Best Chainsaw Size For Cutting Firewood

Choosing the best chainsaw size for cutting firewood is a difficult decision. There are many factors to consider, including your physical strength, experience with saws and understanding the difference between electric corded chainsaws, battery-powered chainsaws and gasoline chainsaws.

Chainsaws range in size from 10 inches up to 27 inches. The most popular chainsaw is around 16-18 inches long because this length fits comfortably in most people’s hands without being too heavy or tiring to use for prolonged periods of time.

You should also consider how much wood you need cut per day, as well as how often you plan on using the chain saw before deciding which size will be best for you

Hyundai 62cc 20” Petrol Chainsaw, 2-Stroke...
DUC353Z Twin 18V (36V) Li-ion LXT 35cm Brushless...
BLACK+DECKER 18V Lithium-ion Chainsaw Cordless...
Name
Hyundai 62cc 20” Petrol Chainsaw, 2-Stroke...
DUC353Z Twin 18V (36V) Li-ion LXT 35cm Brushless...
BLACK+DECKER 18V Lithium-ion Chainsaw Cordless...
Dimensions
‎88.9 x 26 x 28 cm
‎53.8 x 22.58 x 26.7 cm
‎22.1 x 41.2 x 24 cm
Weight
7 Kilograms
4.04 Kilograms
3.1 Kilograms
Saw Blade Length
50 cm
35 cm
25 cm
Hyundai 62cc 20” Petrol Chainsaw, 2-Stroke...
Name
Hyundai 62cc 20” Petrol Chainsaw, 2-Stroke...
Dimensions
‎88.9 x 26 x 28 cm
Weight
7 Kilograms
Saw Blade Length
50 cm
DUC353Z Twin 18V (36V) Li-ion LXT 35cm Brushless...
Name
DUC353Z Twin 18V (36V) Li-ion LXT 35cm Brushless...
Dimensions
‎53.8 x 22.58 x 26.7 cm
Weight
4.04 Kilograms
Saw Blade Length
35 cm
BLACK+DECKER 18V Lithium-ion Chainsaw Cordless...
Name
BLACK+DECKER 18V Lithium-ion Chainsaw Cordless...
Dimensions
‎22.1 x 41.2 x 24 cm
Weight
3.1 Kilograms
Saw Blade Length
25 cm

Light-duty cutting jobs like pruning, trimming, and small cutting is best done with electric chainsaws – it is a fast means to get your job done. However, the heavier the tree cutting jobs, the more it requires a stronger engine and thicker running bar blades that operate on a mixture of oil and gasoline.

The last thing you want to do is buy a chainsaw that won’t meet your firewood cutting demands. This can turn the whole sawing idea into a frustrating feast, such circumstances don’t just make you tired as a user, it also wears/burns out the tool.

Chainsaws are used for all sorts of purposes and are one of the most versatile tools in today’s market. From cutting firewood to clearing away logs. The chainsaw has gradually become an easy tool if you can get a hold of its techniques; moreover, everyone needs a good chainsaw every now and then especially if you are planning on cutting firewood.

Most homeowners struggle to identify which size of chainsaw is more suitable for cutting firewood.

For most saw users, the 18-inches chainsaw is the best length to buy because it can handle 90% of the trees you are likely to cut down. Alternatively, some professionals prefer a 20 to 24-inches chainsaw because of thicker woods.

Best Chainsaw Size For Cutting Firewood

To help you with your decision I have created this guide that will take you through what to look for when deciding on a firewood chainsaw.

Some of the key points in this guide include – the type of wood, personal preference, size of logs and budget constraints.

Best Chainsaw Size For Firewood Cutting

Hyundai Petrol Chainsaw

Sale
Hyundai Petrol Chainsaw
The compact size of this chainsaw makes it easy to manoeuvre around tight spaces with ease, whilst also being light enough at only 6.8kg to allow for prolonged usage without the need of a break.

The Hyundai 62CC Petrol Chainsaw is a triple-action power tool that will take all the hard work out of tackling any job in the garden, farm or factory. It’s equipped with an air-cooled 2-stroke engine for low fuel consumption and lower emissions yet still maintaining plenty of cutting power. Other features include 20″ bar & chain to tackle anything from large trees down to smaller garden clearance jobs.

With three years of Hyundai’s Platinum Warranty available, the HYC62X is a ruthlessly reliable performer. With an air-cooled engine design that reduces both fuel consumption and emissions whilst maintaining a powerful cutting speed.

This Hyundai Petrol Chainsaw is fitted with Hyundai’s own 20-inch bar & chain, capable of tackling anything from large trees to more deft garden clearance jobs that you may have around your home or workplace.

Makita Brushless Chainsaw

Makita Brushless Chainsaw
This cordless gas powered model features two powerful 24 ˝ inch cut capacity and is lightweight so it can handle big tasks with ease.

Whether you’re looking for a chainsaw to clear trails or cut firewood in your woodlot, the Makita DUC353Z Twin 18V (36V) Li-Ion LXT Brushless 350mm Chainsaw is the tool for tough jobs.

This cordless gas-powered model features two powerful 24 ˝ inch cut capacity and weighs just 14lb so it can handle big tasks with ease. You’ll feel safe with the steel cutter bar protection and ergonomic design that stays set at one of two speeds without kicking back when under strain thanks to its electrical brake mode – perfect for those long days where safety is the top priority.

Stay productive even on wet or dirty terrain thanks to its kickback brake option that helps reduce kickback forces and protect both fuel lines.

Makita is the industry leader in chainsaws, and this new model is a perfect example of why. Advanced technology with brushless motors for more power and efficiency has made the DUC353Z king of chainsaws. The cordless feature eliminates a lot of common maintenance problems.

With variable speed control, it’s versatile enough to cut through both thick logs and delicate twigs with ease.

The Makita DUC353Z Twin 18V (36V) Li-Ion LXT Brushless 350mm Chainsaw will meet all of your needs while giving you the highest product quality available today.

BLACK+DECKER 18v Chainsaw

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BLACK+DECKER 18v Chainsaw
Get the precision you need with this 24 cm BLACK+DECKER 18v cordless chainsaw that's ergonomically designed to ensure easy use.

BLACK+DECKER understands that safety is of paramount importance while cutting trees or pruning plants indoors. They designed their 18V chainsaw with this in mind; it has extra safety features such as an automatic electronic brake and chain tightening device for added peace of mind during use.

The machine also offers 220 cuts per charge: double what you would usually get from other brands! Now you can work all day long without worrying about running out of power halfway through your shift.

At 3.1 kg, it is lightweight enough to mean that your arms won’t ache where they would if you had to carry something heavier.

Unlike most other batteries on this market, which offer reduced endurance over time with traditional NiCad or NiMH batteries (which can last for up two hours before dying), the BLACK+DECKER Chain Saw uses Lithium-Ion power cells which provide 30 percent longer run times. This also means that there are no harmful emissions.

The chainsaw has a lock-off safety switch that feels like two switches must be pressed at the same time to start the chainsaw, which removes any chance of accidental start.

This chainsaw is perfect for amateurs who want to cut firewood and remove tree branches. It’s cordless which makes it safer and easier to use than traditional, corded chainsaws.

Bosch UniversalChain Cordless Chainsaw

Bosch UniversalChain Cordless Chainsaw
The Bosch UniversalChain 18 saws branches and trees at a speed of 4 m/s. The ratio of chain speed to weight is balanced to ensure a quick finish.

The UniversalChain 18 is the most popular Bosch chain saw because of its unmatched speed and ease of use. From firewood to tree trunks, you’ll love how this baby cuts down anything in your way.

This chainsaw operates on an 18 V battery, which has a voltage of 2.5 Ah and can give you up to 450 cuts on one charge when fully charged. Hassle no more when firewood or tree-cutting season comes around because the UniversalChain 18 chainsaw will have all your needs covered.

The Bosch UniversalChain 18 Cordless Chainsaw guarantees that any type of wood can be cut down in record time, while its balance ratio that allows you to work without getting too tired ensures a speedy job with clean cuts every time.

It has an Oregon 90 SG chain and 200 mm blade length, which are both guaranteed to make quick work without taking more effort on behalf of the user. The battery voltage capacity is up to 2.5 Ah, meaning your sawing efficiency won’t be hindered despite how much power you use!

BLACK+DECKER GB Corded Chainsaw

BLACK+DECKER GB Corded Chainsaw
Thanks to this BLACK+DECKER CS2245-GB Corded Chainsaw, 45 cm, 2200 W you're only seconds away from hassle-free and professional cutting.

The BLACK+DECKER CS2245 2,200 W Corded Chainsaw features up to 45 cm cut capacity. With a strong engine that doesn’t tip over easily and has the power to cut through tough logs quickly, this chainsaw is just what you need for cutting tasks.

The patented SDS Tool system also enables users to quickly change the position of the chain according to their needs – not only does it adjust by detaching or adding links depending on wood type, but maintains perfect tension so it stays durable.

This product’s low-kickback feature lessens recoil during use which means your arm won’t get tired as fast when working hard. Its automatic oiling system ensures precision cuts are always made with ease.

This chainsaw is perfect for anyone who needs a neat way to get rid of that troublesome garden debris without having to worry about safety aspects.

The built-in safety features mean you can work with peace of mind and you can adjust blade tension on the fly so that it offers higher performance.

Ryobi 40cm Chainsaw

Ryobi 40cm Chainsaw
The Ryobi RCS2340B is one of the lightest and safest chainsaws on the market. It's perfect for cutting through large logs, branches or timber, but will also tackle all your household chores too.

This 40cm electric chainsaw is powerful enough for professional tasks such as cutting through large logs, branches and timber.

The Ryobi RCS2340B features a 2300W motor that requires no maintenance and produces no emissions; the need to store petrol at home is unnecessary.

Due to its lightweight and anti-vibration system, this chainsaw also contributes towards increased user safety. The electric chain brake with mechanical function ensures that if required, the tool can be stopped instantly without worrying about injury or spoiling material being cut with the saw teeth.

With its automatic chain brake, you never have to worry about accidental kickbacks again. As it’s so quiet compared with petrol models, you can use it without disturbing your neighbours.

OREGON Cordless Lithium-Ion Battery Chainsaw

OREGON Cordless Lithium-Ion Battery Chainsaw
This cordless lithium ion battery chainsaw is the most powerful rechargeable saw you can buy without trailing cables. It features a brushless motor with plenty of power to tackle your toughest jobs, and it's lightweight for easy handling.

This is a professional chainsaw saw for cutting firewood

The Oregon CS300 Cordless Lithium-Ion Battery Chainsaw is a lightweight, stylish and powerful chainsaw. With the battery only weighing 5.4kg, this saw can be used with ease on those long jobs without the hassle of cords and cables getting in your way.

The brushless motor ensures fast and reliable performance as well as zero emissions for those people who may feel concerned about that type of thing.

This cordless device delivers powerful performance while remaining reasonably priced. Built into the design of the CS300 are clever features like an on-board PowerSharp that sharpens your blade in seconds, ensuring consistent cutting speeds.

Another great design idea is that no tools are necessary to tighten or change your chain which will save you valuable time when it comes to maintaining your equipment.

Choosing the Chainsaw for You

No one would want to spend money on a poorly designed tool. So, how do you know the best? The factors below are to be considered before buying a chainsaw for firewood work.

3 Things To Consider When Purchasing A Chainsaw For Cutting Firewood

  1. Durability: When choosing a chainsaw, make sure it is made out of high-quality materials and should be built to last long – do not fret, the best chainsaws will be discussed in this article.
  2. Easy to use: Whether you are an expert or a beginner, a chainsaw should not be difficult to use than it ought to; this means if your chainsaw seems too complicated for you as a user, you might need an expert pair of hands. So, it is ideal you go for something you could use after reading a manual or watching an online video.
  3. Weight: Weight is another vital factor to consider when purchasing your chainsaw. You should know that the more you shove your chainsaw into a tree, the heavier it is going to get. Also, keep in mind that batteries can add a lot of weight to your saw. (See previous post on chainsaw weight.)

What Is The Best Size To Cut Firewood?

Basically, there are two general rules for cutting the right side of each piece of firewood.

  • Cut it no longer than 18inches, with 16 inches being the most ideal for indoor fireplaces.
  • Cut it no thicker than 18inches with 3 to 6 inches being the most ideal size for indoor fireplaces.

Saw Tips: If you are cutting down average size trees between 14 to 16 inches in diameter, then you will want a saw size between 16 to 18 inches bar blade.

If you are to take down a massive tree that spans 20 to 24 inches wide (see post on how big of a chainsaw do I need?)

Saw Tips: Most professionals would recommend an 18inch chainsaw for firewood jobs; which is the best length to buy because it can handle 90% of the trees you are likely to cut down. Well, as for the other 10%, you will want a 20 to 24 inches chainsaw, and that’s if you want to cut a very thick wood.

Conclusion; Judge By Job Nature Not The Size

Before purchasing any chainsaw, consider the following; the job, the chainsaw size and features.

Chainsaws for firewood jobs do not necessarily need to be humongous and armed with large blades. Simply choose any of the saws that have been listed earlier, and you can begin cutting your firewood!

Last update on 2024-04-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API