Best Types of Firewood

When choosing the best type of firewood, it is important to know that some woods burn best for certain kinds of fires. Understanding the characteristics of hardwood versus softwood, seasoned versus unseasoned and the heat value of each species can help you burn better, safer fires. Keep your chimney in good shape and make your campfire s’mores that much more delicious.

On This Page:

1. Best Firewood
2. Best Wood for Burning
3. Hottest Burning Wood
4. FAQs

Best Firewood

There are two ways in which firewood is sold: seasoned or unseasoned. Each of these types of wood has different characteristics, which help you decide which is best for your purposes.

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Best Wood for Burning

There are two main categories for firewood: hardwood and softwood. Here are the important differences to help you build a better fire:

Have you been burning softwood in your fireplace? You may need to sweep and inspect your chimney more frequently to remove excess smoke buildup. If you need a chimney inspection, you can find local inspection services to ensure the safety of your family and your home.

Hottest Burning Wood

Denser hardwoods are seasoned to burn better and produce more heat than others. This makes them the best choice for indoor fireplaces. Meanwhile, lighter softwoods produce lower heat and more smoke, which makes them more suitable for outdoor fires.

Understanding heat value can help you choose the best quality firewood for your needs:

Apple

This is the best smelling firewood. It is slow-burning and perfect for an open fire in your fireplace or outdoor cooking.

White Ash

Keep a steady burning fire for longer periods of time with white ash wood. It is ideal for fireplaces or wood stoves and works best when seasoned.

White Birch

This softwood ignites faster but burns quickly. Not ideal for home heating, as it requires constant attention and regular feeding.

Black Cherry

This type of wood is convenient because it doesn’t require seasoning. It burns slowly and is also one of the best smelling firewood.

White Pine

Though it releases a good amount of residue, pine is a great fire starter. It is ideal for outdoor fireplaces or fire pits and smells great, too.

Aspen

If you need mild heat with long burn time, Aspen is an excellent solution for you. It works particularly well in wood stoves.

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FAQS

How do you know if wood is seasoned?

Seasoned wood is characterized by dark colors and cracks at the end of the logs. It is lighter in weight than wet wood and makes a hollow sound that lets you know it is dry.

What is some firewood to avoid?

It is best to avoid these types of firewood:

• painted or varnished wood
• pressure-treated lumber
• driftwood
• engineered sheet goods
• compressed paper products

Salvaged firewood and wood scraps are usually safe to heat your home or cook with wood.

What are the types of woods to avoid if you suffer from allergies?

Aromatic woods can cause allergic reactions. It is best to avoid them if you suffer from allergies.

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