What Are The Best Woods for Fireplace Comfort | Wood Burning

What Are The Best Woods for Fireplace Comfort

When it comes to fireplace and chimney fires, it is a bit different than if you were to have a campfire outside. There are many different types of wood that you can select. From hardwood to softwood and aged to fresh cut — these characteristics do matter if you want an efficient and comfortable fire. Because while all wood burns, they do not all burn the same way.

Wood Burning Stoves in Wind Lake WIThe Best Type: Hardwood

Hardwood varieties offer many great indoor burning characteristics. A few examples of hardwood include maple, oak, and birch. Oak is the overall best choice. Why? It offers a slow-burning fire which burns long and evenly which makes for an efficient fire; longer burn means less wood needed. It also is minimally smoky and smelly. On the other hand, oak wood does require a full season or more to be seasoned and dry. Otherwise, the sap content can lead to popping and a potential fire hazard.

Maple is another hardwood choice that is typically picked. It is abundant in the United States and Canada which also makes it a good option for household fireplaces. Birch is also an option, but it burns quickly. This compromised efficiency can be a dealbreaker for some homeowners.

Why Softwoods Perform Worse

Softwoods underperform because they burn fast and have a higher likelihood of producing smoke. This can be more costly, resource-dependent, you will be left with more wood ash in return. Softwoods do, on the other hand, season very quickly. This can be a benefit, but it does actually come with a downfall. There are sap pockets in softwood which leads to more pops and potential for sparks that can lead to fires. 

If softwood is the only possibility for you, then the best option would be fir as they produce the least ash and age the best of the softwoods.

Other Factors to Consider

No matter which wood you choose to fit your budget, needs, and accessibility, there are a few things to consider regardless. These are related to safety of homeowners.

  • Never use painted or otherwise treated woods – there are potentially harmful chemicals in these products. As the firewood is burned, these chemicals are released as inhalants into the air.
  • Make sure your firewood is dry – Not only will you notice that wet wood burns inefficiently, it also produces a lot of unhealthy and uncomfortable smoke to inhale.
  • Wood needs air/circulation – Stacked up wood on a moist surface (such as dirt outside) can be a perfect breeding ground for mold and bugs to congregate. This can be unhealthy, create moist wood, and cause wood to breakdown and become less capable of igniting.

Best Woods to Burn in Fireplaces in Mount Pleasant WIIn Need of Professional Chimney Help? Look No Further

If you’re in the Burlington area, call Burlington Fireplace to schedule an appointment for your annual chimney inspection or any other chimney needs. We provide service to customers throughout southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, including Sturtevant, WI; Rockford, IL; Union Grove, WI; and Des Plaines, IL. No matter if you’re looking to install a new fireplace or schedule maintenance, we can help.

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