Getting ready for winter adventures comes with a few chores in exchange for independence and freedom. That includes stocking up on dry and cut firewood. Choosing the best firewood to heat with is one way to make sure you're reducing the workload so you have more time to enjoy the great outdoors.
In this Article
- Best types of firewood
- Where to source your firewood
- Cost Considerations
- How much wood do I need?
What are the best types of firewood?
Hardwood vs. Softwood
Wood can be divided into the categories hardwood and softwood. Softwood generally refers to low-density wood that has a higher concentration of sap, while hardwood has a higher density and less sap.
For high quality firewood you want to choose hardwood for higher BTU output and less residue and creosote buildup.
An overview of the most common kinds of hardwood and softwood can be found here:
Common Hardwoods
- Alder
- Ash
- Aspen
- Birch
- Cottonwood
- Elm
- Fruit trees in general
- Hickory
- Maple
- Oak
Common Softwoods
- Cedar
- Fir
- Hemlock
- Pine
- Redwood
- Spruce
- Tamarack
- Larch
While the definition of softwood vs. hardwood is a good indicator as to which firewood to choose, the heat value of the individual type of wood is another important factor. Not all hardwood has a good heat value, and some softwood can be used as good enough firewood based on the heat value.
Wood with a high heat factor of 25 million BTU/cord or more is for example White Oak, Sugar Maple, and White Ash.
Examples for firewood with 15 million BTU/cord or more are Ponderosa Pine, Cedar and Douglas Fir.
BTU content
The amount of heat firewood produces depends on the BTU content of that wood. Generally speaking, the BTU rating quantifies the amount of wood required to heat up one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
Different kinds of firewood can be distinguished by their BTU rating. The higher the number, the more energy the wood has, and the less firewood you need to increase the temperature in your space.
Which factors do I need to consider?
While the BTU content of firewood is one of the most important factors for an efficient burn season, other factors can be equally important.
These include the ease of splitting (how easy the firewood is to process), ease of lighting (how quickly the firewood catches when first starting a fire) and tendency to spark (how many sparks you can expect for your fire) a safety consideration especially when you have the door open for loading.
Pine for example is known to produce a lot of sparks, and should be used as starter kindling only. Cottonwood on the other hand tends to be smokey and burn with a distinct smell, which might be an issue for some.
Additionally, one has to factor in the dryness of the firewood you have on hand. Dryer firewood will burn better with less residues, and you will have to clean out your chimney less often.
If you are processing your own firewood, keep in mind the ease of splitting of different kinds of wood. While Beech has a high heating quality, it's also difficult to split, and one might consider using Sugar Maple instead (high heating quality and easier to split).
What is the best wood in my area?
The availability of firewood depends largely on the area you're in. The West Coast has different kinds of firewood readily available compared to the Northeast, and while energy content (generally referred to as BTU) is an important factor to consider, so is availability and pricing. That means that the best firewood to heat your space might differ from someone traveling in a different area of the country.
Cost considerations
Costs will vary significantly depending on where you'll source your firewood. If you are lucky enough to own a property with quality wood, and you have the time to process and dry it adequately, you can heat your space for free.
Buying your firewood from a big box store in comparison will drive up the costs, as do certain types of firewood like fruit tree wood, since it's highly aromatic and sought after.
You also need to consider adding compressed logs for easy overnight burns. While they are generally more expensive than regular firewood, they come with the added convenience of long burn times. Make sure to choose compressed logs without any additives or wax rated for closed fireplaces.
Where can I buy firewood?
Buy from private parties on Facebook marketplace or Craigslist
Check your local private marketplace options for private sellers.
Make sure to check the moisture content of the firewood prior to purchase.
Keep in mind that transporting firewood across state lines might be illegal. Check local restrictions for more information on rules and regulations.
Source your own firewood on your property
If you're lucky enough to not only have high-quality wood growing on your property but also have the means and time to process and dry it, this is the cheapest, though not the easies,t method to source your firewood.
Make sure to dry your firewood adequately before using it. Fresh cut wood has a moisture content of about 50%, it needs to dry out to a moisture content below 20% to 25%.
A great way to monitor the moisture content of your firewood is a convenient Firewood Moisture Meter.
By the way, wet wood is easier to split than dried wood, and it dries faster if processed before drying.
Purchase a firewood permit at a USFS (United States Forest Service) office
Most USFS offices will issue firewood permits. Depending on the area you are in, those might be free, or a small fee will be collected by the rangers. Make sure to have a paper copy of your permit with you when collecting firewood, and to plan ahead both for sourcing high-quality firewood and drying the firewood you collected.
Most forest service offices will limit firewood permits to downed or dead trees. If you don't have the equipment to transport the firewood, local help might be hired.
Buy from commercial stores
If you are in an area where local firewood is scarce and/or you don't have the means to transport firewood, commercial stores can be a good alternative. Make sure to compare prices, and factor in delivery costs if applicable.
While this is generally the most expensive solution, it's generally less expensive than paying for propane.
Alternative Sources
You might have alternative sources for firewood, like tree services and logging mills. If you have neighbors heating with wood, check in with them to see if they have alternative sources that might not be as obvious.
Supplement with compressed logs
For easier overnight burns and less bulk firewood storage requirements, consider adding compressed logs.
They are generally sold at local hardware stores, some big box stores and farm feed stores. Make sure to choose compressed logs without any wax or other additives to keep creosote buildup minimal.
Most stores will sell compressed logs by the pallet at a significantly lower price.
Conclusion
Information about which firewood to choose for your Dwarf Stove can seem overwhelming at first. Just keep in mind: if you have the means to optimize your choice of firewood you can do so by choosing hardwood over softwood, choose high BTU types of wood, factor in how much you will need and local options on sourcing your firewood.
Sources
- https://www.almanac.com/content/best-firewood-heat-values-wood-burning-tips
- https://www.crfd.org/firewood.htm
- University of Idaho, Firewood Selection,