Understanding the heat output of different types of firewood is key to getting the most warmth from your fire. Firewood is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units), which indicate the amount of heat produced when the wood is burned. Hardwoods typically offer higher BTUs than softwoods, making them the preferred choice for home heating.
Here’s a comprehensive BTU chart to help you select the best firewood for your needs.
Best Firewood BTU Chart
| Wood Type | BTU per Cord | Burn Duration | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hickory | 27-30 million BTU | Long | Home heating, cooking, smoking |
| Oak (White) | 26-29 million BTU | Long | Heating, fireplaces, stoves |
| Beech | 24-27 million BTU | Long | Heating, wood stoves |
| Maple (Sugar) | 24-26 million BTU | Moderate to Long | Heating, fireplaces |
| Ash (White) | 22-24 million BTU | Moderate to Long | General heating, stoves |
| Birch (Yellow) | 20-22 million BTU | Moderate | Indoor and outdoor fires |
| Cherry | 18-20 million BTU | Moderate | Fireplaces, aromatic fires |
| Elm | 17-20 million BTU | Moderate | Heating, backup firewood |
| Pine (Softwood) | 15-17 million BTU | Short | Kindling, outdoor fires |
| Cedar (Softwood) | 12-15 million BTU | Short | Aromatic fires, kindling |
Here’s a detailed guide with best firewood to burn chart.
What Do BTUs Mean for Firewood?
BTU ratings represent the potential heat energy a cord of wood can produce when burned under optimal conditions. The higher the BTU rating, the more heat you’ll get. Hardwoods like hickory, oak, and maple have higher BTUs, making them ideal for heating and long-lasting fires.
Softwoods, with their lower BTU output, ignite faster and are great for kindling or quick outdoor fires. However, they burn through faster and don’t produce as much heat, making them less efficient for extended use.
Top High-BTU Firewoods
Hickory
Hickory tops the BTU charts, offering up to 30 million BTUs per cord. It’s dense, burns hot and long, and produces minimal smoke, making it perfect for heating and cooking.
Oak
Oak is a close contender, providing steady, long-lasting heat. Its high density ensures it burns slowly, which is ideal for wood stoves and fireplaces. White oak, in particular, has some of the highest BTU values.
Maple
Maple, especially sugar maple, offers high heat output with a clean burn. It’s a favorite for heating and is often used in fireplaces for its pleasant aroma.
Firewood with Moderate BTUs
Ash
Ash is versatile and burns well even when slightly green. It produces consistent heat with minimal smoke, making it a reliable choice for heating.
Birch
Birch ignites easily and produces decent heat, but it burns faster than other hardwoods. Yellow birch is the best for heat output among birches.
Cherry
Cherry offers a moderate burn time with a sweet aroma. While it doesn’t match oak or hickory in heat output, it’s perfect for aesthetic indoor fires.
Lower BTU Firewoods
Pine
Pine is excellent for kindling or short fires, as it ignites quickly and burns fast. However, it produces more creosote, so avoid using it for prolonged indoor heating.
Cedar
Cedar burns quickly and provides a lovely fragrance, making it a great option for campfires or kindling. It’s not ideal for long-lasting fires but adds ambiance.
Tips for Getting the Most Heat
- Use Seasoned Wood: Firewood should have a moisture content below 20% for optimal heat output. Green or wet wood reduces BTU efficiency and produces more smoke.
- Burn Hardwood for Heating: Stick to hardwoods like hickory, oak, or maple for long-lasting heat.
- Mix and Match: Use softwood for kindling and hardwood for sustained fires.
360 Key Takeaways
- High-BTU hardwoods like hickory and oak are best for heating and long-lasting fires.
- Softwoods like pine and cedar are excellent for kindling but less efficient for extended use.
- Always use seasoned firewood to maximize BTU output and minimize smoke.
- Match your firewood choice to your needs—hardwoods for home heating and softwoods for quick, outdoor fires.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right firewood based on BTU ratings ensures you get the most heat and efficiency out of your fire. Whether you’re warming your home, cooking, or enjoying a cozy firepit evening, knowing the heat potential of different woods helps you plan better and burn smarter. Keep this chart handy, and you’ll always have the perfect wood for the job.