Buying Dry Firewood

Since firewood is one of the main products for sale here on the farm, I wanted to share some information on buying and drying firewood. I get calls all the time for firewood but I don't sell all year around because I can't sell dry firewood in the late fall and winter months. A few recent calls made me think of a few tips and tricks for anyone buying firewood from any local producers. 

• Confirm the measurement matches what you get. A cord of wood is 128 stacked cubic feet and usually, a load is measured in cords. I sell a minimum of 1 cord but most producers have a minimum of 2.  
• Not all producers can do this but ask for a moisture reading if they have a meter. If not, you can pick one up fairly cheap at Canadian tire. Most wood is around 30-40% moisture content when delivered but it should be 10-15% moisture content when burned. 
• Stack and cover your wood when you get it, and ideally in a place where there is good air circulation. If it's outside, in an area with a nice breeze will dry it out perfectly!
• Ask for a receipt and confirm they have a GST/HST number if you want to apply for any provincial heating rebates.
• Confirm the minimum order and what the delivery cost is. An example is my trailer can only hold one cord, so I charge per delivery. This means if you get 1 or 2 cords, I'm a good producer for you but if you want 4 or 5 cords I will recommend someone else since it might be more expensive to order from me. 

Check out the Department of Natural Resources site for more great information on ordering firewood! https://novascotia.ca/natr/woodlot/firewood.asp