Key Takeaways
- Firewood falls into three main categories: hardwood, softwood and manufactured wood, each suited for different burning needs.
- Hardwoods like oak, maple, hickory and ash burn longer and hotter, making them ideal for heating your home.
- Softwoods such as pine, cedar, spruce and larch ignite quickly and are useful for starting fires or short burns.
- Manufactured wood products like fire starter logs, briquettes, bricks and pellets can help start fires or provide consistent fuel.
- Standard firewood lengths typically range from 16 to 24 inches, and firewood is commonly sold in bags, bundles or units known as cords.
- Proper storage is important — stack firewood off the ground, allow airflow and keep wood away from structures to help it dry and reduce pests and fire risks.
When burning a fire always:
- Wear gloves and long sleeves to help prevent burns caused by sparks or flames.
- Keep a safe distance from the fire.
- Check the fireplace to ensure the flue is open.
- Always keep an eye on the fire and avoid overloading it to prevent excessive smoke.
- Keep pets and children as safe distance away from flames.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency.
Types of Firewood
Firewood falls into three main categories, each offering distinct benefits. They differ in burning performance and purposes.
Hardwood
Hardwoods are considered the most efficient and slow-burning types of firewood. They’re dense and produce a substantial amount of heat, providing long-lasting fires.
- Oak offers durability and a dense structure, which makes it a popular choice. It provides steady heat and emits a pleasant aroma.
- Maple is another popular option. It’s dense and burns slowly, resulting in consistent heat.
- Hickory is one of the most efficient fuel sources due to its high density. It’s also relatively easy to start, making it a convenient choice.
- Ash is also a great option because it burns cleanly and produces a moderate amount of heat. While ash can burn when it’s green, seasoned ash burns more efficiently.
Softwood
Since softwoods aren’t as dense as hardwoods, they burn more quickly. They’re often used to start fires or for a quick burst of heat.
- Pine is widely available and an affordable choice, making it a popular firewood option. It produces a bright flame and burns quickly.
- Cedar burns cleanly and offers a pleasant aroma but should generally be used in situations where high heat output isn’t required.
- Spruce is another option that burns quickly and produces a moderate amount of heat.
Manufactured Wood
While not primarily used for high heat output, manufactured wood can be used to start a fire or as a base for hardwood. Typically made from compressed wood shavings or sawdust, these products are widely available.
- Fire starter logs are pre-made and designed to ignite easily and start a fire quickly.
- Wood briquettes are compressed sawdust and provide a consistent source of heat.
- Wood pellets are made by compacting bark-free wood fibers into pellet shapes.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Firewood
Consider where you’re getting your firewood from, among other factors, to ensure good quality wood and value for your money.
Standard Firewood Length and Measurements
Understanding the standard lengths of firewood and how it’s measured is essential before making a purchase. Common log lengths include 16, 18 and 24 inches. Firewood is also commonly sold in cubic feet or cords.
If you intend to use them in fireplaces or stoves, logs split into pieces about 3–6 inches wide and around 16 inches long are generally easier to handle. Larger logs are more appropriate for outdoor fires.
A firewood seller may classify amounts of firewood in cords, ton bags or retail bags. A firewood cord is a stack of wood that equals about 128 cubic feet. A ton bag can hold roughly 200 to 330 logs, depending on size. A retail bag of firewood may contain 6 to 20 pounds of wood.
Dried or Fresh Firewood?
Consider the moisture content of the firewood you purchase, since it determines burning efficiency and heat output. Opt for dried firewood because it burns cleaner, produces more heat and releases less smoke.
If you buy freshly cut firewood, you may need to wait for it to dry before it can burn effectively. A moisture meter can help check the moisture content of your firewood; it should typically be below 20 percent.
An easier way to find quality firewood is to look for seasoned wood, which has usually been dried for at least six months and often has a dry, cracked appearance.
The Best Time for Firewood
Firewood is commonly used during winter to provide consistent heat. If you plan to season wood yourself, start drying it in the spring so it’s ready for use in winter. During this time, logs are often more affordable and available in greater variety.
Make sure your logs are exposed to sunlight and good airflow so they dry properly. Stack them in a criss-cross pattern to help improve air circulation. Once the wood is seasoned, move it storage.
Storing Firewood
Air circulation is essential for firewood, so store it at least 20 feet away from any structure. Leave enough space between logs for them to dry properly and to help prevent rot. Using a firewood rack can help keep wood off the ground and reduce issues with mice, insects and potential fire risks.
Check out these creative firewood storage ideas from Lowes.
Where to Buy Firewood
Looking for firewood to ensure a cozy winter? Lowe’s can help. Shop online today at Lowes.com or visit a local store and ask a Lowe’s Red Vest associate for help.
Choosing Firewood: FAQ
Below are answers to some common questions about firewood types, sizes and how to identify properly seasoned wood. Understanding these basics can help you select the right firewood for efficient, safe and reliable fires.
What Type of Firewood Burns the Longest?
Hardwood firewood, such as oak, maple, hickory and ash, burns the longest. These woods are denser than softwoods, allowing them to produce more heat and maintain longer-lasting fires, and making them ideal for fireplaces and wood stoves.
What’s the Standard Size of Firewood Logs?
The most common firewood log lengths are 16, 18 and 24 inches. Logs around 16 inches long and 3–6 inches wide are typically ideal for fireplaces and wood stoves because they’re easier to handle and fit in most fireboxes.
How Can You Tell If Firewood Is Properly Seasoned?
Seasoned firewood usually has a moisture content below 20 percent when checked with a moisture meter, visible cracks on the ends and a lighter weight than freshly cut wood. Properly seasoned firewood burns more efficiently, produces more heat and creates less smoke than green wood.