Welcome to the Firewood Basics section of Firewood Guide! Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know to become a firewood expert, from understanding the difference between hardwood and softwood to properly seasoning and storing your firewood for optimal burning.
Types of Firewood: Hardwood vs. Softwood
When it comes to firewood, there are two main categories: hardwood and softwood. Hardwood comes from deciduous trees like oak, maple, and cherry, while softwood comes from evergreen trees like pine, spruce, and cedar. Each type of wood has its own unique characteristics, burning properties, and uses. Hardwood tends to burn hotter and longer, making it ideal for heating purposes, while softwood ignites quickly and produces a pleasant aroma, making it great for kindling and ambiance. Learn more…
Characteristics of Different Wood Species
Every type of wood has its own distinct characteristics, including grain pattern, density, and moisture content. Some woods, like oak and hickory, are prized for their dense, slow-burning properties, while others, like cedar and pine, are known for their fragrant aroma and quick ignition. Understanding the characteristics of different wood species can help you choose the right firewood for your specific needs and preferences. Learn more…
Compare the kinds of firewood
Here we have a nice chart that shows how different kinds of wood “stack up” against each other. Compare over 40 kinds of wood and see how they rate for by overall score, BTU, splitting ease, smokiness, spark production, leftover coals, and odor. 🔥👍
| wood | btus | score | split | smoke | sparks | coals | smell |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osage Orange | 1 | 99.46 | A | A | F | A | A |
| Dogwood | 2 | 93.25 | F | A | A | C | C |
| Oak White | 3 | 88.54 | C | A | A | A | B |
| Locust Black | 4 | 84.54 | F | A | A | A | C |
| Beech | 5 | 83.54 | F | A | A | A | B |
| Apple | 6 | 82.42 | C | A | A | B | A |
| Locust Honey | 7 | 81.71 | A | A | A | A | C |
| Oak Bur | 8 | 80.42 | A | A | A | A | B |
| Mulberry | 9 | 78.25 | A | C | F | A | B |
| Maple Other | 10 | 78.38 | A | A | A | A | B |
| Oak Red | 11 | 75.42 | C | A | A | A | B |
| Ash White | 12 | 73.92 | C | A | A | B | C |
| Walnut Black | 13 | 68.58 | A | A | A | B | B |
| Juniper | 14 | 65.75 | C | C | F | F | A |
| Larch | 15 | 65.75 | C | C | F | C | C |
| Coffeetree | 16 | 66.5 | C | A | A | B | B |
| Hackberry | 17 | 65.5 | A | A | A | B | C |
| Pine Lodgepole | 18 | 64.21 | A | C | F | C | B |
| Elm Siberian | 19 | 63.63 | F | C | A | B | C |
| Birch | 20 | 63.67 | C | C | A | B | C |
| Douglas Fir | 21 | 63.21 | A | F | A | C | C |
| Cherry | 22 | 63.67 | A | A | A | A | A |
| Ash Green | 23 | 62 | A | A | A | B | C |
| Elm American | 24 | 61.33 | F | C | A | A | B |
| Sycamore | 25 | 59.54 | F | C | A | B | C |
| Hemlock | 26 | 58.96 | A | A | F | F | B |
| Maple Silver | 27 | 59.08 | C | A | A | A | B |
| Box elder | 28 | 55.54 | F | C | A | F | C |
| Aspen | 29 | 56.75 | A | A | A | B | C |
| Cedar Western | 30 | 55.25 | C | C | F | F | A |
| Chestnut | 31 | 54.67 | A | C | F | F | C |
| Willow | 32 | 54.5 | A | A | A | F | C |
| Alder | 33 | 54.38 | A | A | C | B | C |
| Catalpa | 34 | 50.17 | F | C | A | B | F |
| Pine Ponderosa | 35 | 49.92 | A | C | F | C | B |
| Pine White | 36 | 49.04 | A | C | C | F | B |
| Cottonwood | 37 | 49.42 | A | C | A | B | C |
| Spruce | 38 | 47.38 | A | C | F | F | C |
| Fir White | 39 | 45.42 | A | C | A | F | C |
| Poplar | 40 | 43 | A | C | F | C | F |
| Basswood | 41 | 43.25 | A | C | A | F | B |
| Buckeye | 42 | 43.08 | C | A | A | F | C |
| Cedar Eastern | 43 | 40.42 | A | A | F | F | C |
Seasoning and Storing Firewood
Properly seasoning and storing firewood is essential for ensuring a clean, efficient burn. Seasoning involves drying the wood to reduce its moisture content, which improves combustion efficiency and reduces smoke and emissions. To season firewood, stack it in a dry, well-ventilated area off the ground and cover it with a tarp to protect it from rain and snow. Once seasoned, store firewood in a dry location away from the elements to maintain its quality and usability. Learn more…
How to Properly Split and Stack Firewood
Splitting and stacking firewood is an art form that requires technique and skill. To properly split firewood, use a sharp axe or maul and aim for the center of the log to achieve clean, even splits. When stacking firewood, create a stable base and alternate the direction of the logs with each layer to promote airflow and prevent moisture buildup. Properly splitting and stacking firewood ensures optimal burning and helps prevent rot and decay. Learn more…
Importance of Moisture Content
The moisture content of firewood plays a critical role in its burning properties and efficiency. Wet or green wood contains high levels of moisture, which can lead to poor combustion, increased smoke and emissions, and creosote buildup in chimneys. To ensure clean, efficient burning, it’s essential to use properly seasoned firewood with a moisture content of around 20% or less. Measure the moisture content of your firewood with a moisture meter to help you see if it’s ready to burn. Learn more…
By mastering the basics of firewood, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy a safe, efficient, and enjoyable wood-burning experience. Stay tuned for more expert tips and insights from Firewood Guide!