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How much wood can a seller chuck?
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Bill Spithaler of Gustavus Hardwoods cuts firewood.
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Bill Spithaler of Gustavus Hardwoods shows some firewood.
By Jon Moffett
How much wood can a seller chuck?
FARMDALE — Temperatures in the Mahoning Valley are beginning to drop as quickly as gas prices.
With the winter season fast approaching, many people are looking for more cost-effective ways to heat their homes. One such option is firewood.
“It is a nice option to turn the heat down and rely on the firewood as a type of heating, especially with the holidays coming up,” said Kaleigh Frazier, public information officer for the Ohio Department of Agriculture. “It’s a cheaper alternative that can go hand in hand with heating.”
Frazier said people may not fully understand exactly how to buy firewood. The ODA has issued a statement urging homeowners to shop for wood with caution.
“It’s very important as we go into the firewood season that everyone is informed of the laws,” Frazier said. “It’s positive for both the seller and the consumer.”
There are certain regulations associated with the sale of firewood, Frazier said. Everything from the species to how much wood can be sold is regulated by the ODA’s Division of Weights and Measures.
Companies such as Gustavus Hardwoods in Farmdale understand just how confusing the purchases can be.
“I think the average homeowner doesn’t realize what they need to buy or what to look for,” said Bill Spithaler, land coordinator for the company. “A lot of homeowners don’t realize or don’t know what kind of questions to ask.”
Spithaler said he’s been working with firewood for more than 25 years, since he was still in school. The company gets firewood from logging jobs in Trumbull and Mahoning counties. He said consumers often are unaware of how firewood should be purchased and sold.
“The average property owner, from what I’ve seen, doesn’t know exactly what a cord is,” said Spithaler.
A cord is the legal way firewood should be sold. A cord is 8 feet long, 4 feet deep and 4 feet high (128 cubic feet). Firewood is supposed to be sold in cords or fractions or cords, said Frazier.
The price of firewood varies; Gustavus Hardwoods’ price is $150 a cord and that includes delivery — stacking it is extra.
Spithaler said quantity is only one of the things consumers should be aware of when buying firewood.
“People have been taken advantage of before,” Spithaler said. “A lot of people just sell it by the truckload and their customers don’t know the laws.”
Spithaler said conscientious buyers should inquire about the wood, including the type, age, length of the pieces and method of transport. Even the experience of the company is fair game.
Frazier suggested consumers request a receipt for their purchases and measure and photograph what they receive. If consumers have any problems with a seller, they should contact their county department of weights and measures.
“The ODA wants consumers to know that there is something that can be done about it,” Frazier said. “Educating yourself about the firewood industry is very important before you go out and buy.”
Spithaler said many of his customers remember his company when they need to buy firewood.
“We’ve had some customers for the past 10 to 12 years,” he said.
Spithaler said he makes follow-up calls to customers to ensure their satisfaction with the product, and offers advice to those looking to purchase for the first time.
“Find a reputable dealer and stick with them,” Spithaler said.
jmoffett@vindy.com