Weigh a bundle of these marked pieces every month on your bathroom scale. If the bundle of same pieces is still losing weight, the drying process is still proceeding. A standard cord is a stack four feet by four feet by eight feet long, containing 128 cubic feet. This same cord of wood will make a slightly smaller stack if cut to shorter pieces. When cutting, splitting and moving firewood, be certain to use appropriate safety equipment and personal pro tective apparel.
Safety glasses are essential.
Other excellent additions include leather gloves, safety toe shoes, and hearing protection. Chain saws present a whole safety topic on their own. Once you have selected and harvested your fire wood, the warm summer months will do the work of seasoning the wood for successful burning. Safe and efficient use of your harvested fuel is the last step. Understanding the combustion process and the characteristics of wood-burning stoves and fireplaces will help you get the most energy and satisfaction out of your wood fire while minimizing the risks.