What Is a Good Mix of Firewood?
Other People Are Reading
-
Hardwoods Burn Hotter and Longer
-
Hardwoods generally emit little smoke and very few sparks, which makes them suitable for an indoor setting. They burn at medium to high heat levels, which makes them ideal as a source for warmth. However, hardwoods can be difficult to split and can prove challenging to light on fire. Therefore, four to five handfuls of dry tinder are often required to start a fire with eight to 10 pieces of hardwood measuring 1 inch by 1 foot. Hickory, beech and oak are hardwoods that put out enough heat for cooking and warmth and last for several hours with little to no maintenance. They can last through the night as hot coals.
-
Softwoods Split and Burn Easily
-
Softwoods split with less effort than their hardwood counterparts, burn readily and are generally less expensive. However, softwoods typically burn at low heat levels and often emit quantities of smoke and sparks that can make a fire unpleasant in an indoor setting. Cedar, hemlock, spruce, pine, chestnut and willow burn at close to two times the rate of hardwoods and emit an unpleasant number of sparks.
Bottom Line
-
The ideal mix of firewood depends on your use for the fire. If you're in a survival or camping situation, a mix of softwoods and hardwoods can prove advantageous. The hardwoods will burn through the night with little maintenance and provide consistent heat, and the softwoods will emit smoke to ward off insects and to signal rescuers. If you're in an indoor setting, any well-seasoned wood will work. However, hardwoods will provide more heat, burn longer and emit less smoke and sparks.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit firewood image by Juliette Speers from Fotolia.com
