You don't need to take a dealer's word for it. Checking your firewood at delivery takes two minutes and tells you exactly what you're getting. Here's what to look for — with and without a moisture meter.
The fastest check: a moisture meter
A pin-style moisture meter is the only definitive way to know your wood's moisture content. Split a piece, probe the freshly exposed interior surface (not the bark, not the cut end — both give inaccurate readings), and read the percentage.
- Under 20% — ready to burn, will perform well
- 20–25% — acceptable, burns fine with good airflow
- 25–35% — marginal, will smoke and underperform
- Above 35% — not ready to burn
Probe several pieces from different parts of the stack, not just the top layer. A delivery can have well-dried wood on the surface and wetter wood underneath.
Visual checks (no meter needed)
Look at the ends
Dry wood develops radial cracking (called "checking") at the cut ends as moisture leaves through the end grain. Deep cracks running toward the center are a good sign. Smooth, light-colored ends with no cracking indicate wood that hasn't dried long enough.
Knock two pieces together
Pick up two pieces and knock them together. Dry wood produces a sharp, hollow crack. Wet wood makes a dull thud. It's a rough test — don't rely on it alone — but it's a quick first read.
Check the weight
Water is heavy. A piece of wet oak can weigh twice what the same piece weighs fully dried. If the wood feels heavier than you'd expect for its size, that's a warning sign worth investigating with a meter.
Look at the bark
On properly dried wood, the bark often pulls away or falls off easily. Bark that's still tightly bonded and moist to the touch suggests the wood hasn't fully dried.
Check your invoice
Connecticut law requires a written delivery invoice for every cord of firewood. Your CT Firewood Delivery invoice includes whether the wood is seasoned and the species mix — both of which affect expected moisture content and drying time. If there's a discrepancy between what's on the invoice and what you're seeing, that's worth a conversation with the dealer.
What to do if the wood isn't dry
Contact the dealer through your order tracking page. If you ordered seasoned wood and received wood that measures significantly wet, the dealer is responsible. All dealers on CT Firewood Delivery must accurately represent their product. Keep the moisture reading handy — specific numbers make the conversation straightforward.