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Firewood is an essential component for a cozy and warm fireplace. However, not all firewood is created equal. Some types of wood burn hotter, longer, and produce less smoke compared to others.
Hardwoods like oak, maple, hickory, cherry, ash, and birch are considered the best types of firewood for the fireplace because they ignite quickly, produce little smoke, and have a high heat output, making them ideal for warming homes and creating a cozy atmosphere.
By choosing the right firewood, you can have a more enjoyable and safe fire, while also being mindful of the environment.
With numerous amounts of different woods available, choosing the right one is no easy task. We’ve got you covered with the guide below on the best and worst types of firewood.
Only Use Seasoned Wood
The first thing you should know about firewood is that no matter the kind of wood, it always burns better and more efficiently when properly dried or “seasoned”. As always, different types of wood will take longer than others to dry out, and knowing how to store your firewood is important.
It is important to make sure your firewood is dry, or seasoned, before burning it in your fireplace. Here are the reasons why!
More Heat and Less Smoke
Dry firewood burns more efficiently and releases more heat, making your fireplace warmer and more comfortable.
Less smoke and soot buildup: Wet firewood produces more smoke and produces more soot, a flammable substance that builds up in your chimney and can cause chimney fires if not removed.
Easier To Light and Longer-lasting
Dry firewood ignites more easily and burns brighter, making it easier to light your fireplace.
Dry firewood burns longer and provides a more consistent heat source. It’s also better for the environment: Burning dry firewood releases fewer pollutants into the air, making it better for the environment.
Therefore, it is essential to store your firewood in a dry, well-ventilated place for at least 6-12 months before using it in your fireplace. And it will be worth it, there’s something so magical about a traditional fireplace versus an electric one!
Best Types of Wood to Burn
Some firewoods are considered better for use in fireplaces because they have a dense grain structure and high level of resin, which makes them burn hot, long, and clean.
Hardwoods
Hardwoods, such as oak, maple, and cherry, are considered the best types of firewood because they burn hot, long, and clean. These hardwoods have a dense grain structure and a high level of resin, making them a popular choice for homeowners and campers alike.
Oak Firewood
Generates a minute flame and steady heat. It burns for a long time but needs to be cured for at least a year.
Maple Firewood
Produces a steady flame with constant heat output. It has a subtly sweet smell reminiscent of maple syrup.
Hickory Firewood
Known for creating high heat and its signature hickory smell, which makes it popular for smoking meat.
Ash Firewood
Burns steadily and delivers a fair amount of heat, even when green. It’s better once cured.
Cherry Firewood
While it doesn’t burn as hot as other hardwoods, cherry gives off a pleasant fragrance when burned.
Other Good Options
- Birch: Known for its high heat output and long burn time. It’s a light-colored wood that produces very little smoke and has a pleasant aroma. The bark of the birch also makes an excellent fire starter.
- Douglas Fir: A softwood that’s popular for its fast-burning and high heat output. It produces a lot of sparks, making it a great choice for outdoor fires.
Worst Types of Firewood
There are some types of firewood that are considered bad for the fireplace because they have low density, high moisture content, and high resin content.
These factors can make it difficult to ignite the wood, causing it to produce a lot of smoke, creosote, and unnecessary sparks. All of which can be dangerous and damaging to the fireplace and chimney.
Pinewood should not be used in indoor fireplaces
Softwoods to Avoid
- Pine: While it can burn hot and be used for kindling, pine produces a lot of creosote, a highly flammable substance that can accumulate in your chimney’s flue, raising the risk of a chimney fire.
- Spruce: Similar to pine, it’s pitchy and can lead to creosote build-up.
- Cedar: Not recommended due to its high resin content.
Eucalyptus wood should not be used in indoor fireplaces
Other Woods to Avoid
- Eucalyptus: Has a high oil content that can cause it to ignite easily, but it also burns very hot and produces a lot of smoke.
- Poplar: Has a low density and high moisture content, which can make it difficult to ignite and cause it to produce a lot of smoke. It also produces an awful smell when burned.
- Willow: Doesn’t burn hot and tends to produce exorbitant amounts of smoke.
- Chestnut: Produces a lot of smoke and a weak flame.
- Gum: Prone to producing sparks, which can become a fire hazard.
Never Burn These Types of Wood
- Green or Wet Wood: Any wood that hasn’t been properly cured will produce excessive smoke and inadequate heat, and can lead to creosote accumulation.
- Driftwood: Burning driftwood releases toxic chemicals due to its salt content and can harm your family and pets.
- Treated or Painted Wood: Any wood that’s been chemically treated or painted releases toxic fumes when burned, some of which can be deadly. Never burn treated wood in your fireplace.
Why Clean Your Fireplace Between Different Types of Firewood?
Cleaning your fireplace between different types of firewood is important to ensure a safe and efficient fire.
Each type of firewood has its own unique chemical composition and burning characteristics.
Using multiple types of wood in one fire can cause creosote and soot buildup in your chimney.
This buildup can increase the risk of chimney fires and make it more difficult to start and maintain fires in the future.
Cleaning your fireplace between different types of firewood will help remove any residual soot and creosote and reduce the risk of chimney fires.
This can be done by using a chimney brush or vacuum to remove any soot and creosote buildup in the chimney and firebox.
Keeping your chimney and fireplace clean is key to ensuring a safe and efficient fire.
Woods That Can Cause Soot or Creosote Build-up
Understanding which woods can lead to excessive soot or creosote build-up is crucial for maintaining a safe fireplace and preventing chimney fires.
Creosote is a highly flammable substance that forms when wood burns incompletely, and it can accumulate in your chimney over time.
High-Risk Woods for Creosote Build-up
- Pine: While pine is readily available and often used for kindling, it’s one of the worst offenders for creosote production. Its high sap content leads to incomplete combustion and rapid creosote formation.
- Fir: Similar to pine, fir trees contain a lot of resin and sap, which contribute to creosote build-up.
- Spruce: Another softwood that can lead to significant creosote accumulation due to its resin content.
- Cedar: Despite its pleasant aroma, cedar can produce a lot of smoke and contribute to creosote build-up.
- Eucalyptus: The high oil content in eucalyptus can lead to incomplete combustion and increased creosote production.
Why These Woods Cause Problems
These woods, particularly softwoods, contain higher amounts of sap and resin.
When burned, especially at lower temperatures, these substances don’t combust completely.
Instead, they vaporize and travel up the chimney, where they cool and condense on the flue lining, forming creosote.
The Dangers of Creosote Build-up
- Chimney Fires: Creosote is highly flammable. If it builds up sufficiently and ignites, it can cause a dangerous chimney fire that can spread to the rest of your home.
- Reduced Efficiency: A layer of creosote in your chimney can restrict airflow, making your fires burn less efficiently and producing more smoke.
- Health Hazards: Creosote is toxic and can cause respiratory issues if it enters your living space.
Preventing Creosote Build-up
- Use Seasoned Hardwoods: Opt for well-dried hardwoods like oak, maple, or ash, which produce less creosote.
- Maintain Proper Fire Temperature: Ensure your fire burns hot enough to allow for complete combustion of wood gases.
- Regular Chimney Cleaning: Have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional at least once a year, or more if you use your fireplace frequently.
- Avoid Smoldering Fires: Don’t let fires smolder overnight or burn at very low temperatures, as this promotes creosote formation.
Be mindful of the type of wood you use. It can significantly reduce the risk of dangerous creosote build-up and allow you and your family to enjoy your fires safely.
Light It Up!
Choosing the right types of wood can make a big difference in the warmth, efficiency, and longevity of your fire.
To ensure a safe and efficient fire, it is important to choose the right type of firewood and store it properly to prevent moisture buildup and decay.
If you need any additional help, or would like to upgrade your wood-burning fireplace, contact Dreifuss Fireplaces today and we will be glad to help!
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