Part of Our Complete Guide
Creosote Buildup: The Hidden Danger in Your Chimney and How to Prevent It
This article is part of our comprehensive guide. Read the full guide for complete coverage of this topic.
Read the Full GuideUnderstanding Firewood Quality
The wood you burn directly impacts:
- Heat output and efficiency
- Creosote production and fire risk
- Smoke and air quality
- Ease of use and maintenance
Choosing the right firewood is one of the best things you can do for your fireplace and chimney.
Hardwood vs Softwood
Hardwoods (Recommended)
Hardwoods come from deciduous trees and are denser, providing:
- Higher heat output (BTUs)
- Longer burn times
- Lower creosote production
- Better coaling for overnight burns
Softwoods (Use Sparingly)
Softwoods come from coniferous trees and:
- Ignite quickly (good for kindling)
- Burn fast with less heat
- Produce more creosote
- Pop and spark more
Best Firewood Ranked
Top Tier: Excellent Heat, Low Creosote
| Wood | BTUs/Cord | Burn Quality | Notes |
| Osage Orange | 32.9M | Excellent | Hottest burning, sparks |
| Oak (White) | 29.1M | Excellent | Long burn, easy to split |
| Hickory | 28.5M | Excellent | Great for cooking too |
| Black Locust | 27.9M | Excellent | Very dense, long-lasting |
| Beech | 27.5M | Excellent | Burns clean, hot |
Second Tier: Very Good Performance
| Wood | BTUs/Cord | Burn Quality | Notes |
| Ash | 24.2M | Very Good | Easy to split, burns well green |
| Oak (Red) | 24.6M | Very Good | Needs longer seasoning |
| Maple (Sugar) | 24.0M | Very Good | Steady burn, nice flame |
| Birch | 23.8M | Good | Burns fast, great kindling |
| Cherry | 20.4M | Good | Pleasant aroma, nice coals |
Avoid or Use Carefully
| Wood | Issue | When to Use |
| Pine | High creosote, sparks | Kindling only |
| Spruce | Very high creosote | Outdoor fires only |
| Poplar | Low heat, fast burn | Mixing with hardwood |
| Willow | Poor heat, high moisture | Emergency only |
| Elm | Difficult to split, smokes | Avoid if possible |
The Importance of Seasoning
What is Seasoning?
Seasoning is the process of drying firewood to reduce moisture content. Fresh-cut "green" wood contains 50-60% moisture. Properly seasoned wood should have less than 20% moisture.
Why Seasoning Matters
Green wood problems:- Hard to ignite
- Produces excessive smoke
- Creates heavy creosote
- Generates less heat (energy goes to evaporating water)
- Causes hissing and sputtering
Seasoning Times by Wood Type
| Wood | Minimum Seasoning Time |
| Ash | 6 months |
| Oak | 12-24 months |
| Maple | 12 months |
| Cherry | 6-12 months |
| Birch | 6 months |
| Hickory | 12 months |
Signs of Properly Seasoned Wood
- Cracks visible on end grain
- Lightweight feel
- Dark, weathered appearance
- Bark separating or loose
- Hollow sound when struck together
- No sap or moisture visible
Storing Firewood Properly
Location
- Away from house (20+ feet recommended)
- Elevated off ground (pallets or rack)
- Covered top, open sides for airflow
- Away from standing water
Stacking
- Bark side up to shed rain
- Single rows for best drying
- Good air circulation between pieces
- Oldest wood accessible first
Firewood to Never Burn
Dangerous materials:- Treated or painted wood (toxic fumes)
- Plywood or particleboard (glue toxins)
- Driftwood (salt damages chimney)
- Cardboard and paper (except kindling)
- Trash or plastics
- Release toxic chemicals
- Corrode chimney liners
- Create dangerous creosote
- Produce harmful indoor air quality
Conclusion
Investing in quality, seasoned hardwood is one of the best decisions for your fireplace. You'll enjoy hotter fires, longer burns, less creosote, and safer operation throughout the heating season.
Plan ahead—quality firewood needs to be purchased and seasoned well in advance of burning season.
Part of Our Complete Guide
Creosote Buildup: The Hidden Danger in Your Chimney and How to Prevent It
This article is part of our comprehensive guide. Read the full guide for complete coverage of this topic.
Read the Full Guide