The Midwest sees a range of climates, from hot summers to freezing winters, so picking the right firewood can help you stay warm efficiently. Certain woods stand out for their availability, heat output, and ease of splitting. Here are the top choices worth considering if you live in the heartland.
1. Oak
Oak is a Midwest classic. It’s dense, burns long, and gives off a steady heat that can last through the night. You’ll appreciate the hotter, cleaner burn once it’s properly seasoned.
What to Know
The downside is the wait: oak can take a year or more to fully season. Splitting it early helps, but patience is key. If you stick to well-seasoned oak (moisture content around 20% or less), you’ll enjoy minimal smoke and maximum heat.
2. Hickory
Hickory burns hot and smells amazing—some even use it for smoking meat. It’s abundant in many parts of the Midwest, and its density provides a long-lasting fire. If you want fewer refills in the middle of a cold night, hickory is a solid bet.
What to Know
It can be tougher to split than softer woods. Dry it for at least six months, ideally up to a year. Once seasoned, it’s a top-tier choice for both stoves and fireplaces.
3. Ash
Ash is known for burning well even if it’s not fully seasoned. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t let it dry, but it’s more forgiving if you’re short on time. It splits relatively easily and provides decent heat without too much smoke.
What to Know
The Emerald Ash Borer has devastated ash populations in the Midwest, so you might find yourself cutting down infested trees. If so, properly dispose of any infected bark and give the wood enough time to dry thoroughly.
4. Maple (Hard Maple)
Hard maples like sugar maple burn longer and hotter than many other species. They produce steady heat and leave behind good coals, which is great for overnight burns. Maple is also relatively easy to split once it’s partially dry.
What to Know
Maple can be slower to season than some lighter woods, so aim for a solid six months of drying time. If you see spalted or partially rotted sections, cut them away to prevent mold in your stack.
5. Black Locust
Black Locust is a powerhouse. It’s one of the hottest-burning woods you can find in the Midwest. Once seasoned, it puts out incredible heat and leaves minimal ash. It also coals well, which helps maintain warmth over extended periods.
What to Know
Locust can be tough to split by hand due to its density, and it can take a bit longer to fully season. But if you want a wood that’ll keep your stove roaring, it’s worth the effort.
6. Walnut
Walnut produces moderate heat and has a pleasant, mild aroma. It’s a decent choice if you already have walnut trees on your property. While it’s not as hot-burning as oak or hickory, it’s still a reliable hardwood for the Midwest climate.
What to Know
It can leave behind a distinct, dark residue, so be mindful if you’re burning a lot of it. Make sure to season walnut properly—at least six months—and mix it with hotter woods if you need more heat output.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re prepping for a harsh winter or just stocking up for cozy fires, the Midwest offers a variety of hardwoods that burn hot and last long. Oak, hickory, and ash are staples, while black locust provides some of the highest heat. Maple and walnut offer good versatility, but remember: no matter which wood you choose, proper seasoning is the key to a cleaner burn and less creosote buildup. Aim for at least six months of drying time, keep your stacks off the ground, and you’ll enjoy steady, warm fires all season long.