Buying firewood

The majority of the approximately 5 million cubic metres of firewood used annually in Finland is made independently, usually from logs harvested from one’s own forest. However, the commercial production of firewood is rapidly becoming more common, and the business is developing and the market is diversifying at the same time. New ways of acquiring firewood are also being developed, as in the ‘Kuivaa asiaa’ project. Many firewood producers do it on the side, with agricultural entrepreneur as their main occupation.

Even though you can still find ads selling firewood in the classifieds sections of newspapers and on the bulletin boards of shops, for example, firewood sales have largely moved online. The best way to get started is to go to your internet browser and type, for example, “firewood Espoo” into a search engine. This allows you to compare the products, services and prices on firewood suppliers’ websites.

Things to consider when buying

The delivery method may be a loose batch delivered by trailer, in sacks or otherwise packed. Choose the one that suits you best.

The price is influenced by several factors: demand, the scale of the entrepreneur’s activities, the drying method and the wood species. Also pay attention to the differences in the pricing of transportation: the transport distance may affect the transportation price, but transportation may also be included in the price.

It is worth asking about mixed wood. Your firewood supplier may have it available at a bargain price.

You should order only the amount that you are able to store so that firewood delivered dry does not get wet in storage.

Feel free to ask your firewood supplier for tips on storing and using firewood! You should also inquire about services such as stacking of firewood, advice, felling of yard trees, log splitter rental, etc.; if your supplier does not offer the service in question, they may be able to direct you to someone who does or consider including the service you requested in their company’s offering.

The wood of professional suppliers has rarely been drying for over a year. The production of firewood takes up a lot of space and capital. Because of this, entrepreneurs usually try to operate in such a way that, with correctly timed actions, the wood is dry for the next heating season.

How much to buy?

Firewood quantities are indicated in cubic meters. When buying wood, it is good to know the difference between stacked and loose cubic meters. When you buy:

• a loose cubic meter (loose m3) of wood, you will receive a box the size of a cubic meter with the wood thrown in randomly
  
  
• a stacked cubic meter (stacked m3) of wood, you will receive a stack of wood the size of a cubic meter
  
  
• a solid cubic meter (m3) of wood, you will receive a wood cube whose sides measure one metre in length.

1 solid cubic meter = m3
1.5 x stacked cubic meter = stacked m3
2.5 x loose cubic meter = loose m3

What about firewood length?

The appropriate length of firewood depends on the size of the fireplace. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the right size for your fireplace. Pieces measuring 20–33 centimetres are suitable for fireplaces and stoves. Longer firewood can be used for baking ovens and central heating furnaces.