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A Guide to Choosing the Best Firewood

Post by : Admin

29-Dec-2021

It can save you much trouble and maximize efficiency if you know about different kinds of firewood when it comes to your fireplace, fire pit, or woodstove. To choose the best firewood per your needs, you must understand the characteristics of different kinds as not all firewood provide the same outcome. There are two main categories of firewood; softwood and hardwood.

Softwoods are not always workable and soft. Hardwoods are not always durable and harder, so don’t let the names fool you—the major distinction between the two lies in their physical structure and reproduction.

A cozy lounge with a fireplace

We’ve broken down each category with more details to give you a better idea of the features and benefits of both softwoods and hardwoods. Let’s review to find the best one for you.

Hardwood

Compared to softwood, hardwood makes a better choice due to its low level of pitch and its density. Common kinds of hardwoods commonly used by homeowners are oak, maple, hickory, elm, birch, aspen, alder, ash, beech, cottonwood, fruit trees, ironwood, and mesquite.

Since these trees grow slowly, their wood becomes denser and darker. Hardwood is considered best for producing fires and cooking as they are more intense and hotter. Moreover, they are great for fueling your stove, heating your house, and producing lots of long-burning coals. If you are looking for any of these benefits, you must opt for hardwood.

Softwood

If you are looking for a great outdoor experience with your friends and family that involves campfires, this is the right choice for you. Softwoods are lower in density, lighter, and in comparison to hardwoods, they season more quickly. This kind is considered better for outdoor use as they emit more smoke and ignite quickly than hardwood.

While the wood choices in hardwoods are plenty, there are still some options in the softwood category, such as Fir, Pine, Spruce, Tamarack, Redwood, Hemlock, and Cedar. All of these provide low heat output.

A modern fireplace in a modern lounge

Woods to Avoid

It’s also important to know a few kinds of wood that you should never burn, whether you are preparing to use a stone hearth, a cast-iron stove, or a campfire. These include driftwood, Big wood, painted or treated wood, greenwood, and non-local wood.

If you are planning an outdoor party in the colder months or wish to stay indoors warm and cozy, a fireplace with the right kind of wood will complete your experience.

At Creative Masonry & Chimney, we can help you choose the best fireplace that suits your home. We will assess your needs provide you with the best Fireplace Repair services in CT. Call us or schedule an appointment today!