If you’re looking to heat your home with a wood-burning stove or fireplace, you’ll need to know the different types of firewood available. Different types of firewood have different burning characteristics, so it’s important to choose the right type for your needs. Here’s a look at the different types of firewood and their characteristics.
A mixture of different hardwoods, can provide a nice balance of heat, and burn time.
Hardwoods, such as oak, hickory, and maple, are considered to be the best type of firewood. They are denser and heavier than softwoods, which means they burn longer and hotter. They also produce less creosote, a tar-like substance that can build up in chimneys and cause fires. Hardwoods are also less likely to spark, which can be a safety concern.
Softwoods, such as pine, spruce, and fir, are not as dense as hardwoods, which means they burn faster and don't produce as much heat. They also produce more creosote and are more likely to spark. However, they are often cheaper and easier to find than hardwoods. Softwoods are also useful for starting fires, as they ignite quickly.
Seasoned firewood is wood that has been cut and split for at least six months before burning. This allows the moisture content to drop below 20%, making it easier to light and burn more efficiently than green wood (unseasoned wood). Seasoned firewood is usually more expensive than green wood but is worth the extra cost because it burns better.
Green wood is unseasoned wood that has not been cut or split for at least six months before burning. It has a high moisture content (over 20%) which makes it difficult to light and inefficient to burn. It also produces more smoke and creosote buildup in your chimney than seasoned firewood does. Green wood should be avoided if possible as it can be dangerous due to its high moisture content which can cause explosions in a closed stove or fireplace.
Pelletized firewood is made from sawdust or other waste materials that have been compressed into small pellets that are easy to store and transport. Pelletized firewood burns cleanly with little smoke or creosote buildup in your chimney but can be expensive compared to other types of firewood.
When choosing firewood, it's important to consider the type of wood and whether it is seasoned or green. Hardwoods are generally considered to be the best choice, as they burn longer and hotter and produce less creosote. However, softwoods can be useful for starting fires and may be more readily available and affordable. Seasoned firewood is always the best choice as it will burn more efficiently and produce less smoke.
As Firewood 2 You, we provide high-quality, seasoned firewood to ensure the best possible firewood experience. Whether you're looking to stock up for the winter or need firewood for a special occasion, we've got you covered. Contact us today to place your order and enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a real fire.