The best firewood is dense, well-seasoned hardwood — oak, maple, ash, hickory or beech — that has been split and dried for at least six months and has a moisture content under about 20%. Never burn wet wood, painted or treated lumber, trash, cardboard or Christmas trees.
Hardwoods vs. softwoods
Hardwoods are denser, burn longer and produce more heat per load. Softwoods like pine light easily and are fine for kindling or shoulder-season fires when well-seasoned. Moisture matters far more than species — wet wood of any kind creates smoke and creosote.
How to tell if wood is seasoned
- Cracks and checks on the cut ends
- Lighter in weight and grayer in color
- A hollow "clack" when two pieces hit together
- Under about 20% on an inexpensive moisture meter
Never burn
- Painted, stained or pressure-treated wood
- Plywood, particle board or pallets with chemical treatments
- Trash, plastic, cardboard or wrapping paper
- Christmas trees (they flare up fast and throw sparks)
Storing firewood
Stack it off the ground, covered on top but open on the sides, and away from the house to keep insects out.
More questions
Is it OK to burn pine in a fireplace?
Seasoned pine is fine, especially as kindling. The creosote problem comes from wet wood, not pine specifically.
Need a local professional?
Chimney Champs has been a local chimney company for 13 years. We provide chimney cleaning & sweeping in your area. Call (856) 300-9215 for a free estimate.
Sources & further reading
Keep reading
- How Often Should You Clean Your Chimney?
- How to Get Your Fireplace Ready for Winter: A 10-Step Checklist
- Why Does My Chimney Smell? 5 Causes and Fixes
- Why Is My Fireplace Smoking Into the House?
- Gas Fireplace Maintenance: What Needs Checking Every Year
- Wood Stove and Insert Maintenance: A Season-by-Season Guide