How to Choose the Best Wood for Your Fireplace or Wood Insert
The wood you burn matters more than many homeowners realize. The right firewood can help your fireplace or wood insert burn hotter and cleaner, while the wrong wood can create excessive smoke, poor performance, and faster creosote buildup inside your chimney.
Here’s what Oregon and Washington homeowners should know before stocking up for burning season.
Choose Seasoned, Dry Firewood
The most important factor isn’t necessarily the species of wood — it’s how dry the wood is.
Firewood should generally have a moisture content of 20% or less before burning. Wet or “green” wood uses much of the fire’s energy just to evaporate moisture. That means less heat for your home, more smoke, and conditions that can contribute to creosote buildup.
A simple firewood moisture meter can help you check before you burn.
Hardwood vs. Softwood: Which Is Better?
Both can be burned when properly seasoned, but they behave differently.
Hardwoods such as oak, maple, and madrone are denser and typically burn longer, making them great for sustained fires.
Softwoods such as Douglas fir can ignite more quickly and work well for starting fires or when you want heat faster. In the Pacific Northwest, properly seasoned Douglas fir can be an excellent firewood.
The key is still dry wood. Dry softwood is a much better choice than wet hardwood.
What Wood Should You Avoid?
Never burn painted, stained, pressure-treated, or chemically treated lumber in your fireplace or wood insert. You should also avoid plywood, particleboard, household trash, and other materials that weren’t intended to be used as firewood.
And if wood feels damp, looks freshly cut, or produces excessive smoke and sizzling when it burns, it probably needs more time to season.
Store Your Firewood the Right Way
Even properly seasoned wood can absorb moisture if it’s stored incorrectly. Keep firewood off the ground with the top protected from rain while allowing airflow around the sides.
Good airflow helps the wood stay dry and ready for your next fire.
Better Wood = A Better Fire
You don’t need the most expensive firewood you can find. You need clean, properly seasoned wood with a moisture content of 20% or less.
Pair good firewood with regular chimney inspections and cleaning when needed, and you’ll be giving your fireplace or wood insert the best chance to burn efficiently and safely throughout the season.
Not sure your chimney is ready for burning season? Contact Integrity Chimney to schedule an inspection or cleaning.
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