creation and storage of firewood
This page collects fleimio views on tree felling, logging and storage. They are based on the experience of founder of the fleimio Jussi Leimio and VTT's report “Production of fireplace fuel” (2008).
The importance of fireplaces as an additional source of heat for homes has increased in recent years. In 2006, 33.6 TWH of heating energy was consumed in small houses and 11.4 TWH of wood fuel. Finnish small houses use 6.1 million solid cubic meters a year, or about 10 million stack m3. (Source: Production of Fireplace Fuel, VTT-R-11020-08, Ari Erkkilä and Erja Alakangas, VTT). Almost all wood species growing in Finland are suitable for firewood.
Self-procuring firewood can combine forestry, fitness and fuel production. The founder of fleimio thinks that the trees he makes himself look stunning and burn better.
Whenever possible, fell the trees during the winter months when the humidity is low. Trees are good for pruning, cutting and chopping to dry in the spring, as their best drying season is April to July. The equipment needed for felling, pruning and chopping trees costs a bit, which is why firewood made in-house can be more expensive in the short term than purchased. When using the tools, follow the manufacturer's instructions and be careful. Firewood is usually made at one time for needs throughout the year. It is worthwhile to estimate your own wood consumption a little on the upper deck, as wood is often also needed for sauna heating, for example. Chopping the trees speeds up their drying and at the same time the firewood becomes the right size to burn. The length of the firewood is determined by the size of the fireplace. Self-chopping firewood delights throughout the year: they create a cozy atmosphere both in the interior and as they radiate heat around them.
Chopped wood can be dried in bulk or stacked. Stacked trees take up less space. It is good to remember the airiness when drying, which prevents mold and discoloration of the trees. Protect firewood from rain. Underwood trees are used to remove firewood from moist soil. Protection for firewood quality and appearance Chopped trees can be dried in bulk or stacked. Stacked trees take up less space. It is good to remember the airiness when drying, which prevents mold and discoloration of the trees. Protect firewood from rain. Underwood trees are used to remove firewood from moist soil. Protection for firewood quality and appearance Chopped trees can be dried in bulk or stacked. Stacked trees take up less space. It is good to remember the airiness when drying, which prevents mold and discoloration of the trees. Protect firewood from rain. Underwood trees are used to remove firewood from moist soil. The protection keeps the firewood quality and appearance good.
Before the autumn rains, the firewood is moved to the airy interior, to the firewood storage or to the wood so that drying can continue. It is not recommended to keep firewood underneath the eaves on the wall of the dwelling as it may damage the wall structures and cause a fire risk. Also, storing firewood on exit routes is not recommended.
Dry firewood can also be stored in the living area. Storage must take into account fire safety regulations, comfort and occupational safety. It is advisable to bring in at least the amount of firewood corresponding to the first nest one day in advance. It is recommended that no more than 0.5 m³ of firewood be stored in the residential building (Source: VTT).
Beautifully chopped firewood is a natural Scandinavian décor element and creates a warm atmosphere in the home. There are several options for storing firewood in the living space: solid solutions, various baskets and carriers, and wheeled wooden stands. Read more about different storage and transportation solutions for firewood here.
When choosing a firewood storage solution, consider first the features and overall comfort of your own fireplace - fireplace, fire place, open fireplace or interior fireplace: the need for firewood and storage options indoors. You can read more about different fireplaces and firewood conservation here.
firewood in the interior
Firewood are a natural source of heat, but they also have a beauty value - they create a warm atmosphere for home and vacation homes. In our experience, Finns value high-quality, good-looking firewood, which is a part of their home decor.
The best firewood can be obtained by doing it yourself.
In addition to the cleanliness and quality of the firewood, another important factor influencing the interior design is the color of the firewood, which is ample choice.
Finnish forests offer many color options: almost orange pine, white birch, brown spruce and gray aspen.
In the picture above, the white fleimio original is filled with different firewood (pine, birch, fir and aspen). The slightly reddish tar alder also produces firewood that looks very elegant and valuable.
Always choose firewood primarily according to purpose. For example, it is advisable to burn only hardwoods such as birch and alder in the open fireplace to prevent sparks from flowing to the floor. Find out more about firewood and storage solutions for different fireplaces here.
From a practical point of view, it may be good to keep decorative firewood and firewood to be burned separately.
