18
WOODMASTER OUTDOOR FURNACES • OWNER'S MANUAL
Wood Selection and Preparation
For the best results, it is best to burn seasoned split wood. However, it may
be possible to burn some unsplit wood with the split wood depending on
quality, size, moisture content and wood type. Properly seasoned wood has a
moisture content of 20% or less. It is darker, has cracks in the end grain, and
sounds hollow when smacked against another piece of wood. Most wood
needs to be split to dry down to 20% within a year. Wood between 4" and 8"
(10 and 20 cm) in diameter works well in most cases. Pieces of wood that are
too large can reduce output capacity because they burn slower.
• Wood that works well in most cases:
• Is between 4" and 8" (10 and 20 cm) in diameter
• Is approximately 60-70% of the length of the firebox
• Typically weighs 10-15 pounds per cubic foot for heavy heat
loads
• Pieces of wood that are too large can reduce output capacity
because they burn slower.
• Seasoned wood burns more efficiently, minimizes the amount of
creosote formation and reduces emissions.
• Maintain a quantity of smaller, drier pieces of wood for relighting
the fire if the wood load is burned very low or becomes completely
empty.
• Green wood contains about 50% moisture by weight. Energy is
required to heat the wood and evaporate the moisture - energy
which could have been used to provide heat for the building.
The illustration below shows that burning drier, seasoned wood
provides more energy for heating your building(s) compared
with burning green, unseasoned wood that uses more energy to
evaporate the moisture and provides less energy for heating.
NOTE: Do not store wood within the outdoor furnace installation clearances or
within the spaces required for fueling, ash removal and other routine maintenance
operations .
Seasoned Wood
With moisture content of 20% or less
Wood used to heat
Wood used to remove moisture
Wood With High Moisture
Wood used to heat
Wood used to remove moisture
