One of the biggest hurdles when installing a new fireplace of any kind is determining how to vent the combustion exhaust. With a tradition wood stove or fire place, you need some sort of chimney that releases wood smoke well above your roof line. But do you need a chimney for a pellet stove?

Luckily, pellet stoves do not need a chimney to safely operate in most homes. As long as your pellet stove is installed next to an exterior wall, all you need is a small vent routed through the wall to the outdoors which means even homes without an existing chimney can still enjoy the function of a pellet stove. You can, however, install a pellet stove in such a way as to utilize an existing chimney if desired.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg though when it comes to pellet stove installation. If you are still trying to figure out if you’ll be able to install a pellet stove in your home, keep reading for everything you need to know.

What is a pellet stove

A pellet stove burns compressed wood pellets as a way to heat your home without the hassle of a wood burning fire. It is a much safer and more environmentally friendly way of heating your home according to the United States Department of Energy.

Traditional wood-burning appliances emit large quantities of air pollution such as carbon monoxide, organic gases and particulate matter. A pellet stove greatly minimizes these dangerous pollutants while being affordable at the same time.

Does a pellet stove need air intake

Not all pellet stoves need a fresh air intake but there is always an external vent to discard exhaust fumes. However, an external fresh air intake is sometimes required depending on your location. Be sure to check with local housing laws to determine the rules where you live.

As a rule of thumb, fresh air intake is only required if the pellet stove is in a mobile home but it may also be needed if you have a very air-tight home or if the stove is located in a basement.

Are there ventless pellet stoves

No, there are no true ventless pellet stoves. Some stoves may be marketed as “ventless” but they usually just have the vent placed at the rear of the stove and are meant to be routed out a much smaller external vent than normal. They also do not have the traditional large vents at the top or rear of the stove that help distribute heat. Because of this, “ventless” style pellet stoves are best for small spaces.

How do you vent a pellet stove without a chimney

All pellet stoves need a way to vent unclean or harmful air. This can be done through a chimney but it’s not required. So how does a pellet stove vent without a chimney? There are freestanding pellet stoves available but they still need a vent installed on an external wall.

When choosing the vent location, it must be done through your home’s exterior wall. A pellet stove should be installed with adequate space away from the wall. This gives your stove some breathing room and prevents accidents. All fire safety codes should be followed. If you are unsure, seek professional advice.

Can you install a pellet stove with a chimney

You can install a pellet stove either with a new or existing chimney. However, adding a wall vent is way cheaper than installing a new chimney. Installing a pellet stove with an existing chimney requires a chimney liner.

This is a metal pipe that is attached to the stove at one end and extends through the chimney with the other. It’s hard to tell if you install a chimney adapter wrong. To avoid accidental damage to your home, contact a professional for the chimney liner to be installed.

How does a pellet stove work

A pellet stove is more environmentally friendly than a traditional wood-burning stove and this is what makes them so popular. A pellet stove achieves this by being dependent on electricity and some well-thought-out mechanics. But before we review how this is done, let us go over some terminology.

To put these words into perspective, place the pellets into your stove’s hopper. The auger will feed the pellets into the burn pot which will start to burn through an electrical ignition. Once the pellets are burning, the convection blower sucks indoor air to the burn pot and creates heated air.

To create cleaner air, the hot air will move through the heat exchangers which will then transfer to your home. To get rid of the dirty or harmful exhaust, it needs to leave the stove completely. Most stoves have installed piping at the back of the stove or through a chimney to get rid of toxic air.

How do I choose a pellet stove

When choosing a pellet stove, you must observe where it will be placed and the space you want to heat. If your stove is too big, it can be a fire risk, overheat your home, or in some cases, increase air pollution from excess fuel waste.

For reference, a pellet stove that is rated at 60,000 Btu (British Thermal Units) heats a 2,000 square foot space. A stove rated at 42,000 Btu heats around 1,300 square feet.

Conclusion

Now that you understand how a pellet stove operates, hopefully it won’t seem so daunting to install one in your home. The fact that all you need is small vent on an exterior wall makes it possible for almost any homeowner to enjoy the feel of wood fired heat.

Whether you already have a chimney or don’t have a chimney at all, pellets stoves are a strong contender compared to traditional wood stoves or even a gas fireplace.

The post Do Pellet Stoves Need A Chimney: All You Need To Know appeared first on Cut Stack Burn.

Whether you run the fireplace for ambiance or warmth, it’s alway a good idea to see if you’re getting enough heat for your money or if your money is just going up in smoke.  

Not to mention, just about everyone I know who has a gas fireplace claims it saves them money on their heating bill compared to a central forced air gas furnace.  But is that really the truth?  Well, here’s the concise answer.  

Running a gas fireplace costs $0.20 – $0.40 per hour while a standard gas furnace averages $0.95 per hour.  However, an efficient furnace will convert 95% of the natural gas energy into usable heat, compared to 60% efficiency for gas fireplaces.  That means your gas fireplace would need to run 5 times longer than your furnace to produce the same amount of heating power.

Of course the full answer is never that simple.  There are many more variables that can change the answer.  Your climate, gas fireplace model, the efficiency of your furnace and insulation all factor into the calculation. 

Keep reading to find out if your gas fireplace is the best source of heat for the money.

How much does it cost to run a gas fireplace

The actual cost of running a gas fireplace depends on two primary factors.  The first being the BTU output of the fireplace and the second being the cost of your natural gas.  

When it comes to fire, energy output is measured in British Thermal Units or BTU.  Most gas fireplaces burn through 20,000 to 40,000 BTU/hour of natural gas depending on the make and model.  There are also gas fireplaces that have adjustable burn rates.  For the sake of this article, we’ll assume a constant output.  On average, most gas fireplaces, vented or un-vented, burn through 30,000 BTU of natural gas in one hour.

To start calculating actual costs, we also need to know natural gas prices.

Right now, the national average cost for natural gas is about $1.06 per Therm.  One Therm equals 100,000 BTU.  

With those two pieces of information, we can start calculating the average cost to burn a gas fireplace for different durations.

Per hour

The average cost for you to run a 30,000 BTU gas fireplace is $0.32 per hour,  assuming that your natural gas costs around $1.06 per Therm, which again is the national average at this time.  

Per day

Running an average gas fireplace for one whole day (24 hours) will cost approximately $7.68.  If instead you run your gas fireplace for about 8 hours during the day, it will cost you $2.56 per day

Per week

It’s unlikely you will run a gas fire for a full week, 24 hours a day.  So, let’s assume you run it 8 hours a day for a full week instead.  That’s 56 hours over the span of a week at $0.32 per hour.  If you burn your gas fireplace that much, expect to pay $17.92 per week for natural gas.

Per month

Similar to our per week calculation, let’s again assume you don’t run your gas fireplace more than 8 hours each day.  So, in a 30 day period you’ll burn up 240 hours.  At $0.32 per hour of natural gas, it ends up costing you $76.80 for the month.

Calculating the cost to run your gas fireplace

The costs listed above are for the average gas fireplace at an average cost for natural gas.  Obviously, there are dozens of different fireplaces and the cost of natural gas varies across the country and from one time of year to the next.

For those of you who appreciate more precise calculations tailored to your particular scenario, there is a super easy way to calculate the exact cost to run your gas fireplace. 

To find out, start by looking up the BTU input for your particular gas fireplace.  You’ll find this information in the owner’s manual or online by looking up the make and model number.  Sometimes the BTU input is given as a range, in which case the actual gas consumption depends on the input flow of your gas line.  

Generally though, you can assume your fireplace is burning at the maximum input.

The next step in calculating the cost is to consult your energy bill.  Your natural gas provider likely breaks down your gas costs by price per Therm.  That is the number you want.  In some cases, gas providers may further break down the costs into separate delivery costs and gas cost for each Therm.  If so, make sure to add those two values together.

Once you have that information, the rest is simple and only requires some fast, easy math to figure out your actual costs.  The following formula is all you need to calculate the cost of running your gas fireplace for one hour.

As an example, my gas fireplace has a max input of 19,100 BTU.  My gas costs $0.49 per Therm with a $0.48 delivery charge per Therm.  That’s $0.97 per Therm or 100,000 BTU of natural gas which is slightly below the national average.

The calculation looks like this:

Which equals about $0.19 per hour of operation.

I encourage you to figure out the cost of running your fireplace too.  Finding out it won’t cost you an arm and a leg to enjoy a cozy fire every once in awhile is totally worth it.

Can you heat a home with a gas fireplace

As wonderful as a gas fireplace is at making a room feel comfortably warm, they do have their limits.

Unfortunately, a gas fireplace is not very effective for heating the average home.  Even with a blower fan, it is very difficult to circulate heat from the fire efficiently throughout your house.  Most gas fireplaces can effectively heat 500 square feet or less.

Unlike a forced air furnace with ducting that reaches every room, attaining even heating with a gas fire is impractical.  For that reason, gas fireplaces are best used for heating the room where they are located. 

You can get more heating power if using a fireplace equipped with a blower fan.  Plus, with strategically placed ceiling fans, you can circulate heat to adjacent rooms.  Just don’t set your expectations too high.  Gas fireplaces are meant to warm one room not the whole house. 

Can you run a gas fireplace all day

A common question I get asked is whether or not a gas fireplace is safe to run all day.  

Gas fireplaces produce virtually no smoke or creosote build-up.  However, the most dangerous by-product of natural gas combustion is carbon monoxide.  It is an odorless, tasteless gas capable of silently killing unwary victims.  

Vented gas fireplaces exhaust the CO gas out of the house while burning which makes them relatively safe in the home.  Ventless gas inserts, on the other hand, increase the risk of CO poisoning in your home.  Modern ventless gas inserts have catalytic converters similar to your car that scrub CO from the exhaust gas before it enters your home.  Plus, they now come standard with safety shut-off switches that trip when dangerous levels of CO are detected.

Even so, both ventless and vented stoves can have faults that leave you and your loved ones vulnerable to carbon monoxide poisoning.  For that reason, it is never a good idea to run any gas fireplace all day.  Especially, while you are sleeping or away from your home.  

Is a gas fireplace cheaper to run than a gas furnace

This is a tough one.  Comparing the cost of running a gas fireplace to the cost of running a gas furnace requires a little more math and a lot more assumptions.  But alas, it can be done.  

In a basic sense, comparing the costs requires an understanding of the efficiency of a gas fireplace versus a gas furnace and the total BTU output of each.  Plus, we need to think about the amount of energy needed to heat an average home.  Follow along and let’s find out together.

Gas furnaces consume quite a bit more gas.  It varies from home to home but the average usage for a standard gas furnace is 100,000 BTU (1 Therm) per hour.  Using the national average cost of natural gas, it costs $1.06 per hour to run the furnace.  

Here’s the catch though.  A modern furnace is nearly 95% efficient at turning the energy from gas into usable heat.  Therefore, 100,000 BTU of gas input is converted into 95,000 BTU of heating power.  

A typical vented gas fireplace, on the other hand, averages 60% efficiency.  Although, some ventless inserts obtain higher efficiency but for the sake of discussion, let’s assume the more likely scenario of heating with a vented gas fireplace.  

A gas fireplace with 60% efficiency converts a 30,000 BTU input into 18,000 BTU of heating power at a cost of $0.32 per hour.  

In order for your gas fireplace to produce 95,000 BTU of heat, it would need to run for over 5 hours at a cost of $1.69 compared to the $1.06 cost of running the furnace.

Taking it one step further, a 2,000 square foot home located in an average US climate needs about 90,000 BTU of heat to maintain a comfortable 70°F temperature.  Using our gas furnace from the previous example, it would take roughly one hour to efficiently heat the home at a cost of $1.00.  The gas fireplace would need to run for 5 hours at a cost of $1.60.  And that is assuming you can effectively disperse the heat generated from the fireplace around your home.

As you can see, a gas fireplace is not cheaper than a central forced air gas furnace for heating your home.  

How to save money with a gas fireplace

It’s nice to know that the cost of running a gas fireplace won’t break the bank but it’s  not cheaper than a gas furnace for heating a home.  However, that does not mean you can’t save some money by strategically using your gas fireplace.

Conveniently, homes are design with gas fireplaces located in living spaces where you spend most of your time.  Save a little money by running your gas fireplace while you are enjoying that space and simultaneously turn down the thermostat for your furnace.  

More than likely, you don’t spend a great deal of time in your bedroom until it is time for bed.  So why use the furnace to pump heat into an unoccupied space?  

You can save a significant amount of money by keeping your thermostat set lower during the day while running your gas fireplace in the area of your home where you spend most of your time.

The post Cost To Run A Gas Fireplace: How Cheap Is It appeared first on Cut Stack Burn.

Fire pits are almost always allowed in suburban backyards. Nearly all cities and counties in the US allow recreational fires in residential backyards as long as local ordinances and fire department rules are followed. Even in dry states, backyard fire pits are often permitted as long as there are no current burn bans in place.

We’ll go over some common legal requirements and good practices when adding a fire pit to your backyard below. That way you can have a beautiful fire pit that will be fun for your family and raise the value of your home.

Is it legal to have a fire pit in a backyard

Yes, it is legal in most places to have a fire pit in your backyard as long as you follow local regulations. Local laws can be more restrictive the more densely populated an area is or if it is an exceptionally dry location.

Most laws concerning fire pits are decided on at the local level. You should always research the laws in your county and city before setting up a new fire pit. A good place to start is Googling your local regulations or you can often call your local fire department which should know.

Your Home Owners’ Association may also have rules for fire pits that you may have to follow even if your city allows them (sorry).

There are a few examples of more restrictive areas though.

Massachusetts is a more restrictive state but you are still allowed to have fire pits. The fire has to be small, placed on a non-combustible surface and the area cleared of dry debris. In many areas, they also require that there be someone 18 or older attending the fire at all times.

In New Jersey, you are required to get a permit before you can use a backyard fire pit. It is free, but you have to tell them where the fire will be to make sure it complies with their other regulations.

In New York City, it is illegal to use fire pits, chimneys, and portable patio fires. This makes sense if you consider the fact that New York City is so densely populated. The smoke would be an irritant to neighbors who live very close by and would likely linger in the city. The potential damage an out-of-control fire could cause is also very large.

What are the rules for a fire pit

Here is a list of common rules and regulations for using a backyard fire pit. Your local area likely has some or all of these rules in place.

• No more than 3 feet in diameter.
• No more that 2 feet high.
• Fires should be constantly attended to.
• A fire extinguisher, hose or bucket of water should be immediately available for extinguishing the fire.
• Fire pits should not be placed on combustible material. Stone, concrete or bare dirt is best.
• Fires should be more than 25 feet from any combustible structures.
• Fires should be at least 10 feet from your property line.
• You cannot burn trash including painted wood, particle board, rubber, plastic, etc.
• Many places restrict burning yard waste and brush.
• Many places restrict burning paper or cardboard because of the smoke.
• Some places require that the person attending the fire be 18 or older.

Even if these rules are not in place in your town, these are all good rules to follow. They are designed to keep your neighbors happy and keep you and your property safe.

Where do I put a fire pit

Fire pit placement is one of the first things you should consider before you even buy a new fire pit. Proper placement of a fire pit will help you prevent potential disasters down the road.

Fire pits need to be placed on a flat and level surface. A lot of people like building stone patios around their fire pits, but you can go simple and just place the pit on gravel or dirt if you’re on a budget. If you live in a hilly area, it may require you to put in a little more work to dig out the spot or build up a flat space.

If all you have is a lawn and you don’t want to tear it up, you can also just put a portable fire pit on your grass. They make fireproof mats that you can put down and then put the fire pit on top of that. That way the grass isn’t damaged by the heat. The mats are inexpensive and can be ordered on Amazon for less than $20.

You should place the fire pit in an open area at least 15 feet away from any structure such as a home, deck, or shed. 15 feet should probably be the minimum as there are a lot of places that require 25 feet of distance.

Where should you not put a fire pit

Fire pits should not be placed anywhere there is a risk of starting a larger fire. They should also not be placed where the smoke will blow into your home or become a nuisance to your neighbors.

It can be tempting to put a fire pit on your deck or a patio near your house. That way it is closer to the kitchen and the action inside if you’re entertaining, but this is never recommended. The large majority of decks are made with flammable materials and a deck is too close to the rest of the house. You should never place a fire pit on a wooden deck.

If you are going to ignore the advice to never put a fire pit on a wood deck, you should get one of the fireproof mats I mentioned earlier. You should also pick a fire pit that has a spark screen you can place over it so that sparks do not leave the pit.

Never place a fire pit underneath a tree. Your fire pit should be at least 10 to 25 feet away from trees and bushes. Sparks and embers can rise high into the air from a wood-burning fire. If you have tree limbs above your fire pit, they can catch fire and quickly spiral out of control.

It’s also not recommended to put a fire pit under a pergola or a pavilion made of combustible materials.

What can I burn in my outdoor fire pit

You have two main options to use as fuel for your fire pit. You can burn wood or gas (usually propane).

Wood-burning fire pits are the more traditional option. They are often cheaper and easier to build or install. For many people, burning wood is going to be a better experience since the fire changes as the wood burns. Plus, there is a different smell and the coals are mesmerizing to watch.

There are a few cons to a wood-burning pit compared to a gas pit:

• Need a place to store wood and keep it dry
• Harder to clean
• Takes longer to stop the fire
• Worse for the air quality
• More sparks and fire hazard risks

The type of wood you burn matters too. You should only burn clean, dry wood. Dirty or wet wood not only burns poorly, but it also produces a lot more smoke that can be an irritant to some people and a nuisance to neighbors.

If you are worried about wood smoke, there are several awesome fire pits that are specially designed to virtually eliminate all smoke. Check out my smokeless fire pit article to learn which ones really work and are worth the money.

A gas fire pit is also a good choice for many people. Gas burns cleaner than wood and it is easier to control. To turn a gas fire pit on or off, you only need to press a button. Gas also doesn’t send sparks into the air. Gas fire pits are great for creating ambiance and having a fire in a place where you have even more control over it. You may even be allowed to have a gas fire pit in places where you couldn’t have a wood-burning fire pit.

Some cons to a gas fire pit compared to a wood fire pit are these:

• The fire itself is not as engaging or fun
• Gas fire pits need to be made by a professional
• Fuel tanks are heavy and need to be replaced with frequent use
• More expensive
• Very safe when built well, but can be very unsafe if built poorly or damaged

Whichever type of fire pit you decide to use, you can get the benefits of a fun outdoor feature and added value to your home.

There are things you should not burn. You should never burn trash, plastic, rubber, painted wood, or old paper. These are bad for the environment and contain carcinogens that will be released into the air around you. Almost every city in America prohibits burning trash.

Should I make my own fire pit or buy one

This is a great question! Fire pits come in all different shapes and sizes. The pit can be a simple steel or concrete pit or it can be an elaborate piece of your landscaping made of stone.

One of the first things to consider when deciding whether to make a fire pit or buy one is how much space you have in your backyard. Fire pits are an amazing addition to any backyard, but if you have limited space you may not want to dedicate all of it to your fire pit. In that case, a portable steel or copper pit that you can bring out or put away might make more sense.

One of the benefits of building a permanent space for your fire pit is that it can increase the value of your home. If you make a good-looking, permanent fire pit, you could recoup 60%-70% of the building costs when you sell your home. A permanent fire pit will generally look nicer than a portable fire pit as well.

If you’re going for a very simple design, you can make a fire pit out of stone, brick, or cinderblock. If you’re making your own, you can buy a steel ring from Amazon to go on the inside of your pit and then build up the stone around the ring. Using the steel ring will help your fire pit to last longer by keeping the stone from getting dried out and brittle.

If you are wanting to build a fire pit as a DIY project, you are probably better off building a wood-burning fire pit. These are much simpler to make and have a lower risk if you do it wrong. You should leave installing a gas fire pit to a professional.

The post Can I Have A Fire Pit In My Backyard? (Here Are The Facts) appeared first on Cut Stack Burn.

For those that wish there was an easy way to build a trouble free fire, this article is for you.  Such a fire does exist.  It goes by many names including: Swedish fire log, Swedish torch, Canadian candle or simply, a one log fire.

Regardless of what you call it, the idea is the same.  Making a super convenient, hassle free fire out of one log.  You can do it yourself and it is incredibly easy.  In fact, I’m going to show you 3 ingenious ways to easily make a Swedish fire log for any occasion.  

What is a Swedish fire log

I must admit, Swedish fire logs are something I only recently learned about so I can understand why others may not know about them as well.  

In a nutshell, a Swedish torch is a compact and efficient way to build a cooking fire.  Credit for its creation goes to the Swedish army which used the Swedish fire log as a quick way to deploy cooking fires in harsh, wet conditions during the Thirty Years’ War.  It only requires one log with minimal tinder to light and burn.

The allure of a one log fire lies in its simplicity and functional form.  Unlike traditional fires that need a progressively larger supply of wood to burn efficiently, Swedish fire logs are self-contained.  They are also great for cooking.  A Swedish fire log is set on end which creates a natural cooking surface for a pot or pan to sit on.  

In addition, one log fires tend to burn longer than traditional fires.  Mainly because it’s a compact bundle of wood that better regulates the influx of air to moderate combustion.  By its very design, Swedish torches burn from the inside out which extends the life of the fire and pumps out a fair bit of heat.

Selecting the ideal wood for a DIY Swedish torch

Not all types of firewood produce the results you’re looking for in a DIY Swedish torch.  Softwoods like pine, spruce and fir are the best since they burn more easily.  Hardwoods, on the other hand, are harder to light and smolder when used for one log fires.  

That’s not to say you can’t use hardwood though.  Maple and alder logs are a great option if they are dry and you rough up the interior so it lights up better.  Once lit, hardwood Swedish torches also tend to burn longer than softwood.  Feel free to experiment with whatever wood you have but softwoods should be your first pick.

Aside from the type of wood, log size is an important consideration.  For your Swedish torch, select logs that are 12 to 18 inches in length and 8 to 12 inches in diameter.  The larger the log, the longer it will burn.  

You also need to ensure the wood is well seasoned but not overly dry.  Firewood that is 20% moisture is the golden ticket for getting the most efficient burn out of a one log fire.  Take a quick look at my other article on how to tell if your wood is dry enough.  

3 Clever ways to make your own Swedish fire log

DIY fire logs aren’t complicated and there are several ingenious ways to make your own.  Whether you prefer using power tools or opt for a more manual approach, one of these three methods is sure to work for you.  

1:  The chainsaw method

A chainsaw makes the creation of your very own Swedish fire log a cinch and is by far the fastest method.  That is of course, if you have a chainsaw.  For those of you who do, it only takes a couple simple steps to get it done.

First, select your log.  Ideally, you want a log 12-18 inches long and at least 8 inches in diameter.  Before making your cuts, place it vertically in a steady position on the ground or secure it to a larger log.  

Next, start cutting vertically from the top, down the center length of the log.  Cut towards the bottom end of the log stopping 4 inches or so from the bottom.  Now, turn the log 90 degrees and make another cut perpendicular to the last.  

Finally, make two more cuts evenly bisecting the first two as shown above.  You’ll be left with a log that has six equally sized chunks joined at the bottom.  This is the perfect design for a one log fire.

2:  The bundle method

Not everyone cares to break out the chainsaw but I have good news.  An axe will do the trick just as well.  First, find a suitable log with the same dimensions as a describe with the chainsaw method.  Now, just split it into 6 equal pieces with a maul or splitting axe.

After you have nicely split pieces, bundle the pieces back into the original log shape.  Don’t worry about getting each piece in exactly the right spot.  Some irregularity is actually preferred since any gaps will act as draft vents and keep the log burning clean.  You can also get this style log to light better by roughing up the interval edges of each piece with a hatchet.  

With baling wire, wrap the bundle tightly and twist the wire to secure the pieces together.  Some people only add one wire wrap in the middle or bottom third of the log bundle.  However, I prefer using two wire wraps.  One towards the top and one close to the bottom.  This provides a more stable Swedish torch that stays upright and sturdy enough for cooking.

The bundle method also works with several round, thin diameter logs in place of split pieces from one log.  I have even seen 4 or 5 large logs lashed together with wire to make a huge Swedish torch.  Plenty hot for bonfire lovers but impractical for most anyone else.

3:  The drilling method

The drilling method is probably one of my favorite ways to make one log fires.  It usually works best on smaller logs.  Logs 8 to 12 inches long and 6 to 8 inches in diameter are the best size for this method.  

You’ll need a 1 inch spade bit with an extension and a drill of some sort.  Start by drilling a hole centered in the top of the log and drill down to the bottom third of the log.  Next, turn the log on its side and drill a hole through the side to join the bottom of the vertical chamber.  

That’s all there is to this method of creating a one log fire.  The size of your log is only limited by the length of your drill bit.  If you have an extension, try using larger logs.   

How long does a Swedish fire log burn

There are a lot of variables that determine the burn time for a Swedish fire log.  Size, type of wood and moisture content are the big three determinants.  Obviously, a small Swedish torch made with dry softwood will burn much faster than a larger hardwood torch.  

All things being equal, you can reasonably get 2-4 hours of burn time with a typical Swedish torch.  Again, the larger the log, the longer it will burn.  

How do you light a one log fire

The beauty of a one log fire is how easily you can light it.  There is no need to carefully construct a pile of tinder and kindling to ensure a roaring blaze.  You also don’t need any special kind of fire starter.

You can light a Swedish torch with just about any fire starting material you can think of.  A single piece of newspaper, a few dry twigs or a compressed fire stick like Diamond’s Strike-A-Fire.  They all work, so choose your favorite.

To get a one log fire going, place a small amount of fire starting tinder into the central chamber of the log.  Then, just light it.  If the log is dry, it will start to burn.  Alternately, light a fire starter stick and just drop it into the top of your Swedish torch.  After a few minutes, your one log fire will flame to life.

My only recommendation is that you avoid any sort of lighter fluids or gas.  I never have trouble lighting a well made Swedish fire log to justify resorting to such measures.  A good dry log combined with a little bit of tinder is always sufficient.  Just be patient and you’ll have a warm fire that is ready to cook on in less than 10 minutes.

Are Swedish fire logs warm

I am often asked if a Swedish torch puts out enough heat to be worth while.  Keep in mind, that we all have a different idea of what “enough” is.  For some, only a giant bonfire generates enough heat to warm their bones.  For others, a small cozy fire and a blanket is all that’s needed.

Personally, I sit somewhere in the middle as I am sure many of you do as well.  However, I was quite surprised by how much heat some of my DIY Swedish fire logs have actually produced.  Sure, it’s not a rip roaring fire but the internally confined fire and coals radiate more heat than you would expect.  

Once a Swedish torch burns past the initial starting phase, its heat output is similar to any other log fire.  The amount of heat also depends on the size of the log.  More fuel means more BTUs sending intense warmth to anyone enjoying the fire.  

Your average 8 inch diameter, 12-18 inch long fire log will generate enough flames to radiate pleasant heat up to 3 or 4 feet from the log.  Larger logs often are unbearably hot to anyone closer than 4 or 5 feet. 

Bottom line, you probably won’t be disappointed with the amount of heat a Swedish fire log puts off.  

Can you cook on a one log fire

You can cook on any fire but one log fires are uniquely suited to camp cooking.  Inherent in the design is a flat cooking surface that creates a level spot to set a frying pan or cooking pot on and a torch like flame that rises from the center of the log.

Bear in mind, in order to cook safely on a one log fire, you need a level cut log placed on solid ground.  Otherwise, your log and food might go sprawling.  In addition, you don’t want to place a pan directly on the wood or you’ll block the top vent and choke the fire.  

The easiest way to create a vented cooking surface is to drive 3 or 4 nails into the top of the log leaving an inch or so of nail head sticking up.  This acts as a level platform for your cooking pan while allowing the flame to rise unimpeded out the top.  Alternatively, you can use a few similarly sized stones to do the same thing.

As a final note to those that want to cook on a Swedish fire log, make sure to do so in the first 30 to 60 minutes.  This is when there is still enough structural integrity in the side of the log to support the weight.  Beyond that, there is a good chance your log will collapse leaving your delicious food laying on the ground.  Oh, and never leave your log unattended while cooking on it.

Can you buy a Swedish fire log

It’s fun making your own DIY Swedish fire log, yet many of you may not be keen on the work it entails.  Good news!  You can buy pre-made one log fires and they work just as well as the homemade versions.

You’ll find one log fires available for purchase at many big box stores.  Check out Lowes, Home Depot, Walmart, sporting good stores and grocery chains.  You can also find them online.  Ace Hardware sells my favorite one log fire, TimberTote.  TimberTote fire logs always burn clean and hot with a 2 hour burn time.  

Honestly though, they are a little pricey.  Usually about $12 per log.  However, there is good reason to spend that money.  While making your own Swedish torch for home use or nearby camping trips is fine, transporting local firewood more than 50 miles is actually illegal.  Don’t believe me?  Check out my article on the laws regarding firewood transport.  

A TimberTote one log fire (or other comparable brand) is actually USDA certified as pest free and safe to transport.  This means you can have a legal and safe fire on your next long distance camping trip.  For that reason alone, I usually buy one log fires as opposed to making my own.

Parting words

Whatever you call them, Swedish fire logs, Canadian candles or one log fires, they are an awesome alternative to traditional fires.  Whether you’re just enjoying a camp fire or needing a good way to cook by flame, one log fires are sure to please.  They are portable, convenient, easy to light and provide hours of mesmerizing fire.  It’s actually surprising that it took so long to gain popularity.  Now that it has, it’s your turn to try it out.  Make your own or buy one already made.  Either way, I’m sure you’ll love a one log fire!

The post 3 Ingenious Ways To Make A Swedish Fire Log appeared first on Cut Stack Burn.

But don’t be so hasty.  Are you sure fires are legal on your slice of the beach?  I’ve built my fair share of beach fires but you should know the rules before following my lead.

In general, you are allowed to build fires on the beach in some areas of the US.  However, beach fires are not legal on all beaches or in all coastal states.  Even in states where fires are legal on coastlines, there are also park or local municipal rules that dictate when and where fire are permitted, if at all.

Ultimately, it is your responsibility to know the rules before you spark up a fire on your favorite spot in the sand.  Good thing for you, I have taken it upon myself to demystify the rules as best I can.  Take a look below to find out everything you need to know before meeting up with friends for a fire on the beach.

Coastal states where beach fires are legal

Here in the US, we are lucky to have thousands of miles of beautiful coastline beaches.  Nearly two dozen states claim all that waterfront access and a handful permit fires on certain beaches.  

Take a look at this list to see which states have public beaches where fires are legal.

• California
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts 
• New York
• North Carolina
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Texas
• Washington

While beach fires might not be strictly prohibited in these states, it doesn’t mean all beaches are fair game.  It’s a good idea to do an internet search to see if fire restrictions are in place for the specific beach you intend to visit.  If you are still in doubt, contact a local fire department for more information.  

In addition, some states like Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine and North Carolina allow fires by permit only.  In such cases, fires are limited to a few select beaches and rules are strictly enforced.  These permits are often obtained by reservation only or are sold at designated locations during very specific times.

Residents in other states, including Washington, Oregon, California, Texas, Florida Maryland, Connecticut and even New York, have plenty of opportunities to relax on the beach and enjoy a fire with only a few restrictions.  Again, fires are not legal on all beaches and burn bans may also be in place during dry months. 

No matter what, always check for rules and regulations regarding fires at any beach you plan to visit.

Coastal states where beach fires are illegal

Not all coastal towns appreciate the smoke, mess and fire hazards that come with beach side fires.  As such, there are a handful of states the outright ban fires on their public beaches.  While there are sure to be exceptions, the states listed below make it clear that beach fires are not permitted along their shores.

• Alabama
• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Georgia
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• South Carolina
• Virginia 

Again, there are exceptions.  New Hampshire may allow fires but only with written permission from a fire marshal, which is more work than you probably care to do.  Other places, like Delaware, have such restrictive permitting processes that it’s not worth while.  However, there are some public bonfires hosted on local beaches during the summer.

In addition, Virginia has one lone beach where fires are legal within designated areas only.  Assateague Beach is a popular spot for camping and beach side fires but the rest of the coastline is a no-go. 

Since I can’t possibly know specific rules for every beach in all these states, there may be other exceptions.  It’s much safer to assume that fires on the beach are illegal unless you find out otherwise from an official source.  

What about fires at beach parks

If the beach you plan on visiting is a state park, national park or some type of community park, there are usually beach fire restrictions in place.  In most cases, park beaches prohibit making fires right on the sand.  Most often, there will be designated fire rings placed were park officials want you to have fires.  Building a fire anywhere else is likely prohibited.

It’s rare, but some parks allow you to have fires on the beach in portable fire pits.  These happen to be a good option for any other beach that allows fires as well.  

Your best bet is to check out the website of the park you plan to visit to see if there are restrictions regarding fires on the beach.  More than likely there are.  When you’re still not sure, ask a park official on duty before sparking up a fire.

Can you bring your own fire pit to the beach

There are a lot of really awesome portable fire pits perfect for enjoying a nice, tidy fire on the beach.  In fact, many public beaches along the coast have regulations that require all beach fires to be contained in your own personal fire pit.  Again, it all comes down to the specific rules of each particular beach.  

Even if you know the beach you’re on doesn’t have any restrictions about fires, a portable fire pit is still a good idea.  Here’s why.  Beach fires leave behind unsightly messes and dangerously hot coals that impact other visitors.  A portable fire pit really cut down on that issue and you’ll have less trouble with local authorities. 

Also, the vast majority of beaches mandate that fires be less than 2 or 3 feet tall and wide.  In other words, no bonfires.  A portable fire pit helps keep your fire from getting too big.

Where should you build a fire on the beach

Once you know that fires are legal on your favorite beach, where do you build it? 

Some public beaches post areas where fires can be built.  The best place to build a fire is in designated fire rings if they are available.  If not, then pick a spot above the high tide line and at least 50 feet from flammable beach grass or shrubs.  You can tell where the high tide line is by looking for a line of washed up material like shells, seaweed or drift wood.

The most important thing to think about when picking a location to build a fire on the beach is potential fire danger if the wind picks up.  Stay well away from large piles of drift wood and vegetation.  It’s also good to dig a shallow pit in the sand.  If you don’t get to wet sand after digging a few inches down, then you are too far above the high tide line.  

Can you bring your own wood for fires on the beach

It seems like driftwood and ocean beaches go hand in hand.  For some, this seems like an excellent source of firewood.  However, it’s not always legal to burn drift wood even if fires are allowed.  

In that case, you can bring your own firewood for a fire on the beach.  Just remember that you should not transport firewood more than 50 miles to your destination to prevent spreading invasive pests.  Instead, purchase firewood locally if you are traveling more than 50 miles to the beach.  

Be aware that not all types of firewood are permitted.  Pallets, construction material or overly large pieces of wood are generally prohibited.  Stick with 16-18 inch pieces of split, dry wood so you don’t run afoul of the regulations.

What about bonfires

The word bonfire gets used a lot when talking about a party on the beach with friends.  However, there is a difference between bonfires and a regular old fire.  Bonfires are big and almost every public beach I have come across prohibits them.  

We all love a giant roaring fire but these huge blazes get out of hand fast.  Ocean winds send sparks and embers flying down the beach where they run the risk of igniting a wildfire.  I have witnessed plenty of tickets being issued to overzealous fire builders on the beach.  

Commonly, beach regulations restrict the size of fires to less than 3 feet in size.  Resist the temptation to pile on large logs or pallets to get a big blaze going.  Fires might be legal but more often than not, bonfires are illegal on the beach.  

How to responsibly have a fire on the beach

You’re ready to have a fire on the beach, right?  I’ll share my favorite way to build a fire on the beach the responsible way.

Step 1:  Pick your spot

Like I said before, always use designated fire pits if available or bring a portable pit.  If you don’t have that option, follow my advice from earlier and choose a safe spot above the high tide line away from flammable vegetation.  

Stay clear of vehicle lanes or walking areas to avoid conflicts.  And don’t forget to look for any signage indicating the area is closed to fires.  Not sure?  Always ask an official or lookup beach regulations.

Step 2:  Prep the pit

Hopefully you brought a shovel but your hands will work just as well.  Dig a shallow fire pit 3 to 6 inches down into the sand.  It’s best if the sand below is moist so there is less risk of fire spreading outside the pit.  Your fire pit should be no more than 3 feet in diameter.

Digging down helps keep the wind from disrupting your fire and blowing embers away.  Sometimes I like to use a larger drift log as a wind brake but make sure you don’t let it catch on fire.

Step 3:  Gather wood 

Now that your spot is selected and your fire pit is ready, it’s time to gather some firewood.  However, before gathering any firewood, make sure it is legal to do so.  Regulations for beaches along natural areas or parks prohibit the gathering of driftwood for any reason.  

No restrictions?  Then start collecting some driftwood to get things going.  Start with small dry pieces for starting the fire and work your way up to 3 or 4 inch diameter pieces.  Avoid long lengths of wood or use a saw or axe to cut pieces down.  

Collect enough wood for a reasonable amount of burn time before lighting the fire.  You don’t want to leave your fire unattended just to go collect more wood.

Step 4:  Light your beach fire

Starting with the smallest sticks, start building a tee-pee shaped structure with fire starting material in the center.  A fire starter or newspaper is fine.  Now, add a few larger pieces and work your way up to a couple big logs.  Use a lighter or propane torch to start your fire.  

Never use lighter fluid or gasoline.  Not only is it illegal but causes thick, black smoke to bellow from the fire.  No one around you will appreciate a fire started with gasoline.

When your fire is lit and burning good, just add logs as needed and enjoy!

Step 5:  Clean up

Part of enjoying a responsible beach fire is returning the beach to the way it was before you got there.  Nobody wants to stare at unsightly piles of charred wood or half burned trash.  

A soon as you are done with the fire, douse it with water until it’s completely out.  Make sure all the coals are cool to the touch incase someone steps there later.  Then, bury any remaining coals with sand.  

Next, return any rocks or logs used as wind breaks to their original locations and pick up any trash you may have left behind.  Finally, take a look around and confirm that everything looks safe and clean so that one day you can come back to enjoy another fire on the beach!

The post Can You Have Fires On The Beach: Everything You Need To Know appeared first on Cut Stack Burn.

For me, it was a constant struggle to stoke a wood stove in such a way that a fire lasted all night.  It never failed, come morning, my wood stove was hardly warm to the touch and I would need to relight the fire.  At some point along the way, a few pros showed me what I was doing wrong. 

Looking back, it is almost embarrassing how easy it is to keep a wood stove burning all night.  The recipe is simple and almost fool proof.  Now that I’ve figured it out, why not learn from my mistakes?  This article is the only guide you need to keep your wood stove burning longer throughout the night without fail.  Best of all, it only takes 4 easy steps to get it right.

4 Steps to build a long lasting fire in a wood stove

Before we get started, I need to point out that every wood stove is different.  Therefore, you should use the steps of this guide as a foundation to get longer burns in your particular wood stove.  Don’t be afraid to tweak the details if something doesn’t work right for you.  

Step 1:

Prepare a hot bed of coals in your wood stove.  If you want a fire that burns throughout the night, you’ll need to set the stage right.  That means building a hot fire with plenty of glowing coals.  It’s this bed of coals that is the foundation of a long burning fire.  To do that, ensure you remove excess ash with only a small amount remaining.  Then, build a fire with well season wood using any method you prefer.  

In general, starting with dry, hot burning kindling will prime the stove pipe so it drafts properly.  Then, add progressively larger wood until you work up to large splits about the diameter of your thigh.  At this point, you’re beginning to nurture a good bed of coals and your wood stove is nice and hot.  

Depending on how you have it dampened, it may take 1 to 3 hours to get to this point.  If you’re planning to start a fire right before hitting the sack, consider using a top-down  approach to building a lasting fire.  However, you can’t beat a well tended fire that’s burned throughout the day when it comes to keeping a wood stove burning all night.   

Step 2:

Position the bed of coals towards the front.  If you nailed the timing, your last log should be reduced to large red hot coals just before heading to bed.  Open your wood stove door and position all the coals towards the front half of your stove using a poker or shovel.  Doing so creates a spot behind for you to place the next stack of wood.  You don’t want to place the logs on top of the coals or all the wood will ignite at once and burn too fast.

You need a sizable pile of coals to make this work though so don’t wait to long and let it all reduce to ash.  The placement of your coal bed also depends on how your stove is designed.  However, most wood stoves have air flowing from the front to the back. Hence, putting coals up front towards the door keeps things burning the right way.

Try experimenting though.  Maybe in your stove, putting coals to one side lets you eke out an hour or more of burn time for the night.  Either way, the idea is to ensure that the coals can only burn the wood from one side.    

Step 3:

Add several large pieces of firewood behind the coals.  With your bed of coals sitting comfortably towards the front, it’s time to add all the wood for the night.  Make sure your firewood is well seasoned and dry.  Otherwise, you’ll get a smokey fire that won’t heat your home.  

It’s important to use fairly large logs for this step.  Log rounds work okay but large splits are better for maintaining a long slow burn.  Use pieces about the size of your thigh as reference.  How many pieces of firewood you need depends on the size of your wood stove.  Typically, 4-6 pieces is enough.  Just don’t over fill it (see below to find out why).  

Place the logs behind the bed of coals, parallel to the front of your wood stove.  For those of you with deep, narrow stoves, try placing logs lengthwise behind the coals instead.  Pack the wood in a tight formation and don’t criss-cross any logs.  The goal is to create a tight bundle of wood with as little space between them as possible. 

Step 4:

Close the door and dampen down the air flow.  With your bed of coals in the front and a tight stack of wood just behind, the coals should be able to slowly consume the logs throughout the night. 

Once you add the firewood to the wood stove, close the door and with the damper open, let the first log catch fire to ensure a thorough burn.  Since your wood stove is well prepared and fully warmed, it should burn now that it’s time to dampen it down.  If you don’t limit the air flow, the whole stack of wood inside will burn fast and hot.  

It takes a little experimentation to know how much your stove can be dampened down before smothering the fire.  To start, I recommend going to full close and then backing off a touch.  One quarter open on the damper is usually plenty.  You know things are going good when there is little to no smoke and you have nice slow, rolling flames biting at the logs.

Your fire should now be ready to burn throughout the night without stoking until morning.  It may take some experimentation to dial in the number of logs or the right setting for the damper.  But after a few nights of trying, you should have it figured out for your stove.  That’s really all there is to it.

What kind of wood burns longer

When it comes to long burns that last through the night, the type of wood you burn is arguably more important than how you prep your wood stove.  Not all wood is created equal.  Every tree species has a different BTU density.  In other words, some wood burns longer and produces more heat than other kinds of wood.

Typically, hardwoods like hickory, oak, cherry and maple burn longer than softwoods such as fir, pine, spruce and cedar.  This is because hardwoods are more dense and therefore have more fuel for the fire to burn.  

That being said, it’s also important to understand that rounds and split logs burn differently, regardless of the species.  Splits have much more surface area for flames to envelop whereas full rounds with bark are naturally flame resistant.  So, it stands to reason that you’ll get the longest burn time from a round of hardwood than any other kind of wood.  

Keep in mind that burn time and heat output are not always correlated.  A smoldering hardwood round that produces little flame and lots of smoke is not going to produce much heat.  Most of the potential BTU is lost as smoke.  A chunk of pine might burn faster with less smoke but you will have captured most of the heat energy available.  

In either case, always burn fully seasoned firewood with a moisture content between 15-20 percent to get the most efficient burn possible.  Make sure to check out my article on how to tell if your firewood is properly seasoned.

Can you put too much wood in a wood stove

Packing your wood stove full of wood to make it last all night seems like a logical strategy.  But is it possible to put too much wood in a wood stove?  

Yes, you can overload a wood stove with wood.  A packed stove can’t get enough air to breath so it smokes and smolders until it’s finally smothered.  On the other hand, an overfilled wood stove with ample air flow can burn too hot.  Over firing in this way causes damage to your stove and increases the risk of chimney fires. 

Therefore, when learning how to get longer burns in a wood stove, work your way up to larger loads before jamming logs into every nook and cranny.  In most cases, 4-6 average sized splits is all you need to get a lasting burn for the night.  If you are worried about it, try using a couple rounds instead.  Log rounds have more volume with less surface area so they burn a little slower. 

Is it safe to leave a wood stove burning all night

The idea of leaving a fire unattended while you sleep is a bit nerve racking if you are not used to doing so.  I certainly would not recommended letting a fire burn throughout the night in an open fireplace but wood stoves are different.

You can safely let a wood stove burn all night.  The fire is fully contained inside when the door is shut so there is no risk of escaping embers.  In addition, a properly functioning wood stove does not release harmful levels of carbon monoxide.  The biggest risk is creosote build up in the chimney so inspect and clean it often. 

Anytime you are burning long, low fires more creosote will develop in the chimney and in the fire box.  If you notice that the glass door blackens quickly, you are likely burning inefficiently.  Try not to dampen down your night time fire too far.  You need to strike a balance between burn time and efficiency to maximize heat output while minimizing creosote development.

As a final note of caution, make sure you know how your wood stove behaves throughout a burn cycle.  Make sure the dampers and air flow controls function properly.  While it is a big steel box designed to burn, avoid ripping hot fires.  This is called over firing and causes damage to your wood stove and increases the potential for chimney fires.

Final thoughts

There are many other ways to get a wood stove to burn longer but this method is definitely the best I have tried.  Again, you may need to tinker with the exact details of the process in order for it to work in your stove.  In the end, the goal is to get an all night burn.  Follow the tips in this article and you won’t have a problem staying toasty warm until morning.

The post How To Keep A Wood Stove Burning All Night In 4 Easy Steps appeared first on Cut Stack Burn.