Firewood Types

Using freshly cut firewood might seem convenient, but it’s not ideal for burning. Freshly cut wood, also known as green wood, has a high moisture content that makes it harder to burn efficiently. It produces less heat, creates more smoke, and leads to creosote buildup in your chimney. Knowing how to tell if firewood is […]

When you burn firewood, you’re not just creating heat—you’re also releasing a variety of aromas that can transform your space, whether it’s outdoors around a fire pit or indoors by the hearth. Some firewoods emit sweet, inviting scents, while others have sharper or smokier tones. Knowing the unique aromas of different firewoods can help you

When it comes to outdoor fire pits, not all firewood is created equal. The best wood for your fire pit burns clean, provides good heat, and creates that cozy crackling ambiance without too much smoke. Whether you’re gathering around the pit for warmth, roasting marshmallows, or simply enjoying the flicker of flames under the stars,

When it comes to firewood, poplar often gets overlooked in favor of denser hardwoods like oak or maple. But poplar has its own unique advantages, especially for those looking for a renewable and fast-growing firewood source. It might not burn as long as hardwoods, but for many uses, poplar is an efficient, eco-friendly option worth

When shopping for firewood, you might come across species not native to your region—so-called “exotic” or imported firewood. While they can sometimes offer interesting burning characteristics or unique aromas, these choices come with their own set of environmental concerns. Understanding the potential ecological footprint of exotic firewood can help you make more informed decisions that

When you’re selecting firewood, knowing the hardness can help you predict how it will burn. Harder woods generally burn hotter and longer, making them more efficient for heating. While professional tests and fancy tools exist, you don’t need specialized equipment to get a good idea of your wood’s hardness. A few simple at-home methods can

When it comes to building a good fire—whether you’re heating your home, running a wood-fired stove, or enjoying a backyard campfire—the quality of the firewood matters. Good firewood burns hotter, cleaner, and more efficiently, making your life easier and your flames more enjoyable. While you don’t need a lab test to figure out what you’ve

When most people think of firewood, bamboo isn’t the first material that comes to mind. But in regions where hardwood is scarce or expensive, bamboo offers a surprisingly effective alternative. This fast-growing, renewable plant can provide steady heat when dried and prepared correctly. Before you write it off as just another kind of “grass,” let’s

Cooking over a wood fire isn’t just about heat—it’s about flavor. The type of firewood you use can transform your food, adding smoky, sweet, or even nutty undertones that take your grilling, smoking, or baking to the next level. But not all firewood is created equal when it comes to cooking. Let’s break down the

Ever wonder why some firewood burns like a furnace and keeps you warm all night while other logs seem to fizzle out too quickly? It all comes down to BTUs. Firewood BTUs—or British Thermal Units—are a fancy way of measuring how much heat a piece of wood puts out. Understanding BTUs can help you pick