided to harvest my own Douglas Fir firewood from a friend’s property. Here’s a rough estimate of my expenses:

Permit: $20 (firewood permit for national forest land)
Chainsaw Maintenance: $75 (bar oil, chain sharpening)
Fuel: $50 (for transporting the wood)
Time: I spent about 20 hours felling, bucking, splitting, and stacking the wood. If I were to pay myself $25 per hour, that would be $500 in labor costs.

So, my total cost for a cord of Douglas Fir firewood was around $645. Now, that might seem like a lot, but keep in mind that I’m factoring in my time. If I were to buy a cord of Douglas Fir firewood from a local supplier, it would probably cost me around $250-$300. However, I enjoy the process of harvesting my own firewood, and I know that I’m getting a high-quality product.

Cost Optimization and Budget Management: Saving a Buck (or Two)

Here are some practical tips for cost optimization and budget management in wood processing or firewood preparation projects:

Harvest Your Own Firewood: If you have access to public or private land, harvesting your own firewood can be a great way to save money. Just be sure to obtain the necessary permits and follow all safety regulations.
Buy in Bulk: Buying firewood in bulk (e.g., a full cord) is usually cheaper than buying smaller quantities.
Season Your Own Firewood: Seasoning your own firewood can save you money, as seasoned firewood is typically more expensive than green firewood.
Rent Equipment: If you only split firewood occasionally, renting a log splitter might be a more cost-effective option than buying one.
Shop Around: Compare prices from different firewood suppliers to find the best deal.
Consider Alternative Fuel Sources: If firewood prices are too high, consider using alternative fuel sources like propane or natural gas.
Barter or Trade: See if you can barter or trade your skills or services for firewood. For example, you could offer to help someone with yard work in exchange for a cord of firewood.
Utilize Government Programs: Some government programs offer assistance with heating costs. Check with your local energy assistance program to see if you qualify.
Invest in Energy Efficiency: Improving the energy efficiency of your home can reduce your firewood consumption and save you money. Consider adding insulation, sealing air leaks, and upgrading to a more efficient wood stove or fireplace.

Technical Explanations and Practical Examples: Getting Down to Brass Tacks

Let’s delve into some technical explanations and practical examples to help you better understand the cost concepts involved in wood processing and firewood preparation:

Calculating Volume of Logs in Board Feet or Cords:
- Board Feet: A board foot is a unit of measurement for lumber that is 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches long. To calculate the volume of a log in board feet, you can use the following formula:
Board Feet = (Diameter in inches)^2 / 16 * Length in feet
- Cords: A cord is a unit of measurement for firewood that is 4 feet high, 4 feet wide, and 8 feet long, for a total volume of 128 cubic feet. To estimate the number of cords in a pile of firewood, you can use the following formula:
Cords = (Height in feet * Width in feet * Length in feet) / 128
Estimating Drying Time Based on Moisture Content:
- The drying time for firewood depends on several factors, including the species of wood, the size of the logs, the climate, and the stacking method. However, a general rule of thumb is that firewood needs to be seasoned for at least 6-12 months to reach a moisture content of 20% or less.
- You can use a moisture meter to measure the moisture content of your firewood. A moisture meter is a small, handheld device that measures the electrical resistance of the wood. The higher the moisture content, the lower the electrical resistance.
- To estimate the drying time, you can use the following guidelines:
  - Softwoods (like Douglas Fir) dry faster than hardwoods.
  - Smaller logs dry faster than larger logs.
  - Warm, dry climates promote faster drying.
  - Stacking firewood in a single row with good air circulation promotes faster drying.

Visual Aids: Tables and Charts

Here’s a table comparing the costs of different logging tools:

Assess Your Needs: Determine how much firewood you’ll need for the upcoming heating season.
Evaluate Your Resources: Consider whether you want to harvest your own firewood or buy it from a supplier.
Create a Budget: Estimate the costs involved in your chosen approach.
Gather Your Tools: Make sure you have the necessary tools and equipment.
Get Started: Start felling, bucking, splitting, and stacking your firewood.
Season Properly: Allow your firewood to season for at least 6-12 months.
Enjoy the Warmth: Relax and enjoy the warmth of your Douglas Fir fire!

Remember, firewood preparation is a rewarding but labor-intensive process. By following these tips and understanding the costs involved, you can ensure that you have a warm and cozy winter without breaking the bank. Happy burning!

Douglas Fir as Firewood (7 Tips for Long-Lasting Coals)