Every piece of wood can catch fire, but they don’t all burn in the same way. Some burn really hot and slowly without making much of a mess, while others create a lot of smoke and can quickly make your chimney dirty with sticky stuff. The best logs for a wood burning stove or fireplace are the ones that burn steadily, give off a lot of heat, and turn into ash without much waste. Usually, hardwoods like hickory and ash are better for this purpose compared to softwoods like pine and cedar.
Why Choose Hardwood as Firewood?
The top woods for burning are hardwoods like maple, oak, ash, birch, and fruit trees. They make your fire hotter and last longer. These woods don’t have much sticky stuff like pitch and sap, so they’re easier to deal with. But they can be pricier than softwoods and sometimes leave behind hard, stony leftovers called clinkers in the ashes.
The Best Types of Firewood Logs for Your Wood Burning Stove
To get ready for the upcoming months, we’ve chosen the finest firewood. Take a look at them below:
Birch
Birch is a good wood to burn because it gives off nice heat, but it burns up pretty fast. So, it’s a good idea to mix it with slower-burning woods like elm or oak when making a fire. But be careful because using birch when it’s not fully dried can lead to a sticky buildup in the chimney. You can also strip off the bark and use it as a natural fire starter for wood or log burners.
Oak
Oak wood needs a lot of time to dry properly, about 2.5 centimeters of drying each year. It’s a good idea to let it dry for at least two years for the best results. This long drying period is because oak is a very dense wood, meaning it’s packed with wood fibers.
Because of its density, oak burns slowly when used as firewood. That’s why it’s a good choice to mix it with other woods that burn faster. This combination can be quite effective, especially if you want your fire to last through the night. The slower-burning oak provides a steady source of heat, while the faster-burning wood helps get the fire going and keeps it lively.
Beech
You can also use beech wood for firewood, though it has a lot of water inside, so it’s important to make sure this wood is very dry before using it. It’s best if you can let it dry for about three years. The reason for this long drying time is because it has a high water content, and burning wet wood doesn’t work well.
The interesting thing about this wood is that you don’t necessarily need to mix it with other types of wood when you burn it. It’s quite good on its own. You can even use it in a wood-burning stove if you have one. So, when you use this wood, you have some flexibility, and it can be a convenient choice for your fireplace or stove.
Cherry
Cherry wood for a burning stove is a superb option because it burns slowly and provides a good amount of heat. Not only that, it has a delightful aroma that can make your space feel cozy and inviting.
For the best results, it’s important to make sure that before burning cherry wood, it must be well dried and seasoned before using it. This means giving it enough time to lose any excess moisture. When it’s properly seasoned, cherry wood burns efficiently and creates a pleasing fire.
Ash
Ash tree wood is a top choice for your fire because it creates a reliable and steady flame. This flame provides a nice, even heat, making your fire cozy and warm. The unique thing about ash wood is that it can burn well even when it’s freshly cut or “green,” which isn’t the case for all types of wood.
You don’t have to mix ash wood with other kinds of wood to get a good fire going. It can stand on its own and perform admirably. This means you can enjoy the benefits of ash wood all by itself, making it a versatile and efficient choice for your wood-burning stove or fireplace.
Sycamore
Sycamore wood is a good choice for your fire because it burns effectively with a decent heat output. What’s particularly appealing about sycamore is that it dries and seasons quite rapidly. In fact, it typically becomes ready for use in just one year, which is faster than many other types of wood. This quick seasoning makes it one of the top woods for burning.
You can use sycamore wood in various heating setups, whether you have a wood burner, a stove, or an open fire. Its versatility makes it a practical and convenient option to keep your space warm and cozy during the colder months. So, sycamore wood is not only efficient but also easy to work with, making it a popular choice for many.
How to Make a Fire in Your Wood Burner or Stove
It’s crucial to ensure that your logs are completely dry and properly seasoned before you bring them inside to use. Seasoning means letting the wood dry out completely, which is important for a clean and efficient burn.
When you’re building a fire, it’s a smart idea to use a mix of different types of wood. This is because various wood species burn at different rates. Some may burn slowly and steadily, while others can provide a quick burst of heat. Combining them can help you achieve the right balance of heat and burn time for your needs.
On chilly, damp nights, it’s especially important to have a good supply of firewood ready to go. You wouldn’t want to run out of fuel when you need it the most.
To make things even more convenient, keep a basket filled with kindling wood close to your fireplace or stove. Kindling is small bits of wood that catch fire easily and help get your fire going quickly. Having it nearby means you can have a warm and cozy fire at a moment’s notice, without the hassle of searching for kindling when you’re already feeling the chill.