Which Wood Burns Best

When you rely on a wood-burning stove for heat, using quality firewood is the key to convenience, efficiency and safety.

   

When you rely on a wood-burning stove for heat, using quality firewood is the key to convenience, efficiency and safety. Good planning, seasoning and storage of your firewood supply are all important factors, but so is stocking up on the right type of wood. Our list below will help you determine which woods are the best choice for you, along with guidelines on how long to season and store.

 

Alder Burns fast
Poor heat output
Sweet burning aroma
Best when seasoned at least 1 year
Apple Slow and steady burn
Small flame size
Does not spark or spit
Best when seasoned at least 2 years
Ash Steady flame
Good heat output
Best when seasoned at least 1 year
Beech Dense wood
Burns clean and hot
Best when seasoned 1-2 years
Birch Quick to burn
Burns bright and hot
Good choice for kindling
Black Locust (Robinia) Slow to burn
Burns clean and hot
Good heat output
Best when seasoned at least 1 year
Cedar Easy to burn
Low heat output
Heavy smoke and spark
Good choice for kindling
Cherry (Recommended) Slow to burn
Burns at medium heat
Sweet burning aroma
Best when seasoned at least 1 year
Chestnut Burns easily
Burns at low heat
Heavy smoke
Elm Dense, hard wood
Slow to get going
Best when seasoned 2 years
Hawthorn Slow to burn
Good heat output
Oak (Recommended) Dense wood
Slow to burn
Low flame
Best when seasoned 1-2 years
Pine High sap content
Messy to burn
Good choice for kindling
Poplar Poor burn
Heavy smoke
Sycamore Good flame
Moderate heat
Best when seasoned at least 1 year
Sugar Maple (Recommended) Burns efficiently
Good heat output
Good flame
Best when seasoned at least 1 year
Walnut Slow to burn
Limited smoke
Best when seasoned at least 1 year
Yew (Recommended) Slow to burn
Good heat output
Sweet burning aroma
Best when seasoned 2-3 years

For more expert tips on burning wood, check out:
Tips for Burning Wood
How to Use a Moisture Meter

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