Ah, firewood… Winter is approaching and you’re thinking maybe it’s time to stock up on logs for your stove or fireplace. And then, BAM, you come across a tempting offer: firewood at 40 euros per cubic meter. Sounds like a good deal, right? But wait, before you jump on it, there are a few nuances to be aware of. So, sit back and let me guide you through the world of cubic meters, wood species, and prices that are sometimes too good to be true.
What is a cubic meter of wood and how is it measured?
Well, let’s start at the beginning: what is a cubic meter? You’ve probably heard this term before, but in fact, a cubic meter is not as simple as you think. A cubic meter corresponds to 1 cubic meter of wood stacked with one-meter-long logs. So far, so good. But if you cut these logs into smaller pieces, the space between the logs changes, and the usable volume does too. For example, a cubic meter of 33 cm logs is no longer 1 m³ but rather 0.70 m³. Yeah, not very logical at first glance, but that’s how it works.
Here’s a little table to clarify the correspondence between the log length and the volume in cubic meters:
| Log Length | Volume in cubic meters | Equivalent stacked wood m³ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 meter | 1 cubic meter | 1 m³ |
| 50 cm | 1 cubic meter | 0.80 m³ |
| 33 cm | 1 cubic meter | 0.70 m³ |
| 25 cm | 1 cubic meter | 0.60 m³ |
So if you buy your wood in bulk, especially short logs, you will need more cubic meters to reach the volume you imagine. And there, you already see that 40 euros per cubic meter can quickly become unclear if you don’t pay attention to the size of the logs.
The most economical wood species at 40 euros
Now that you know what a cubic meter is, let’s see what types of wood you can get for this famous price. Spoiler alert: it all depends on the wood species you choose.
Oak: The king of heating
If you’re looking for performance, oak is your best ally. This dense and resistant wood guarantees a slow combustion with excellent calorific efficiency. In short, it heats strongly and for a long time, but don’t dream too much: at 40 euros per cubic meter, you’ll have a hard time finding oak, especially well dried. This type of wood generally costs more.
Beech and Ash: The good compromise
Beech and Ash are slightly less dense than oak, but they still offer good combustion quality. Additionally, they burn quite evenly, without too many sparks. If you’re looking for a versatile wood at a reasonable price, these two are excellent choices. Again, at 40 euros per cubic meter, you may end up with slightly more moisture in the logs, affecting their calorific power.
Softwood: The cheap option… but with compromises
Finally, for 40 euros, you might find spruce, fir, or other softwoods. These woods burn quickly, so they won’t keep you warm all night, but they can do the job for occasional use. It’s not the top in terms of efficiency, but at this price, it’s often what will be offered to you.
Factors influencing the price of a cubic meter of wood
You’re probably wondering why prices vary so much? It’s simple, several key factors come into play.
Log length and moisture content
As we saw earlier, the log length directly influences the actual volume of wood you get. But there’s also another crucial factor: moisture content. Dry wood (with less than 20% moisture) is more expensive because it’s ready to use. However, if you buy wood to dry yourself, it will be cheaper… but you’ll have to wait a few months (or even a year) before using it. In other words, 40 euros per cubic meter is often for slightly moist wood.
The ideal buying period
The price of wood also varies depending on the season. In summer, you’ll find lower prices because demand is lower. But as soon as the cold weather sets in, prices rise. So, if you want to save money, buy your wood in summer and store it in a dry and ventilated place.
Where to buy firewood at 40 euros in France?
You can buy your wood from various suppliers: local markets, agricultural cooperatives, or even online. Specialized platforms that deliver directly to your home also offer competitive prices. But watch out for delivery costs! Cheap wood can quickly become expensive if you live far from the source.
How to properly store your wood to optimize combustion?
So, now that you’ve bought your wood, the next step is to store it properly. Because if you want to enjoy good combustion and prevent your wood from getting damp, there are a few rules to follow:
- Choose a dry and ventilated place: Ideally, a covered shelter that allows air to circulate between the logs.
- Stack your logs correctly: To maximize airflow, stack them in a zigzag pattern. And most importantly, don’t let them sit directly on the ground to avoid moisture.
Proper storage will ensure you have dry wood ready to burn when you need it.
Is it really a good deal?
So, this famous firewood at 40 euros per cubic meter, is it a good deal or a scam? It all depends on what you’re looking for. If you want high-quality, well-dried wood ready to heat your home all winter, this price might be too low. But if you’re looking to save money and are willing to store slightly moist wood to dry it yourself, you might find it worthwhile.
Points to check before buying:
- Log length (to ensure you receive the expected volume)
- Moisture content (dry or to be dried?)
- Delivery costs (sometimes hidden in the total price)
In summary
You see, 40 euros per cubic meter isn’t necessarily a scam, but you need to know what to expect. Choose your wood species wisely, consider the time of purchase, and most importantly, store it correctly to optimize its efficiency. So, are you ready to heat your home all winter with your affordable wood?
And if this article helped you see things more clearly, feel free to share it with your friends or check out our other guides to choose the right firewood and save on your energy bill!
Pascal Petibon, born in 1980 in Lyon, is a renowned journalist and author, passionate about information and communication. After earning a degree in journalism from the University of Paris, he quickly joined various editorial teams, where he became known for his sharp analysis and clear writing style.
