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Walden Backyards

The Walden AlmanacFrom the archive

Fires & Firewood

46 articles

seasoned firewood walden

Fires & FirewoodJuly 12, 2024

How to Season Firewood

Fresh-cut firewood simply won't burn the way you want it to. Recently split or cut firewood, typically features a moisture content of about 100%. This means half the wood's weight is from water.

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Fires & FirewoodJuly 1, 2024

Prepare for the Fire: Proper Firewood Storage Tips

The crackle of a warm fire is a winter essential, but the magic doesn't happen with damp, moldy logs. Proper firewood storage is key to enjoying roaring flames, efficient burning, and a longer lifespan for your precious winter fuel. Let's unlock the secrets to keeping your firewood happy and your fires hot!

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Fires & FirewoodFebruary 1, 2024

Igniting the Flames: Your Guide to Fire Starters

Before that mesmerizing dance of fire and warmth can begin, we face the crucial first act: ignition. The humble fire starter is your trusty companion on this journey. But with so many options, choosing the right one can feel like navigating a smoky labyrinth. Worry not, for this guide will illuminate the path to starting every fire with ease.

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Fires & FirewoodJanuary 20, 2024

How to Build a Smokeless Fire in your Outdoor Fire Pit

Building a “smokeless fire” in your fire pit can elevate your outdoor experience, providing a cozy and clean ambiance for gatherings. While 100% smokeless fire is, well, impossible, you can follow these simple steps to minimize smoke and maximize enjoyment around your fire pit.

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outdoor fire pits - walden backyards - wood

Fires & FirewoodMarch 29, 2023

5 Quick Ways to Dry Out Firewood

Drying out firewood is an important step in ensuring that your fire burns efficiently and effectively. Wet or damp wood not only produces more smoke, but it also burns less hot and can be more difficult to ignite. So, if you're looking to dry out your firewood quickly, here are some tips to get you started:

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outdoor fire pits - walden backyards - types of wood

Fires & FirewoodMarch 2, 2023

Best Types of Wood to Burn in Your Fire Pit

When it comes to building a fire in your fire pit, not all types of wood are created equal. Some woods burn hotter, some smoke less, and others are easier to ignite. So, which types of wood are the best for your fire pit?

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Sure Fire Starter

Fires & FirewoodFebruary 22, 2023

Are Fire Starters Necessary?

When it comes to starting a fire, it can be tempting to simply pile up some wood and hope for the best. But let's face it, starting a fire can be tricky, especially if you're trying to do it with just kindling and matches, or if the weather is not on your side. That's where fire starters come in! But are they really necessary?

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fire pits - walden backyards - firewood

Fires & FirewoodFebruary 15, 2023

Best Firewood for Cooking on Fire Pits

Cooking food over an open fire is a classic camping experience that's been enjoyed for centuries, and we're bringing the experience right to your backyard. Whether you're gathering with friends, family, or grilling solo, cooking food on a fire pit can be a fun and delicious way to spend your time in the great outdoors. But, to get the best results, you need to choose the right type of wood.

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outdoor fire pits - walden backyards - stacked wood

Fires & FirewoodFebruary 10, 2023

How to Store Firewood & Keep Firewood Dry

Storing firewood can be a bit tricky, especially if you want to keep it dry and ready for use. Dry firewood burns more efficiently and is less likely to produce sparks, making it safer to use in your fire pit or fireplace.

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Fires & FirewoodFebruary 10, 2023

Safety Tips for Building Outdoor Fires

Building a fire in an outdoor fire pit can be a fun and enjoyable outdoor activity, whether you are camping, having a backyard bonfire, or just enjoying some quality time.

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fire pits - walden backyards - charcoal

Fires & FirewoodFebruary 10, 2023

Can You Use Charcoal in Fire Pits?

If you're a fan of outdoor cooking and campfires, you might be considering using charcoal in your fire pit. Charcoal is a popular choice for many people because it burns hotter and cleaner than firewood and it's easy to store.

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Fires & FirewoodFebruary 7, 2023

How to Find Good Kindling for Fires

Just be sure to follow all local laws and regulations, and use caution when starting a fire in your fire pit to ensure your safety. So, now you know how to find good kindling you're ready to have the warmest fires in your fire pit. Of course, first you need the best fire pit like one from Walden Backyards top-rated collection.

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Fires & FirewoodJanuary 25, 2023

How to Start A Campfire in Winter

Starting a campfire in your fire pit during the winter can be a bit more challenging than in the warmer months, but it is definitely doable! Also, the also thing we want to do when the weather begins to turn cold is to put away our fire pit.

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What is the Best Size for Firewood? | Firewood Size | Walden Backyards

Fires & FirewoodSeptember 26, 2022

What is the Best Size for Firewood?

When the cool winter air begins to arrive, and you start to feel the brisk chill in the morning, it may be time to stock up on wood for the season. Whether you are living in a cabin in the woods year-round or if you simply like to keep a stock of wood for the wintertime, you might be wondering what size you should split your firewood and when to use it.

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Fires & FirewoodSeptember 23, 2022

Efficient Firewood Pile Strategies for Firepits

Yes, the type of firepit does matter when determining how efficiently your fire burns. For instance, modern-day firepits are constructed with quality and design in mind. Using them with well-dried wood will give you comfortable heat without smoke and fire flares. It will also cut down the rate of wood consumption.

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Fires & FirewoodSeptember 7, 2022

Top 5 Types of Wood to Burn in Your Firepit

Campfires are great for two things: cooking and keeping warm. When you’re planning some nights outside with your firepit, you want to use the best possible wood. With so many different types out there, it can be hard to determine which will provide the best experience. These 5 wood types are the absolute best for your campfires.

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fire pits - walden backyards - perfect fire

Fires & FirewoodApril 28, 2022

How To Build The Perfect Fire

In the mid 1800's in the northern forests of Minnesota, it was a matter of life and death to be able to light a fire when needed. Workers found a way to reliably and quickly start a fire, even in the coldest, snowiest and wettest conditions. We still use these time-tested methods and materials to hand make every one of our fire starters.

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Fires & FirewoodApril 28, 2022

How To Choose and Store Firewood For Your Next Bonfire

When it comes to building a great fire, the type of wood that you use can make a big difference. Accessibility to various types of wood differs by region, but Walden is here to give you a quick rundown of what you should be looking for when choosing your wood, as well as proper firewood storage techniques.

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Fires & FirewoodApril 19, 2022

Can You Mix Wood and Charcoal?

One of the greatest pleasures in life is cooking an incredible meal over a firepit in the backyard. If it's a crisp fall night or early spring evening, the promise of tasty food over an open fire in your firepit is pretty fantastic. Making hamburgers, stoking the fire, and preparing the food are pretty enticing, and it’s even better over a firepit while enjoying a campfire.

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How Do You Dry Firewood Quickly? | Drying Firewood | Walden Backyards

Fires & FirewoodApril 19, 2022

How Do You Dry Firewood Quickly?

Are you struggling to source dry, seasoned firewood? Has rain-soaked your woodpile before you got it covered? Cut down a tree and want to know how quickly you can turn its remnants into a cheerful backyard fire? Knowing how to dry firewood quickly is essential for the backyard firepit boss.

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What Should You Not Burn in a Firepit? | Firepit Burning | Walden Backyards

Fires & FirewoodApril 15, 2022

What Should You Not Burn in a Firepit

If you're new to owning a fire pit, you're probably looking forward to sitting around those burning flames during the cool nights of the season. The subtle smoky smell wafting through the air as you bask in the warm glow of campfire embers with family and friends will surely be the best part of your day. A firepit is something you can feel good about using night after night. It makes for a more festive evening any time of year and can create a welcoming place for gathering in your backyard.

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Fires & FirewoodApril 14, 2022

What Wood Is Toxic To Burn In A Fire Pit?

Nothing is more exciting than preparing your firepit for a chilly fall night. Sitting around your fire pit with friends is a relaxing way to end the day. First, however, you want to be careful about the firewood you are using in your fire pit. Contrary to popular belief, you cannot burn just anything in your fire pit.

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Fires & FirewoodApril 14, 2022

Why is My Firewood Hissing?

Firewood that retains too much moisture will steam, sizzle, and hiss as the liquid inside heats up from the fire and escapes as steam. With larger deposits of water or sap, the heat can cause vapors to expand rapidly, sometimes cracking wood and throwing dangerous sparks or debris out of the fire.

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Fires & FirewoodApril 7, 2022

Should Firewood Be Covered With a Tarp?

Maintaining a supply of firewood for the entire year is a great way to ensure you have fuel for your fireplace or firepit at all times. If you have a pile of firewood, you may be wondering if it should be covered with a tarp.

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Fires & FirewoodApril 4, 2022

Can You Use Charcoal in a Fire Pit?

It takes plenty of heat and a method for building and maintaining a fire to camp, cook outside, or survive a long winter in a cabin. You may wonder if you can burn charcoal directly in the firepit when building a fire or cooking food over your homemade fire. Although charcoal is a popular pick for certain outdoor grills, it is not always the best choice to use when you require heat or light when stuck in nature.

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Fires & FirewoodApril 1, 2022

Best Practices When Building a Great Campfire

A campfire in your backyard is a great way to end the day and relax. Something about staring at a burning campfire is good for the soul. A firepit can be the center of your backyard entertainment or the gathering place for your next camping adventure. You want to have a beautiful and successful fire no matter your reason. These best practices can help you create the greatest fire.

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How to Burn Freshly Cut Firewood in a Firepit? | Firewood | Walden Backyards

Fires & FirewoodMarch 10, 2022

How to Burn Freshly Cut Firewood in a Firepit

Whether you love hosting gatherings while using your firepit or if you are the campfire master at your cabin by the lake, knowing what type of wood to use is a must anytime you plan to light a fire, big or small. If you are planning to ignite a fire, you may be wondering how to burn freshly cut wood, especially if you are out of other wood from your stockpile.

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Why Is It Called a Campfire? | Campfires | Walden Backyards

Fires & FirewoodMarch 1, 2022

Why Is It Called a Campfire?

The backyard campfire experience is the perfect way to warm your bones on a chilly winter night. Or even during the summer, roasting ooey-gooey s’mores by the fire. The stars in the sky and great company only add to the atmosphere of a roaring blaze. It’s easy to do when you have a Walden firepit right outside your back door.

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How Do You Know if Firewood is Dry Enough To Burn? | Firewood | Walden Backyards

Fires & FirewoodFebruary 28, 2022

How Do You Know if Firewood is Dry Enough To Burn

You will get the most from your firewood and firepit if the wood is dry when you want to light a fire. Firewood is considered dry and ready-to-use when its moisture is less than 18%. The moisture percentage in firewood is directly related to the firewood's weight.

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Should I Cover Fresh-Cut Firewood? | Firewood | Walden Backyards

Fires & FirewoodFebruary 22, 2022

Should I Cover Fresh-Cut Firewood?

Keeping fresh-cut firewood on your property year-round is essential to maintain the ability to enjoy a nice campfire any time on a whim. Whether you have recently purchased firewood or have been chopping wood yourself, knowing the proper way to care for the wood can help you get the most out of your materials.

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Difference Between a Campfire and a Bonfire? | Campfire vs Bonfire | Walden Backyards

Fires & FirewoodJanuary 28, 2022

What is the Difference Between a Campfire and a Bonfire?

Bonfires and campfires are both fall staples. While these words may sometimes be used interchangeably, they are actually different types of fire that serve different purposes.

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How do you build a campfire?

Fires & FirewoodJanuary 6, 2022

How Do You Build a Campfire?

We’re here to break down the basics of building a fire, whether you’re doing it at the campsite or in your backyard. More good news: Walden’s fire accessories make the process even easier, just about guaranteeing a successful, one-match blaze!

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Fires & FirewoodDecember 21, 2021

What Kinds of Wood Should You Avoid in Your Firepit?

You finally have your new campfire pit in your backyard and have been enjoying sitting around with family and friends, making lifetime memories. There are more moments where everyone laughs and tells stories until the fire goes out. All of that is possible because you have kept the wood well stocked. Keeping the woodpile stocked with wood that burns well, cleanly, and long into the night is essential to creating more of those moments. Here are some types of wood that you should avoid burning in your fire pit.

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Fires & FirewoodDecember 16, 2021

Why Does My Firewood Burn So Fast?

Why are Logs Are Burning Fast in My Campfire? There are many reasons why your logs might burn too fast. Here are some of the most common reasons why and, more importantly, what you can do about it. Keep your fire burning long with the right firewood and set-up. Your guests are sure to enjoy the time spent fireside as it continues late into the evening.

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Fires & FirewoodOctober 18, 2021

What's the Best Wood to Burn in a Campfire

We think you will probably agree when we say that nothing beats an outdoor adventure that includes a campfire. Whether you are building a campfire for warmth while roughing it in the woods or gathering around a cozy backyard campfire with your favorite 10-year-olds – the team at Walden Backyards believes that a fun time around the campfire is what makes the world go round.

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Stack of firewood

Fires & FirewoodMay 13, 2021

Tips on Buying Wood for Your Fire

Some sound advice to find the best source for your wood as well. The quality of the firewood you use for your bonfire or fire pit will have a significant impact on your overall experience and enjoyment. Here are some tips on buying the right wood.

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Stack of firewood in the yard

Fires & FirewoodMay 13, 2021

The 4 S's of Managing Firewood

You may have heard of the 4 C's of diamond buying, Walden Backyards has the 4 S's of managing the firewood for fire pits. Those four S's include: splitting, schlepping, stacking and storing. Here are the definitions and tips for each one:

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Roaring outdoor fire pit

Fires & FirewoodMay 13, 2021

The Debate Rages On: Cross Hatch VS. Teepee

Cross hatch or teepee? Don't act like you and your friends haven't sat around for hours on end debating this hot topic. We are here to help so you can put down your pokers and quit stoking the flames of this controversial issue. We have you covered.

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Fire starters near the fire pit

Fires & FirewoodMay 13, 2021

Why You Should Buy Fire Starters

The air is chilly, the sky is dark, and you're ready to start a campfire in your backyard. Your loved ones are eagerly anticipating roaring flames and that delightful campfire smell. The Walden Sure-Fire Starter will make sure your backyard bonfire goes off without a hitch.

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Hot firewood and flames

Fires & FirewoodOctober 7, 2020

How to Build a Smoke-Free Fire

Smoky fires are the bane of many autumn evenings, leading to an endless game of musical chairs as the wind shifts and sends thick smoke drifting your way. The good news is that thanks to science, you can make a smokeless fire to enjoy all night long.

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Family gathered around a bonfire

Fires & FirewoodOctober 5, 2020

How To Build a Great Bonfire

How to Build Better Fires: A Step-By-Step Guide to Getting the Fire Started

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