Firewood Drying Times by Wood Type – Complete 2025 Chart – Pro Tree Supplies

Before you stack that next load of firewood, it's worth knowing how long it'll take to season properly. Dry wood burns hotter, cleaner, and more efficiently-but not all wood dries at the same pace. In this guide, you'll find a practical breakdown of drying times by wood species and log size.

For details on heat output, see our Firewood BTU Chart by Wood Type: Heat Output Comparison for Home Heating to learn how moisture impacts energy.

What This Table Shows

If you've ever wondered how long you really need to wait before burning firewood, this table gives you the straight answer-no guesswork.

The main chart breaks it down by wood type and log diameter, showing you exactly how long it takes to season each size and species-from fast-drying ash to slow-seasoning oak.

Firewood Drying Time Chart by Log Size and Wood Type

Wood Type	Log Diameter	Estimated Drying Time	Notes
Oak (Red & White)	2–4 inches	12–18 months	Dense hardwood; requires extended seasoning.
	4–6 inches	18–24 months	Larger size increases drying time.
	6–8 inches	24–30 months	Splitting recommended to expedite drying.
	8–10 inches	30–36 months	Unsplitted logs dry very slowly.
	10–12 inches	36–48 months	Splitting crucial; may take several years to season.
	12–15 inches	48+ months	Not recommended to leave unsplit due to excessive drying time.
Hickory	2–4 inches	12–18 months	Similar to oak; very dense and slow-drying.
	4–6 inches	18–24 months	Benefits from being split early.
	6–8 inches	24–30 months	Larger pieces should be split to speed up seasoning.
	8–10 inches	30–36 months	Unsplitted logs may take several years to dry.
	10–12 inches	36–48 months	Splitting is essential for timely drying.
	12–15 inches	48+ months	Unsplitted logs are impractical due to long drying times.
Maple (Sugar & Red)	2–4 inches	6–12 months	Moderate density; seasons faster than oak or hickory.
	4–6 inches	12–18 months	Splitting aids in reducing drying time.
	6–8 inches	18–24 months	Larger logs should be split for efficient seasoning.
	8–10 inches	24–30 months	Unsplitted logs dry slowly; splitting recommended.
	10–12 inches	30–36 months	Extended drying time; split to accelerate.
	12–15 inches	36+ months	Not advisable to leave unsplit due to prolonged seasoning.
Ash	2–4 inches	6–9 months	Naturally lower moisture content; dries relatively quickly.
	4–6 inches	9–12 months	Splitting enhances drying efficiency.
	6–8 inches	12–18 months	Larger pieces benefit from being split.
	8–10 inches	18–24 months	Unsplitted logs will take longer to season.
	10–12 inches	24–30 months	Splitting is recommended to expedite drying.
	12–15 inches	30+ months	Unsplitted logs are not practical due to long drying times.
Pine	2–4 inches	6–9 months	Softwood; dries quickly but burns faster with less heat output.
	4–6 inches	9–12 months	Ensure proper storage to prevent mold growth.
	6–8 inches	12–15 months	Larger logs should be split to speed up drying.
	8–10 inches	15–18 months	Unsplitted logs may retain moisture longer.
	10–12 inches	18–24 months	Splitting is beneficial for quicker seasoning.
	12–15 inches	24+ months	Not recommended to leave unsplit due to potential for rot.
Birch	2–4 inches	6–9 months	Thin bark can trap moisture; split and stack properly.
	4–6 inches	9–12 months	Prompt splitting prevents mold under the bark.
	6–8 inches	12–15 months	Larger pieces should be split to avoid prolonged drying.
	8–10 inches	15–18 months	Unsplitted logs may develop rot; splitting recommended.
	10–12 inches	18–24 months	Extended drying time; split to accelerate.
	12–15 inches	24+ months	Unsplitted logs are impractical due to long seasoning period.

What's in here:

Drying times from 2 months to 4+ years, depending on wood type and thickness
Real-world notes like "splitting essential" or "rot risk" if left unsplit
Energy efficiency numbers tied to moisture levels (you'll be surprised how much heat you lose with wet wood)

These tables aren't just informative-they're practical. Whether you're splitting logs with a 27-ton splitter or stacking pine rounds in your backyard, this data helps you plan ahead and burn smarter.

How to Use This Data When Choosing Firewood Equipment

Drying times affect everything-from how you stack wood to the kind of tools you need. Here's how to use this data to make better choices:

1. Splitting Is Non-Negotiable for Big Logs

Logs over 6 inches in diameter? Don't leave them whole. According to the chart, anything over 8 inches takes years to dry if unsplit. For oak or hickory at 10-12 inches, we're talking 3-4 years minimum.

What to do: Invest in a quality log splitter-gas-powered if you're handling hardwoods or logs over 12 inches. That single decision can cut your drying time in half.

To match power to wood type, check our Log Splitter Tonnage Chart: Best Power by Wood Type for guidance on choosing the right splitter.

Example: A 12" oak round can take 48+ months to dry unsplit, but just 18-24 months once split. That's two years of extra heating.

Shop Gas & Electric Log Splitters →

2. Know Your Wood Type Before You Stockpile

Oak & Hickory - High heat, long dry time. Ideal for winter fuel but needs 18-30 months to season.
Ash & Birch - Great for those who need firewood sooner. You can be burning ash in under 9 months.
Pine - Dries fast (6-12 months) but burns quicker with less heat. Best for kindling or mild temps.

Use the table to mix your stacks-a few fast-drying logs for early use and denser hardwoods for deep winter.

3. Plan Based on Log Size

Refer to the quick-view table. Log diameter plays a huge role:

Log Size	Estimated Drying Time	Typical Diameter	Notes
Small Logs	2–3 months	1–2 inches	High surface area; quick seasoning
Medium Logs	6–9 months	2–4 inches	Moderate size; good airflow needed
Large Logs	At least 1 year	4+ inches	Low exposed surface area; slow drying

If you're cutting your own firewood, this tells you how small to go or whether it's worth splitting.

Pro tip: Split your logs within a few days of cutting. The sooner the wood is opened up, the faster it dries.

4. Don't Burn Wet Wood-It's Not Worth It

Check the final chart on energy loss by moisture. Here's the takeaway:

Moisture Content	Heating Value (BTU/lb)	Energy Efficiency
0% (Bone dry)	8,500–9,500	Maximized heat output; no energy wasted.
15–20% (Seasoned)	6,500–7,500	Optimal for clean, efficient burning.
25–30%	5,000–6,000	Reduced efficiency; increased smoke.
50%	~4,250	Half the energy wasted evaporating water.
80%	~1,700	Over 80% energy loss; impractical for use.

Burning wet logs means:

More smoke
Less heat
More creosote buildup in your chimney (aka fire hazard)

Always aim for 15-20% moisture. Use a moisture meter if needed.

5. Match Tools to the Job

Splitting oak rounds? Use a gas-powered splitter-manual won't cut it.
Need fast-drying fuel? Focus on ash, pine, or birch.
Short on storage space? Prioritize small logs or quick-drying species to rotate your stock faster.