An outdoor fire pit can transform your backyard into a cozy gathering space, but the quality of your experience often depends on the firewood you choose. The right wood will make starting the fire easier, produce a pleasant aroma, and keep everyone warm without excessive smoke or sparks. Before you throw the next log on, here’s how to select the best firewood for your fire pit.
Go with Seasoned Hardwood
If there’s one golden rule to follow, it’s using seasoned hardwood. Hardwoods—like oak, maple, hickory, and ash—burn longer and hotter, creating a steady, reliable flame. They also produce fewer sparks than softer woods, which can help keep stray embers under control. Well-seasoned wood has been dried for at least six months, feels lighter than fresh-cut wood, and shows small cracks at the ends.
Avoid Softwoods and Resinous Wood
Softwoods like pine, spruce, or fir contain more sap and resin, leading to crackling, popping, and excessive smoke. While a bit of pine kindling can help start the fire, relying on it for the entire evening can mean eye-watering fumes and flying sparks. Stick to hardwoods for the main fuel, and only use softwood in small amounts to help get things going.
Check Moisture Levels
Dryness is key. Even a great hardwood will smolder, smoke, and struggle to catch if it’s not properly dried. Look for logs that show no signs of dampness or mold. If the wood seems heavy for its size, or if it feels cool and wet to the touch, it likely needs more time to season. Storing your firewood under a covered area off the ground helps keep it dry and ready when you need it.
Consider Adding Aromatic Woods
For a more pleasant ambiance, consider mixing in a small amount of aromatic wood. Fruitwoods like apple or cherry can add a subtle, sweet fragrance to your fire. These woods burn nicely and can create a memorable atmosphere without overpowering your senses. Just remember that these are often best used as accents; a base of seasoned hardwood is still your reliable backbone.
Use Smaller Splits for Starting
It’s helpful to have a variety of split sizes. Smaller splits catch fire more quickly and help you build up a bed of glowing embers. Once you have those embers, you can add larger pieces of hardwood to keep the fire going strong. This approach makes the lighting process smoother and cuts down on frustration when trying to get the flames just right.
Watch Out for Treated or Painted Wood
Never burn pressure-treated lumber, painted boards, or wood from pallets unless you’re certain they’re free of chemicals. These can release toxic fumes and create unpleasant odors, making your peaceful evening around the fire pit far less enjoyable—and potentially harmful. Stick with natural, untreated wood whenever possible.
Choose Local, Sustainable Sources
If possible, purchase your firewood from local sources. This helps ensure the wood is well-suited to your climate, reduces transportation emissions, and minimizes the risk of introducing pests or diseases to your area. Plus, you’re supporting local businesses and often getting fresher, better-seasoned wood at a fair price.
Try Before You Stock Up
If you’re unsure which wood you prefer, buy a small batch and test it out during a short evening fire. Take note of how easily it lights, how much smoke it produces, and whether the aroma and heat output suit your taste. Over time, you’ll learn which wood fits your fire pit routine best.
A Better Evening Around the Fire
Choosing the right firewood is about more than just getting the logs to burn. It’s about creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that encourages conversation, relaxation, and good memories. By sticking to seasoned hardwood, keeping it dry, and experimenting with aromatic accents, you’ll set the stage for countless evenings of cozy outdoor enjoyment.