How to deal with firewood at Airbnb

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How to deal with firewood at Airbnb

Account Closed
Rental Property Investor · Dallas, TX · Member since 2020 · 155 posts · 44 votes

One of the main selling points of my Airbnb is the outdoor fire pit.

My question is this: Firewood is expensive. How do I provide wood to customers?

Do my cleaners set out a specified amount according to length of stay? Do I provide a certain amount for free and charge for any additional wood?

Your help is appreciated!

Thanks,

Nick

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Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
Moderator
Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
5y
Originally posted by @Account Closed:

One of the main selling points of my Airbnb is the outdoor fire pit.

My question is this: Firewood is expensive. How do I provide wood to customers?

Do my cleaners set out a specified amount according to length of stay? Do I provide a certain amount for free and charge for any additional wood?

I use the Duraflame Fire Logs. They burn for a about three hours to provide the ambience most vacationers are looking for, but there's no mess and almost no risk of damage to your property. They make fancier ones that include "crackle" noises and make it more realistic. I put these in my vacation rental and get really good feedback because they light easy, provide just the right amount of flame, and guests don't have to worry about stuffing more wood in or risk burning the place down.

The cost is about $7 per log, but you are paying for simplicity and safety. I'm hoping to buy an entire pallet to cut the price down and keep a supply for the year.

https://www.amazon.com/Durafla...

If you're looking for something kids can roast marshmallows over, this may not be the product for you. They do work fine outside, but I wouldn't recommend them in a windy environment.

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  • John UnderwoodPro Member
    Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    5y

    If you provide an outdoor firepit then you should provide an adequate supply of it for your Vrbo. You don't want someone trying to chop down trees to burn in your back yard.

    Just buy a truck load and have it delivered as needed.

    2Reply
  • Paul Sandhu
    Investor · The worst town to live in, KS · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    5y

    Maynge, don't you know anyone that lives out in the country and has a few chainsaws and a dumptruck?  Every year my wife and I cut enough firewood to fill the back of a dumptruck and we take it to all the properties with firepits and restock them.

    3Reply
  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    5y
    Originally posted by @Account Closed:

    One of the main selling points of my Airbnb is the outdoor fire pit.

    My question is this: Firewood is expensive. How do I provide wood to customers?

    Do my cleaners set out a specified amount according to length of stay? Do I provide a certain amount for free and charge for any additional wood?

    I use the Duraflame Fire Logs. They burn for a about three hours to provide the ambience most vacationers are looking for, but there's no mess and almost no risk of damage to your property. They make fancier ones that include "crackle" noises and make it more realistic. I put these in my vacation rental and get really good feedback because they light easy, provide just the right amount of flame, and guests don't have to worry about stuffing more wood in or risk burning the place down.

    The cost is about $7 per log, but you are paying for simplicity and safety. I'm hoping to buy an entire pallet to cut the price down and keep a supply for the year.

    https://www.amazon.com/Durafla...

    If you're looking for something kids can roast marshmallows over, this may not be the product for you. They do work fine outside, but I wouldn't recommend them in a windy environment.

    The DIY Landlord Book4.7243 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    7Reply
  • Luke CarlPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Tennessee Florida · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    5y

    @Nicholas Aja. I’m anti fire pit and converted fireplace to electric. I’m no help sorry

    Podcast Guest on Show From Surviving on $30/Day to 30+ Properties Thanks to Blue-Collar Skills
    1Reply
  • John UnderwoodPro Member
    Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    5y

    For an outdoor fire pit you can burn pine logs, which may be cheaper if you can find a truck load of them. 

    2Reply
  • Leora Merrell
    Rental Property Investor · Member since 2019 · 276 posts · 235 votes
    5y

    We have a fire pit at all of our properties and it’s pretty much every guests favorite part about it. I get comments all the time about them. We don’t provide wood and I say that in the listing. I tell them wood is sold at nearly every gas station and grocery store and I’ve never had a single complaint. If you do provide, plan on restocking very often. There have been times we’ve left some because we’ve knocked down old trees or somethings. Guests will welcome themselves to an insane amount of it.

    3Reply
  • Michael Plante
    Deland, FL · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    5y
    Originally posted by @Leora Merrell:

    We have a fire pit at all of our properties and it’s pretty much every guests favorite part about it. I get comments all the time about them. We don’t provide wood and I say that in the listing. I tell them wood is sold at nearly every gas station and grocery store and I’ve never had a single complaint. If you do provide, plan on restocking very often. There have been times we’ve left some because we’ve knocked down old trees or somethings. Guests will welcome themselves to an insane amount of it.

     BOOM!

    close thread 

    1Reply
  • Jonathan Paul Shortt
    Rental Property Investor · Dallas, TX · Member since 2017 · 64 posts · 73 votes
    5y

    @Michael Plante

    I second this. We do not provide the firewood either. Too hard to judge how much each guest will use and some will complain that there wasn’t enough. Have never had a complaint we don’t provide it though and we don’t have to spend the money!

    1Reply
  • Cody Benedetto
    Member since 2021 · 67 posts · 52 votes
    5y

    I don't have a vacation rental "yet" but I know that when I do, I will be clear that no clearing/cutting of trees is allowed and guests are responsible for their own firewood. It's one less expense and thing to worry about. Also, chances are that most guests will leave any leftovers so there may be some bonus wood here and there. 

    0Reply
  • Joe SplitrockPro Member
    Moderator
    Rental Property Investor · Sioux Falls, SD · Member since 2015 · 9k+ posts · 18k+ votes
    5y

    I had a deck at a rental property start on fire from embers that blew out of a fire pit. We tell tenants not to use any wood fireplaces in our properties. Fire risk is a real thing. Even at my own home, we have a gas fire pit.

    Others provided good suggestions for supplying wood. The only think I would add as someone who has camped and RV'd a fair amount is that I have never seen wood supplied. Most gas stations sell wood, so maybe just give guests directions on where to buy it. Just state right in the listing that a fire pit is provided, but guest must pick up wood.

    1Reply
  • Brady Richard
    Brusly, LA · Member since 2017 · 44 posts · 36 votes
    5y

    In my opinion and experience, It should come down to the level of service you are providing. As with most amenities or services you should build those into the cost and pass the expense on to the consumer. Additional charges for firewood could potentially be viewed as petty from a guest perspective; especially if the property has a fire pit or fireplace. Nothing is worse than to be nickel and dimed. If you're providing a luxury or high end property, it should probably be expected that fire wood would be provided; especially considering the logistics of obtaining firewood that could potentially be laborious or troublesome and inconvenient. Look at it from the perspective of the guest...they are likely staying in your property for an experience and to escape the daily grind; providing the firewood would eliminate that concern and likely result in better reviews. (for something they paid for and you did not have to do anything except make a phone call to the supplier). I've stayed in high end cabins that provided an experience, complete with an endless supply of firewood. Some the host indicated that it was provided, others did not but the attention to detail was appreciated and enjoyed. From my perspective as a guest I believe it would be a good idea to provide the firewood. If your property is not a high end property and you believe your average guest would not mind fetching their own wood, perhaps you could provide a reasonable starter supply and provide them with a telephone number of a local supplier that you have pre-arranged and would be open to delivering on short notice.

    2Reply
  • John Cornelius
    FL · Member since 2019 · 73 posts · 54 votes
    5y

    Not to hijack the thread - Is anyone concerned about the liability aspect? I'm afraid to get a fire pit because someone could fall on it!

    Then again, I really want to get one for the ambiance and "Instagramability" of the property. 

    0Reply
  • Paul Sandhu
    Investor · The worst town to live in, KS · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    5y
    Originally posted by @John Cornelius:

    Not to hijack the thread - Is anyone concerned about the liability aspect? I'm afraid to get a fire pit because someone could fall on it!

    Then again, I really want to get one for the ambiance and "Instagramability" of the property. 

     I fabricated all three of my fire pits.  You just need an angle grinder and a mig welder.  3'x3', 2'x4', 4'x4'.  If you can tie your shoes in the dark, you can mig weld.

    1Reply
  • Cathryn Sta
    Investor · San Francisco · Member since 2020 · 39 posts · 28 votes
    5y

    @Nicholas Aja

    I use Hipcamp a lot. Typically wood is not provided but a single bundle is often available as an add-on purchase when you make your reservation.

    2Reply
  • Account Closed
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Dallas, TX · Member since 2020 · 155 posts · 44 votes
    5y

    @Brady Richard

    We are a high end property and will provide the wood. I totally agree. When you visit my property, you will not need to leave for anything but food...

    Thanks,

    Nick

    0Reply
  • Account Closed
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Dallas, TX · Member since 2020 · 155 posts · 44 votes
    5y

    @John Underwood

    Thanks! I always appreciate your input.

    0Reply
  • Account Closed
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Dallas, TX · Member since 2020 · 155 posts · 44 votes
    5y

    @Paul Sandhu

    Thanks for sharing. I like your style.

    1Reply
  • Account Closed
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Dallas, TX · Member since 2020 · 155 posts · 44 votes
    5y

    @Nathan G.

    Thanks for the suggestion!

    1Reply
  • Ken Boone
    Investor · Greenville, SC · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    5y

    @John Cornelius John as far as liability goes, I would recommend talking with your insurance agent and letting them know you have a a firepit and make sure that your coverage will take care of you.  

    0Reply
  • Bryce CutlerPro Member
    Investor · Wynantskill, NY · Member since 2013 · 180 posts · 77 votes
    5y

    We have a wood stove at our property and have always provided wood for our guests. We don’t want them to have to leave for anything and it’s been welcomed by guests that have said it was great that it was included. A few bucks for wood is worth every great experience and review.

    2Reply
  • Chris I.
    Gilbert, AZ · Member since 2018 · 93 posts · 42 votes
    5y

    Maybe dumb question but, aren't you just attracting termites by having stacked firewood around your property?

    0Reply
  • Paul Sandhu
    Investor · The worst town to live in, KS · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    5y
    Originally posted by @Chris I.:

    Maybe dumb question but, aren't you just attracting termites by having stacked firewood around your property?

     I use hedge apple wood.  Osage orange is another name.  There are fence posts on my property that are 100 years old made from hedge.  Termites don't eat it.  I also use hedge for my wood fired outdoor hot tub, but that is another story.

    0Reply
  • David Menapace
    Real Estate Agent · Boston, MA · Member since 2020 · 27 posts · 15 votes
    5y

    @Nicholas Aja same with our place. Guests LOVE the fire pit. We just have guests supply their own wood. This does two things 1) it saves you the cost and 2) ensures they won’t build the fire too high as they will be forced to buy more wood.

    2Reply
  • Paul Sandhu
    Investor · The worst town to live in, KS · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    5y

    My maintainance guy at the apartments called me around 8:00 on Saturday night.  He said the police and fire department were there.  I told him to ask them what was wrong.  Someone driving by saw a fire and called the fire department.  Maintenance guy later said the F.D. said there was no problem.  A few days later I read the F.D. blotter in the newspaper for this incident.  It said "False Alarm to a Controlled Burn".

    1Reply
  • Cliff H.Pro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Nashua, NH · Member since 2014 · 610 posts · 486 votes
    5y

    Assuming we are talking about one of the metal, covered fire pits that keeps the big embers inside or is this an uncovered hole in the ground, aka a house burner? 

    0Reply
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