Table of Contents1 Only Use Seasoned Wood2 Best Types of Wood to Burn3 Worst Types of Firewood4 Why Clean Your Fireplace Between Different Types of Firewood?5 Woods That Can Cause Soot or Creosote Build-up6 Light It Up! 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 … Continue reading The Best (and Worst!) Types of Wood for Your Wood Burning Fireplace