As the colder months approach, nothing compares to the warmth and ambiance of a crackling fire in your home. Whether you're using a fireplace, wood stove, or outdoor fire pit, choosing the right firewood can make all the difference in heat output and safety. In this guide, we'll walk you through the best types of seasoned firewood, from Birch to Hickory, and why seasoned wood should always be your go-to choice for the winter months.

Why Seasoned Firewood Is the Best Option

Freshly cut or "green" wood can have up to 50% moisture content. When burned, this high moisture level leads to poor combustion, lots of smoke, and low heat output. On the other hand, seasoned firewood has had time to dry out, reducing its moisture content to 20% or less. The result? A fire that burns cleaner and hotter.

What Is Seasoned Firewood?

Seasoned firewood is simply wood that has been dried for an extended period—usually 6 to 12 months—to reduce its moisture content. This process ensures that the wood burns more efficiently and safely. Let's explore why seasoned firewood stands head and shoulders above unseasoned wood.

Benefits of Seasoned Firewood Over Unseasoned Wood

• Cleaner burn with less smoke: Seasoned firewood produces less smoke, producing better air quality inside and out.
• Reduced creosote buildup in chimneys: Greenwood leads to the buildup of creosote—a dangerous byproduct of incomplete combustion that can cause chimney fires.
• Easier to light and maintain: Dry wood catches fire quickly and burns with little effort.
• Safer for indoor fireplaces and wood stoves: Lower moisture levels reduce the risk of dangerous creosote buildup and chimney fires.

Birch Firewood

Birch firewood is an excellent option if you're looking for quick-burning wood that's easy to handle. It ignites easily and burns brightly, making it perfect for those who want instant warmth without waiting for the fire to catch.

• Varieties: Birch has multiple varieties, including White, Yellow, and Black. Of these, the Black Birch is the hottest burner, while the White Birch is recognized by its distinct paper-like bark.
• Best uses: Birch is ideal for short-duration fires in fireplaces and outdoor fire pits, where you want to enjoy a vibrant flame.

Check out our selection of Birch Firewood to ensure your fires burn clean and bright all season long.

Hickory Firewood

When it comes to Hickory firewood, you're looking at one of the most sought-after options for home heating. Known for its dense, slow-burning qualities, Hickory provides long-lasting heat and a pleasant aroma that makes it perfect for heating and cooking.

• Slow-burning and long-lasting: Hickory burns longer than many other hardwoods, which means fewer logs and more heat for your home.
• Best uses: Ideal for home heating in wood stoves and fireplaces and adding a smoky flavour when cooking outdoors.

Oak Firewood

Oak firewood is prized for its density and long-burning qualities, making it one of the top choices for sustained home heating. Available in White and Red Oak varieties, Oak provides a steady heat output with minimal effort once properly seasoned.

• Dense and long-lasting burn: Oak's density ensures a slow burn, making it a great option for overnight fires or continuous heat during the day.
• Best uses: Oak is perfect for heating large spaces, whether using a wood stove or fireplace.

Cherry Firewood

For those who value a pleasant aroma along with warmth, Cherry firewood is an excellent choice. While it doesn't produce as much heat as Hickory or Oak, Cherry burns cleanly and creates a soothing, sweet fragrance, making it ideal for indoor use.

• Aroma and ambiance: Cherry is known for its fragrant smoke, which enhances the cozy atmosphere of your living space.
• Best uses: Cherry is best for in-home fireplaces, where the lower heat output is balanced by its delightful aroma.

Learn more about our Cherry Firewood to enjoy a cozy and fragrant fire at home this winter.

Mixed Blend Firewood

If you can't decide on one type of wood or want the benefits of several, consider a Mixed Blend of firewood. A mix of hardwoods like Maple, Birch, Beech, and Oak offers a range of burning experiences—each with different aromas, heat outputs, and burn durations.

• Varied burning experiences: Combining fast-burning wood with slower-burning options ensures a fire that starts quickly and lasts long.
• Best uses: This mix is ideal for those who want a versatile firewood option, offering heat and ambiance for various situations.

Our mixed firewood blend includes maple, birch, beech, ash, and oak wood.

Tips for Buying Firewood

Before you make your purchase, consider these important factors to ensure you're getting the best firewood for your needs.

Buy Local to Avoid Spreading Invasive Species

Buying local firewood is a cost-effective choice and an environmentally responsible one. Transporting firewood from one region to another can spread invasive species like the emerald ash borer, which can devastate local ecosystems. Stick to local suppliers to avoid these risks and support your community.

Understanding BTU (British Thermal Units)

BTU is a measure of heat energy. In the context of firewood, it refers to the amount of heat produced by a cord of wood. Hardwoods like Oak, Hickory, and Birch tend to have higher BTU ratings, which means they produce more heat and are more efficient for home heating.

Firewood BTU Chart

Factors to Consider When Choosing Firewood

• Type of fireplace or stove: Some woods, like Hickory or Oak, are ideal for wood stoves, while others, like Birch, are better for fireplaces or outdoor fire pits
• Desired burn duration and heat output: Go for hardwoods like Oak or Hickory for long-lasting heat. For quick, bright fires, Birch or Cherry are great options.
• Wood density and ease of starting fires: Denser woods burn longer but can be harder to ignite. Consider using kindling to get the fire started quickly.
• Aroma and ambiance: Cherry or a mixed blend is an excellent choice if you're looking for a wood that adds to the atmosphere.

Start your fire right with our Bagged Kindling, perfect for burning your wood quickly and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Firewood