Discover high-quality firewood in Rutherfordton through Skippers Tree Service. You'll receive carefully seasoned hardwoodsincluding oak, hickory, and even maple- cut to uniform 16" lengths, confirmed at or below 20% moisture through calibrated meters. Our wood is clean, pest-free, and maintained off-ground under breathable covers for optimal, efficient burns. You can expect true cord measurement, moisture-protected delivery, and professional stacking to ventilation and clearance standards. Experience better heat, lower creosote, and steadier coal beds that safeguard your heating system. Keep reading to learn how we ensure dependable quality and service.

Critical Findings
- High-quality hardwoods (maple, hickory, oak) seasoned to 15 to 20 percent moisture, tested with moisture meters for superior burning performance.
- Uniform 16-inch splits, entirely free from pests and mold, stored elevated under breathable covers to maintain premium condition.
- Our moisture-protected trucks deliver within two-hour windows, guaranteeing accurate cord and half-cord measurements through stacked, not heaped, volume verification.
- Optional turnkey stacking provides secure individual row arrangements, bark facing up, with breathable base structures, maintained 6 inches off the ground level, and 1-2 inches away from walls.
- Upfront pricing: complete breakdown of wood volume, delivery zone, stacking, and optional accessories-no surprise fees.
What Defines Premium Firewood in Rutherfordton
Although the term "premium" might appear subjective, in Rutherfordton it features well-defined, measurable requirements: thoroughly cured hardwood (typically oak, hickory, or maple) with moisture content at or below 20%, cut to uniform lengths (usually 16 inches) for effective stove or fireplace operation, without pests, mold, and excessive bark, and kept off-ground under breathable cover to maintain dryness.
Verify moisture content using a precise moisture meter; spot-check multiple splits at the newly exposed interior. Low moisture content guarantees stable combustion, minimal creosote, and improved flue temperatures. Examine end-grain checking, bright tone when knocked, and clear, gray appearance - avoiding green sapwood. Question suppliers regarding sourcing and seasoning methods; professional kilns maintain records of cycle time, temperature, and final moisture levels. Request uniform 16-inch, square splits to optimize air flow and arrangement. Verify pallets or rails elevate stacks and proper covers shed rain without containing humidity.
The Value of Correctly Seasoned Hardwood
Depend on correctly aged hardwood to produce greater heat output per log, cleaner combustion, and more secure operation. You'll notice the difference at the stove: wood seasoned to 15-20% moisture starts reliably, keeps a stable coal bed, and decreases creosote accumulation. That optimizes draft and minimizes chimney fire risk.
Use objective Moisture testing with a testing device on a fresh split face; burn only loads averaging less than 20%. Under this moisture level, Burn efficiency rises because less energy is wasted evaporating water. You obtain increased heat output, more complete oxidation of volatiles, and fewer particulates.
Proper seasoning also reduces smoke and soot, safeguarding catalysts, glass, and flue liners. You'll require less frequent loading, keep steadier flue temperatures, and prolong your appliance's lifespan with cleaner burns.
Available Wood Species and Their Burning Properties
Though moisture content impacts performance, wood species dictates fuel behavior in the firebox. Different woods display varying heat levels, coal production, and spark patterns. Our Oak selections (white and red) offer reliable BTU levels, extended coal retention, and limited popping-excellent for sustained burns and temperature control. Hickory pieces provide more intense and sustained heat compared to oak, producing dense coals and a clean flame when seasoned below 20% moisture; they're perfect for intensive heating needs.
We also offer ash and maple. Ash ignites reliably, even when slightly damp, and delivers steady warmth with minimal creosote accumulation. Maple catches quickly as kindling and shoulder-season burning. Don't burn softwood in indoor fireplaces; increased sap content produces increased fire hazards. Make sure to employ a spark guard, ensure adequate draft, and monitor flue temperatures for secure and effective operation.
Pricing, Delivery, and Stacking Information
You've chosen the ideal species for your fireplace; we'll pair that fuel with precise delivery and stacking options with transparent pricing so you know exactly what you're getting. We schedule curbside delivery within set two-hour windows, employ moisture-protected trucks, and confirm volume by the standard cord or half-cord quantities, not heaped. When we arrive, we confirm access, protect surfaces with mats, and place wood at least 30 feet from structures unless you request turnkey stacking.
Pick either stacking services or drop-only delivery. For stacked deliveries, we create secure row formations on even, ventilated bases, using bark-up orientation, placed 1-2 inches from walls, and lifted 6 inches off ground to reduce wicking issues. Our pricing structure includes cordage, delivery area, stacking labor per linear foot, and additional items including racks or covers. We never add hidden fees for fuel or handling.
How Skippers Guarantees Service Standards and Quality
From start to finish, Skippers maintains uniform results through standardized protocols and verified measurements. Customers receive wood professionally classified by type, dimensions, and humidity levels confirmed with calibrated meters. The company aims for 15-20% moisture, remove non-conforming pieces, and classify inventory with traceable lot IDs. Moisture reduction processes are documented, so all firewood performs optimally and securely.
Before delivery, quality specialists conduct quality checks: random-sample moisture testing, visual examinations for pests, mold, and excess bark, and quantity confirmation via cubic measurement. Crews follow PPE and load-securement protocols to eliminate contamination and injuries. After delivery, Skippers completes the feedback loop with client responses, analyzing burning quality, smoke profile, and lighting speed. Identified trends prompts corrective measures, retraining, or procedural updates, maintaining reliable heating performance and low creosote risk.
Common Questions
Are Kiln-Dried Firewood Certifications Available for Pest Compliance?
Indeed, we offer request kiln-dried firewood with treatment certification documenting pest compliance. Our drying process follows to USDA/APHIS standards (160°F/71.1°C core temperature for 75-90 minutes), check with calibrated probes, and record batch IDs, timestamps, and moisture readings. You'll receive a treatment certificate and custody verification meeting requirements for regulatory inspections and interstate transport. Furthermore, we implement sanitation protocols, separate untreated wood, and perform spot audits to ensure reliable, protected, compliant fuelwood.
Can I Schedule Seasonal Firewood Deliveries on a Regular Basis?
You're able to arrange periodic seasonal firewood deliveries. Select from weekly deliveries or seasonal subscriptions aligned with your consumption patterns and BTU requirements. Our loads are precisely measured, keep moisture levels (typically ≤20% MC), and position materials using correct orientation to promote airflow and safety. Simply specify entry guidelines, containment location, and species mix. We validate dates, weather contingencies, and driveway load limits to eliminate rutting or tipping. Adjust frequency anytime; we accommodate pauses and rush deliveries.
What Moisture Levels Should I Expect When My Order is Delivered?
Typically, you'll find readings showing 10-15% for kiln dried wood and 18-22% in air dried lumber. Take measurements on freshly split faces, not ends, utilizing a calibrated testing device at room temperature. Collect multiple readings from each log and find the mean. Store wood off the ground, keeping the top-covered and sides open, to prevent moisture returning. When measurements exceed targets, re-season before indoor combustion to minimize creosote, improve BTU output, and preserve appliance safety.
Do You Cut Custom Lengths for Pizza Ovens and Smokers?
Indeed, you can request custom-cut lengths for smokers and pizza ovens. Simply specify your firebox dimensions, and we'll provide precision cuts to exact tolerances. For pizza ovens, we offer thin slices and shorter splits to speed ignition and maintain consistent heat. For smokers, we cut uniform chunks or splits for clean smoke and consistent burning. Each piece is check here measured with precision tools, deburr edges to reduce splinter risk, and dry to optimal levels for optimal results.
Are Sustainable Packaging and Pallet Options Available?
Yes, you've got sustainable solutions. Sustainable, smart solutions start with Reusable containers that repel water and maintain load integrity per ASTM D6251 standards. We also offer Eco-friendly wrapping developed using compostable films that minimize microplastic risk and satisfy EN 13432 criteria. We ensure pallet stability with secure load parameters, corner protection, and strap tension testing to prevent shift or shear. We deliver smooth operations, reduced waste, and sustainable, eco-certified packaging.
Final Thoughts
Ready to upgrade your burn? You'll receive premium, seasoned hardwood that starts quickly, burns longer, and keeps creosote risk low. Studies indicate firewood at 20% moisture content delivers up to 40% more thermal output than green wood while decreasing smoke output and flue buildup. You'll pick from proven species, get safe, clean delivery and stacking, and transparent pricing. With Skippers' calibrated moisture checks and standardized lengths, you'll heat efficiently, protect your stove and flue, and have worry-free fires all season long.