HAWKINS PRODUCE

This was not an entirely perfect experience, but a very good one at least, especially compared to most of my past years getting firewood from a variety of other places.  The overall result of this experience was considerably more positive and I'm much more pleased with this firewood and its delivery than I have been with most others in the past 20 years.  Bottom line, Hawkins delivered a  true cord of firewood - all 128 cubic feet - nicely cut; three-quarters (75%) of the pieces are uniformly about 3" x 3" x 16" to 18" long - of course there are some big or small oddly-shaped outliers, but  the shape and size of the vast majority of pieces is just right.  I am so tired from past years of ordering firewood from different suppliers who constantly under-deliver; it seems the "industry standard" is to try and deliver 50% to 75% of a cord and call it a cord.  It was just a relief to finally find someone who delivered a real, honest cord of firewood, and an overwhelming majority of it so neatly cut and fully usable.

To date, I've had a few fires using this newly delivered firewood.  I'd call it pretty good - it does require a bit of nurturing when getting a fire going, but like everything, each cord of wood I've ever got seems to have its own "personality" and requires its own solution to building an effective fire.  About 3% to 5% of the Hawkins delivery was kindling-sized pieces (very much in the acceptable range given my prior experiences with others), and these have actually come in quite handy. I've had to use a couple firestarters on occasion, but in studying the situation, I realize I got a box of really crappy firestarters that I practically have to take a torch to in order to light, so I certainly can't blame Hawkins or their firewood for that.  Once I've got the fires going, the wood does well, it just requires poking once in a while, but I'd say nothing out of the ordinary.

The only critique I might have is that it took a little while to get it delivered, and a little bit of prodding.  But again, this seems to be industry standard.  I stopped by the Hawkins stand on Knowles Avenue and ordered on about the fourth day of the completely rainy week we had in late September (2015), and so I think they wanted to get a break in the weather.  Plus, I get the sense that the firewood portion of their business is pretty much a one-person operation, and they don't charge very much for delivery ($25), so one has to be patient.  They delivered two weeks after I had ordered.  I paid by check, upon delivery.

So all in all, I'm pretty satisfied.  Hawkins is a small operation, seems pretty much like a family business.  It's decent wood, it was nicely cut, it is a full honest cord of firewood, and it was better-priced than most. 

We called Hawkins on three different occasions to deliver firewood.  They took our name and # and said that they were currently out of wood but would have more in by the end of the week.  The weekend came and went and still no wood.  Called back a few days later spoke to a person at the store and she said the delivery person was on there way to our house and gave me his #.  Called the delv. person who said he was out delivering wood and would call back in 10 minutes.  That was 2 weeks ago.  We found another company that was much more responsive.

I was promised the wood was seasoned 9-18 months and was cut into good shaped sizes.  I can't confirm how long the wood has actually been seasoned, but it does not burn.  Some is even so new it literally hisses when put in the fire and is incredibly smoky (trademark of brand new wood that is not seasoned).  Everytime I have a fire I need to use two firestarters - one to start the fire, and one to keep it going about an hour into it, plus me burning more kindling than actual firewood.  Despite being kept 100% dry, the wood does not burn at all.  Its terrible.  Plus, it is incredibly misshapen.  Pieces are either 2' long and more, or they are about 6" wide x 6" deep x 3" long.  It really is the worst excuse for firewood I've ever seen.
When I called to complain about it, I was told they had no more cords and could not replace what I bought.  Why do I think if I called to order new wood as a paying customer they would have some available?  The guy I spoke with said he had some wood and would deliver it to me the next Saturday or Sunday.  He never came by and I have since left two messages asking someone to call me back. 
I see no reason to ever buy firewood from Hawkins. 

They quickly delivered everything for me. They showed up on time. They dumped it in one spot and I moved it to were I needed it.

Good for us local folks but I wouldn't go out of way if you don't live in Kensington.

HAWKINS IS A SMALL FAMILY RUN BUSINESS IN KENSINGTON THAT IS VERY RESPONSIVE TO ITS CUSTOMERS. WE PURCHASED THE MULCH AT WHAT WE THOUGHT WAS A VERY REASONABLE PRICE INCLUDING DELIVERY. HAWKINS WAS ABLE TO DELIVER THE MULCH ON THE SAME DAY THAT WE PURCHASED IT.