How difficult can it be to properly stack and light wood in the fire bowl? In fact, this undertaking is uncomplicated - as long as you use the right wood and the right technology. The wrong type of wood or even damp wood as well as other errors quickly lead to smoke and flying sparks. Both can be avoided.
How do I properly stack wood in a fire bowl?
To properly layer wood in a fire bowl, use softwood and hardwood. Layer the softwood (e.g. fir, spruce) at the bottom of the fire bowl and place hardwood (e.g. oak, beech) on top. The classic pyramid shape or block layering are proven techniques.
Which fuel is suitable for the fire bowl?
To light wood, you need two different types of wood: a softwood (e.g. fir or spruce) and a hardwood (e.g. oak or beech). Softwood has the property of being very easy to ignite. But it doesn't burn for long and hardly forms any embers. Hard wood, on the other hand, is difficult to ignite, but burns for a very long time and glows well. Therefore, you take softwood logs to light the fire - which is why they are placed in the bottom center of the fire bowl - and layer the hardwood logs on top. You can also use charcoal instead of softwood. Only use well-seasoned and dry wood with a maximum residual moisture of 20 percent. Burning fresh, damp wood is prohibited due to the strong smoke produced.
Properly layer wood in the fire bowl
There are various options for layering the wood, with the two described below proving to be particularly practical.
The classic pyramid shape
The best way to proceed with this type of layering is as follows:
- Crumple up two or three pages of a daily newspaper and place them in the center of the fire bowl.
- Place thin softwood chips or branches around it in a pyramid shape.
- This is followed by a layer of slightly thicker softwood branches.
- First light this pyramid on paper.
- The flame should transfer to the softwood.
- If necessary, you can also use grill lighters.
- Once the fire has started, gradually add more, larger logs.
- Now use hardwood.
- However, not too many logs at once, otherwise the flame will be smothered.
The block layering
This layering has also proven to be effective, although you must always ensure there is sufficient distance between the logs: this is the only way to ensure that the fire is supplied with oxygen.
- Place softwood blocks parallel to each other in the fire bowl, three centimeters apart.
- This is followed by a second layer, but rotated by 90°.
- Light the wood, using newspaper and/or grill lighter if necessary.
- Now add more hardwood logs, but not too many at once.
Tip
Never use an accelerant such as gasoline. A flash of flames can quickly occur here, potentially seriously injuring bystanders.