Flaming Hot Firewood Tips and Frequently Asked Questions
Some of our customers' FAQs and our handy tips so you get the most out of your fire this winter.
Where does Wai-iti Wood Supply deliver firewood?
We supply quality firewood throughout the Nelson and Tasman regions, including Nelson, Richmond, Wakefield, Brightwater, Mapua, Motueka and surrounding areas. If you are unsure whether we deliver to your area, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
What types of firewood do you supply?
We supply a range of firewood including radiata pine, Douglas fir (when available), gum and macrocarpa. Different woods suit different stages of your fire — softer woods are excellent for getting a fire started, while harder woods provide longer-lasting heat.
What is the best firewood for my wood burner?
The best firewood depends on your needs. Radiata pine lights easily and produces good heat, making it great for starting a fire. Hardwood varieties such as gum and macrocarpa burn longer and provide steady heat once your fire is established.
Is your firewood dry and ready to burn?
Our firewood is supplied to provide good burning performance when properly stored. Firewood should be seasoned and stored correctly before burning. Dry wood burns hotter, produces less smoke and helps your fire operate more efficiently.
When should I buy my firewood?
The best time to buy firewood is before winter. Buying in spring or summer gives your wood extra time to season and dry, ensuring better performance when you need your fire most.
How should I store my firewood?
Store firewood somewhere dry and well ventilated, ideally off the ground and protected from excessive rain. Good airflow helps the wood continue drying and improves how well it burns.
How much firewood can I order?
We supply larger loads for delivery, as well as smaller quantities available for pickup. Please contact us to discuss the amount that best suits your needs.
Do you sell firewood by the trailer load?
Yes, smaller quantities can be collected from our yard by appointment. Please contact us before arriving, as we are often out delivering firewood.
Can I collect firewood from your yard?
Yes. Pickup is available from our Richmond yard by prior appointment. Please contact us first so we can arrange a suitable time.
Do you deliver firewood?
Yes, we deliver firewood throughout Nelson and Tasman. Delivery charges depend on your location, so please contact us for details.
What length are your firewood pieces?
Our standard firewood is generally around 30–35cm long, although individual pieces may vary slightly. Special cuts may be available by arrangement.
Do you sell kindling?
Yes, we supply bags of kindling to help get your fire started easily.
Do you sell untreated sawdust?
Yes, untreated pine sawdust is available by the sack or trailer load. It can be useful for garden mulch, animal bedding and other purposes.
Is your firewood sustainably sourced?
Yes. We source timber from local forestry companies, including forestry waste and material unsuitable for milling or export. This allows useful timber resources to be used as firewood rather than wasted.
Why is my fire not burning well?
Poor burning can be caused by damp wood, insufficient airflow, a dirty chimney, or oversized pieces of wood. Dry, well-seasoned firewood and good airflow will help your fire burn hotter and cleaner.
Can I burn treated or painted wood?
No. Only burn clean, untreated firewood. Treated timber, painted wood and other materials can release harmful chemicals and should not be used in your fire.
How do I order firewood?
Simply contact Wai-iti Wood Supply by phone, text or email with your requirements and we’ll help arrange your firewood supply.
Tips For Burning Wood
Dry wood burns hotter and cleaner. Dry wood won't soot up your chimney as much.
Keep your fire burning well as burning wood at a high temperature results in a cleaner burn.
Firewood Storage Tips
Firewood is best stored:
In a sunny and windy spot, with little to no shade and not prone to flooding.
In a well ventilated area like a wood shed or a covered area outside.
Off the ground e.g. concrete or pallets to allow better air flow. If you use wood pallets do cover them first with a sheet of plastic as the wooden pallets absorb water.
If you stack it, rather than throw it, make sure you do stack it away from a wall (or leave a gap).
Stack it only in a single row (or leave a gap in between the rows).
Stack it not too neatly but rather leave air gaps so the sun and breeze can get to all sides of the wood and draw moisture from it for the best outcome.
For those storing their firewood in closed buildings, you need to get organised early in the season (or be a full season ahead). Dry your wood first outside and then move it inside.
If Your Fire Is Not Burning Very Well Check:
Is the chimney and the firebox clean?
Are the fire bricks in the firebox in good condition? Or are they broken and falling apart?
If you have a smallish firebox you may find that splitting your wood in half will improve the way the fire performs i.e. 3 or 4 smaller pieces will burn much better than 2 big pieces jammed in there.
Running your fireplace fully dampered down can be a false economy – producing little heat, lots of smoke and blocking up your chimney. Every fireplace is different and with some experience you should find a "sweet spot" where yours burns nicely - giving you a cosy home.
What Is Seasoned Firewood?
When people say 'dry firewood' what they really mean is 'seasoned firewood'. Seasoned firewood has the sap dried out of it. Moisture content less than 25% is considered seasoned. Seasoned firewood is easier to light, easier to keep burning, it produces less smoke, it burns hotter and produces more heat.