Elm wood often gets mixed reviews among firewood users. Some love its availability and steady burn, while others find its splitting difficulty and lower heat output less appealing. But with proper handling and a little patience, elm can be a solid addition to your firewood stash.
Is Elm Good for Firewood?
Elm firewood has its pros and cons. It’s considered a mid-range firewood, providing decent heat and a steady burn. While it doesn’t match hardwood heavyweights like oak or hickory in heat output, it still serves as a reliable option for certain uses. If seasoned well and paired with other woods, elm can hold its own as a valuable firewood choice.
Heat Output and Burning Properties
Elm produces a moderate amount of heat, with a BTU rating of about 19-20 million BTUs per cord. This puts it below denser woods like oak (24 million BTUs) but on par with other medium-density woods like birch and ash.
Burn Characteristics
When fully seasoned, elm burns steadily and gives off a consistent flame. However, it doesn’t burn as long as denser hardwoods, making it better for short fires or supplemental heating.
Smoke and Creosote
Elm produces minimal smoke when dry, but burning green or partially seasoned elm can result in excessive smoke and creosote buildup. This makes proper seasoning essential for safe and efficient burning.
Challenges with Splitting Elm
Elm has an interlocking grain that makes splitting difficult, especially when the wood is green. Many people find that using a log splitter or splitting the wood during cold weather (when the fibers are more brittle) makes the job easier. Seasoning elm before splitting can also help, as dry wood tends to be less resistant to splitting.
How to Season Elm Firewood
Seasoning elm properly is crucial because it retains a lot of moisture when freshly cut. Follow these steps to season elm effectively:
- Split It Early: Splitting the logs immediately after cutting speeds up the drying process and prevents the wood from becoming harder to work with.
- Stack Properly: Arrange the wood off the ground in a single row for maximum airflow. Use pallets or a firewood rack to keep the wood dry.
- Cover the Top: Protect the stack with a tarp or firewood cover, leaving the sides open for ventilation.
- Be Patient: Elm usually takes 12-24 months to season fully, depending on your climate.
Properly seasoned elm will feel lighter, show cracks at the ends, and produce a hollow sound when knocked together.
Best Uses for Elm Firewood
Elm firewood is versatile and works well in several situations:
- Supplemental Heating: Mix elm with hardwoods like oak for a balanced fire that burns longer and hotter.
- Outdoor Fires: Its steady burn and moderate heat make it great for fire pits and campfires.
- Kindling: Smaller, seasoned pieces of elm ignite easily and help start larger fires.
Common Elm Species for Firewood
Different species of elm vary in density and burn quality:
- American Elm: Moderately dense and widely available, it offers decent heat output when seasoned.
- Siberian Elm: Lighter and quicker to burn, it’s less efficient but easier to work with.
- Rock Elm: The densest of the elm species, providing better heat and longer burn times.
Pros and Cons of Elm Firewood
Pros
- Widely available and often inexpensive.
- Provides steady heat and burns well when dry.
- Pairs well with denser hardwoods for extended fires.
Cons
- Difficult to split due to its interlocking grain.
- Retains moisture longer, requiring extended seasoning.
- Produces less heat compared to premium firewoods like oak or hickory.
360 Key Takeaways
- Elm is a mid-tier firewood with moderate heat output and steady burn characteristics.
- Its interlocking grain makes splitting difficult, especially when green, but a log splitter can help.
- Proper seasoning (12-24 months) is essential to minimize smoke and maximize efficiency.
- Elm works well for supplemental heating, outdoor fires, and kindling when paired with hardwoods.
Final Thoughts
Elm may not be the first choice for firewood enthusiasts, but it’s far from a bad option. Its availability, steady burn, and versatility make it a practical choice for those willing to put in the effort to season and split it properly. By combining elm with other hardwoods or using it for specific purposes like kindling or outdoor fires, you can get plenty of value from this underappreciated wood.