Choosing the best firewood to burn can make a big difference in heat output, burn time, smoke level, and how often you need to reload your fire. Not all wood burns the same, some types produce long-lasting heat, while others ignite quickly but burn fast.
This guide compares common firewood types side-by-side so you can easily see which wood is best for your needs, whether you’re heating a home, enjoying a fireplace, or using a fire pit.
What Makes Firewood “Good” for Burning?
Before comparing wood types, it helps to understand the key factors that affect how firewood performs:
- Heat Output (BTUs): More BTUs = more heat
- Burn Time: How long the wood lasts once lit
- Smoke Level: Less smoke is cleaner and more comfortable
- Ease of Ignition: How easily the wood catches fire
- Seasoning Time: How long the wood needs to dry before burning
Hardwoods generally burn hotter and longer, while softwoods light faster but burn quicker.
Firewood Comparison Chart
| Wood Type | Heat Output | Burn Time | Smoke Level | Ease of Lighting | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oak | Very High | Very Long | Low | Medium | Home heating, long fires |
| Hickory | Very High | Long | Medium | Medium | High heat, cooking |
| Maple | High | Long | Low | Easy | Fireplaces, heating |
| Ash | High | Long | Low | Very Easy | Great all-purpose wood |
| Birch | Medium | Medium | Medium | Easy | Quick fires, mixing with hardwood |
| Cherry | Medium | Medium | Low | Easy | Fireplaces, pleasant aroma |
| Pine | Low | Short | High | Very Easy | Fire starting, outdoor fires |
| Cedar | Low | Short | High | Very Easy | Kindling, fire starters |
Best Types of Firewood Explained
Oak
Oak is one of the best firewoods available. It burns hot, lasts a long time, and produces minimal smoke when properly seasoned. The downside is that it takes longer to dry than most woods.
Best for: Long-lasting heat and indoor fires
Hickory
Hickory produces intense heat and burns slowly, making it excellent for cold weather. It has a stronger smoke, which some people enjoy, especially for cooking.
Best for: Maximum heat and wood-burning stoves
Maple
Maple offers a great balance between heat, burn time, and ease of use. It lights easily and burns cleanly, making it a popular choice for fireplaces.
Best for: Everyday indoor burning
Ash
Ash is often considered one of the easiest firewoods to use. It lights well even when less seasoned and burns steadily with low smoke.
Best for: Beginners and consistent performance
Birch
Birch ignites quickly and burns bright but doesn’t last as long as heavier hardwoods. It’s commonly mixed with slower-burning woods.
Best for: Quick fires and kindling support
Cherry
Cherry burns clean and gives off a pleasant aroma. While it doesn’t produce extreme heat, it’s excellent for ambiance.
Best for: Fireplaces and enjoyable indoor fires
Pine
Pine lights fast and burns hot initially but produces more smoke and burns quickly. It’s best used in small amounts or for starting fires.
Best for: Kindling and outdoor fire pits
Cedar
Cedar is highly flammable and aromatic but burns fast. It’s ideal for starting fires rather than maintaining them.
Best for: Fire starters and kindling
Hardwood vs Softwood: Which Is Better?
- Hardwoods (oak, hickory, maple, ash)
- Burn longer and hotter
- Produce less smoke
- Best for heating
- Softwoods (pine, cedar)
- Ignite quickly
- Burn faster
- Best for starting fires
For most situations, a mix of softwood for ignition and hardwood for sustained heat works best.
Final Thoughts: What Is the Best Firewood to Burn?
If you want the best overall firewood:
- Oak or hickory for maximum heat and long burn times
- Ash or maple for easy, clean everyday burning
- Pine or cedar only for kindling or quick outdoor fires
Using well-seasoned wood and choosing the right type for your purpose will give you a hotter, cleaner, and more enjoyable fire.