Best Types of Firewood

------------------------

What are the Best Types of Firewood?

When it comes to building a cozy fire, not all firewood is created equal. Choosing the right type of firewood can make all the difference in terms of heat output, burn time, and even the ambiance of your fireplace or wood stove. High-quality firewood not only ensures a more efficient and enjoyable burn but also helps in maintaining the longevity of your heating equipment. In this guide, we’ll explore the best types of firewood, diving into both hardwoods and softwoods, and provide tips on how to season and store your firewood properly.

Hardwoods vs. Softwoods

Before we get into the specifics, it’s important to understand the basic categories of firewood: hardwoods and softwoods. Hardwoods come from deciduous trees, which are trees that lose their leaves annually. These woods are generally denser and harder than softwoods. Softwoods come from coniferous trees, which are evergreen trees that usually keep their needles all year round. Softwoods are generally less dense than hardwoods.

Pros and Cons of Hardwoods

Pros:

High heat output

Longer burn time

Produces less creosote

Cons:

More expensive

Harder to split

Pros and Cons of Softwoods

Pros:

Easier to ignite

Generally cheaper

More readily available

Cons:

Burns faster

Produces more creosote

Top Hardwoods for Firewood

Oak

Oak is one of the most popular hardwoods for firewood due to its high density and excellent burning properties. This type of tree burns slowly and steadily, providing a long-lasting heat source. Oak is also widely available, making it a convenient choice for many.

Hickory

Hickory is known for its strong, distinctive smell and high heat output. It burns very hot and is perfect for cooking and heating. While slightly less common than oak, hickory is still relatively easy to find.

Maple

Maple wood is dense and produces a pleasant aroma when burned. It burns hot and clean, making it an excellent choice for indoor fires. As for availability, maple is widely available and easy to source.

Cherry

Cherry wood is prized for its sweet-smelling smoke and beautiful flames. It burns well and adds a lovely fragrance to your home. Cherry can be harder to find but is worth seeking out for its unique qualities.

Top Softwoods for Firewood

Pine

Pine is a common softwood that ignites easily and burns quickly. It produces a hot flame but burns faster than hardwoods. Pine is very common and easy to find.

Spruce

Spruce is another fast-burning softwood with a pleasant aroma. It burns quickly but is great at starting fires. As for availability, spruce is widely available and often used for kindling.

Fir

Fir is known for its pleasant scent and good burning properties – it burns well and is often used in combination with other woods. Fir is readily available and commonly used in many regions.

Cedar

Cedar is known for its distinctive smell and ease of splitting, good for if you are doing it yourself. It burns hot and fast, producing a crackling fire. Cedar can be found in many areas, though it is often used for its aromatic properties.

How to Season Firewood

Seasoning firewood involves drying it out to reduce its moisture content, which ensures a cleaner and more efficient burn. Indoor Storage is convenient but should be limited to small amounts to avoid pests. Outdoor Storage is preferred for larger quantities, ensuring proper drying and minimizing indoor clutter.

Steps to Properly Season Firewood

Cut the Wood: Cut the wood into appropriate sizes for your fireplace or stove.

Split the Wood: Splitting the wood helps it dry faster.

Stack the Wood: Stack the wood in a well-ventilated area, off the ground, and cover the top to protect it from rain.

Allow the wood to dry for at least 6 months to a year.

Best Practices for Storage

Location: Store firewood in a dry, well-ventilated area.

Elevation: Keep the wood off the ground to prevent moisture absorption.

Cover: Use a tarp to cover the top of the stack, leaving the sides exposed for airflow.

Tips for Choosing the Best Firewood

Identifying Well-Seasoned Wood

Appearance: Well-seasoned wood is grayish and has cracks on the ends. Ensure your firewood is free from insects to avoid infestations.
Sound: When knocked together, seasoned wood produces a sharp, distinct sound.
Weight: Seasoned wood is lighter than green wood. Avoid using green wood as it has high moisture content and burns inefficiently.

Choosing the best types of firewood involves considering factors such as heat output, burn time, and availability. Hardwoods like oak, hickory, and maple provide long-lasting heat and are excellent for indoor fires, while softwoods like pine and spruce are great for kindling and outdoor use, and are lightweight, which is important if you are hauling the wood yourself. Properly seasoning and storing your firewood will ensure the best performance, making your fires more enjoyable and efficient. By selecting the right type of firewood and following best practices, you can create the perfect ambiance and warmth in your home.

Looking for FREE Firewood or Woodchips?

Dunbar Tree Service provides free firewood delivery in the Waukesha, WI area.

Chris Dunbar

Chris Dunbar is an ISA certified arborist, ISA #WI-1163A, working in the industry since 1999. Chris specializes in a wide range of residential and commercial tree services, where he is dedicated to maintaining a safe and professional environment. With over 20 years of working in southeast Wisconsin, he brings a high level of expertise to every project. Additionally, Chris is licensed and certified for the application of pesticides, fungicides, and insecticides by the State of Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.