The warmth and ambiance of a crackling fire are hard to beat on a cold winter’s night. If you use a wood stove or wood-burning fireplace, you may wonder which types of wood are the best to burn. Our guide explains the different types of firewood, how to choose the best wood for your needs, and how to use it safely and efficiently.
A Quick Guide to Firewood Types
Firewood types vary based on texture and preparation for use, which can impact your wood-burning experience. Here’s an overview of different types of firewood and how they’re dried.
Hardwood vs. Softwood
Hardwood comes from deciduous trees that lose their leaves annually, while softwood comes from evergreen trees that retain their needles year-round. This distinction affects how the wood burns and its suitability for different purposes.
Hardwoods, such as oak and maple, generally burn hotter and longer than softwoods. They produce less smoke and creosote, making them ideal for sustained heating. Softwoods like pine and spruce ignite easily and burn quickly, making them excellent for starting fires or for use on milder days when less heat is needed.
Pro Tip: According to This Old House Magazine, the best fireplace fire mixes both types: softwood, which starts easily and burns down quickly, provides the embers that help hardwood ignite—and once lit, hardwood burns hot and long. Think of softwoods like pine and tamarack as the “leadoff batters” that prep the fire for the heavy hitters like oak and maple.
One important nuance: according to the Wood Heat Organization, as cited by This Old House Magazine, all wood species actually contain about the same amount of energy per pound. The real difference is density. Oak and maple are among the most favored firewood trees in North America because they are very dense and produce long-lasting coals that prolong a fire’s heat output. Softer woods like poplar and birch are good substitutes, while the sap pockets in pine and spruce can lead to a fire that throws sparks and embers.
Seasoned Wood
Seasoned wood refers to wood that has been properly dried, typically for at least six months to a year. Properly seasoned wood ensures a cleaner, more efficient burn, reducing the risks associated with excessive smoke and creosote buildup. Creosote is a sticky substance that adheres to the chimney or flue liner as the wood smoke rises. Comprised mainly of tar, creosote is highly flammable and is the primary cause of chimney fires.
To check if the wood is properly seasoned, look for these indicators:
- Bark that peels off easily
- Cracks or splits in the end grain
- Grayish color rather than fresh-cut appearance
- Hollow sound when two pieces are knocked together
Properly seasoning firewood also means stacking it correctly. Raise the wood off the ground with boards or pallets, and leave some room between the logs to maximize their exposure to sun and air. Place top logs bark-up to shed water. Just before the first snow, throw on a tarp but leave the sides of the stack open for air to circulate. Keep in mind that a cord of wood gives up approximately 1,000 pounds of water before it’s considered seasoned. Bring in only as much as you need for your next fire—wood can harbor insects that may become active in the warmth of the house.
Pro Tip: Roger Cook, This Old House landscape contractor, advises: “Lots of folks will offer to sell you ‘seasoned’ firewood, but there’s no way to be sure in advance that’s what you’re actually getting. The only practical way to make certain that your firewood is up to snuff is to season it yourself.” He recommends ordering firewood—or doing your own cutting and splitting—9 to 12 months before the start of the burning season.
Best Firewood Types for Heat
Some wood types stand out for their excellent burning qualities. Here are the top five choices for high-heat, long-lasting fires.
Oak
Oak is one of the best firewood options, offering high heat output and long burn times. Its dense structure resists ignition, but once lit, oak provides consistent heat for hours. This wood excels in overnight burns for wood stoves or in maintaining steady fireplace fires.
Hickory
Hickory rivals oak as a top-performing firewood, matching its heat output and burn time. It releases a pleasant aroma while burning, enhancing the cozy atmosphere. Though challenging to split, hickory’s excellent burning qualities reward the extra effort, making it a favorite among dedicated wood burners.
Pro Tip: According to This Old House’s firewood Btu rankings, hickory delivers 6,999 Btus per pound—virtually neck and neck with red oak at 7,013 and hard maple at 7,012, and edging out white ash and white oak. That near-identical heat output per pound confirms hickory’s place in the top tier of firewoods.
Maple
Maple burns cleanly and provides good heat. While not quite as hot-burning as oak or hickory, it’s easier to split and more readily available in many regions. Maple produces attractive flames and minimal smoke, making it a favorite for both heating and ambiance.
Ash
Ash burns well even when not fully seasoned. It splits easily, seasons quickly, and provides a steady, long-lasting fire with good heat output. These qualities make ash an excellent all-around firewood choice, especially for those new to wood burning.
Pro Tip: Roger Cook, This Old House landscape contractor, advises: “All you need for a good fire—one that burns with gusto and not much smoke—is dry hardwood split into big pieces that can be carried with one hand.” He recommends ordering or splitting firewood 9 to 12 months before burning season so even the greenest logs lose most of their moisture.
Cherry
Cherry wood offers a pleasant, sweet aroma when burned, making it a popular choice for fireplaces. While not as high in heat output as some hardwoods, cherry burns cleanly and produces attractive flames. It’s a good option for milder weather or for mixing with higher-heat woods.
Evaluating Different Types of Firewood
Choosing the right firewood goes beyond selecting a wood type. Consider these factors for efficiency and value.
BTU Rating
British Thermal Unit (BTU) ratings indicate how much heat a wood type produces when burned. Higher BTU ratings mean more heat output. However, woods with higher BTU ratings may also be more expensive, harder to find, and require more effort to split.
Here are some common firewood types and their approximate BTU ratings per cord. A cord is 128 cubic feet of stacked firewood:
- Hickory: 27.7 million BTUs
- Oak: 24.0 million BTUs
- Maple: 24.0 million BTUs
- Ash: 24.0 million BTUs
- Cherry: 20.0 million BTUs
We recommend using a variety of woods in stoves and fireplaces. Use softwoods to start a fire or mix with midrange wood on a super cold night. Then, save the hardest woods for fires you want to last the longest.
When comparing per-pound BTU output, the differences between top hardwoods are remarkably slim. As This Old House Magazine reported, red oak produces 7,013 BTUs per pound, hard maple delivers 7,012 BTUs per pound, hickory comes in at 6,999, white ash at 6,998, white oak at 6,991, and black locust at 6,989. The real variation shows up per cord, where density makes all the difference.
Firewood Availability
The best firewood for you often depends on what’s readily available in your area. Local sources reduce transportation costs and the environmental impact associated with transportation. Locally sourced wood is also often fresher and better suited for your climate.
Check with local firewood suppliers, tree services, or your own property for available options.
Pro Tip: Roger Cook, This Old House landscape contractor, points out that if you have downed trees on your property, they can become excellent firewood—as long as they haven’t started rotting on the forest floor. “Splitting is worth the effort because the wood dries faster, stacks easier, and burns better than round logs,” he says.
Ease of Splitting and Stacking
Splitting and stacking firewood correctly ensures that it seasons well and burns efficiently. Consider how much effort you’re willing to put into processing your firewood.
Some woods, like ash and maple, split easily, while others, like elm or hickory, can be more challenging. Straight-grained wood is generally easier to stack neatly, which is important for proper seasoning and storage. Investing in a quality log splitter or axe can simplify this task, making wood preparation more manageable. You can also review our guide on splitting firewood to make the process easier.
Cost Effectiveness of Firewood
Balancing cost with quality and the quantity of burnable wood gets you the best value for your money. Consider both the purchase price and additional costs, such as transportation or required equipment. High-BTU woods might be more expensive but can be more cost-effective in the long run, while cheaper woods might require frequent restocking.
How To Properly Store and Season Your Firewood
Proper storage and seasoning are crucial for maximizing the efficiency of your firewood. Follow these guidelines to ensure your wood is ready when you need it.
Proper Firewood Storage
A good firewood storage area should have the following qualities:
- Allow for airflow on all sides of the woodpile
- Be easily accessible, especially during winter months
- Have a roof or cover to keep rain and snow off the wood
- Located off the ground to prevent moisture absorption
Consider building a firewood rack or simple shelter to meet these requirements. Raised firewood racks are also available at many home improvement stores and can help to keep your wood dry and well-ventilated.
Seasoning Wood
Seasoning firewood typically takes 6-12 months, depending on the wood type and local climate.
To speed up the process:
- Avoid covering the sides of the stack, which can trap moisture
- Ensure good air circulation around the woodpile
- Split wood before stacking to increase surface area
- Stack wood in a single row with bark side up to shed water
Regularly check your wood’s moisture content using a wood moisture meter. Properly seasoned wood should have a moisture content of 20% or less.
Safety Tips for Burning Firewood
Safety should always be a top priority when using firewood for heating. Use the guidelines below to minimize risks and ensure efficient burning.
Pro Tip: Burning more than three logs at a time increases heat saturation, which could eventually ignite combustible materials adjacent to the fireplace and chimney. This is especially a concern with older fireplaces, which may not have the air gap between framing and masonry mandated by current codes. Test for heat saturation by placing your hand right above the mantel: If it’s too hot to keep your hand there, stop using the fireplace until a professional inspects the system.
Chimney Maintenance and Inspection
Regular chimney maintenance helps prevent dangerous chimney fires. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a certified chimney sweep. This professional can remove creosote buildup and check for any damage or obstructions that could pose a safety hazard.
Schedule your chimney inspections and cleanings before the heating season begins to ensure your chimney is ready for use.
Safe Fire Starting and Tending Practices
When starting and maintaining your fire, take the following steps:
- Avoid burning unseasoned or “green” wood
- Dispose of ashes in a metal container placed on a non-combustible surface
- Have safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, readily available
- Keep flammable materials away from the fireplace or wood stove
- Never leave a fire unattended
- Start fires with natural kindling or fire starters, never flammable liquids
- Use a fireplace screen to contain sparks
Alternative Wood Products for Burning
In addition to traditional firewood, there are manufactured wood products designed for convenient, efficient burning. We’ll review some of these options below.
Manufactured Logs
Manufactured logs, composed of compressed sawdust and wax, offer a convenient, consistent burning option. They produce less ash and creosote than natural wood, appealing to those seeking hassle-free fires with minimal maintenance. These logs come ready to burn, eliminating splitting, stacking, and seasoning. However, they typically cost more than traditional firewood and may lack the authentic ambiance of natural wood fires. Manufactured logs best suit occasional users prioritizing convenience over traditional firewood experiences.
Wood Pellets
Wood pellets offer an efficient, modern heating alternative, primarily used in specialized pellet stoves. Made from compressed sawdust, these pellets burn cleanly and efficiently, producing high heat with low emissions. Their compact, bagged form allows for easy storage and handling, making them ideal for smaller spaces. While pellets require a specific stove for use, their practicality and efficiency make them an increasingly popular choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.
How To Choose Firwood: Our Conclusion
The right firewood depends on your specific needs, local availability, and your burning appliance. Proper preparation and adherence to safe burning practices are crucial for maximizing firewood efficiency. With thoughtful selection and careful management, you can enjoy safe, efficient wood heating throughout the winter season.
