Top Firewood Choices: Best & Worst Types for Your Fireplace"

Nothing beats a cozy evening by the fireplace, the gentle crackling of logs, and that perfect warmth spreading across the room. But, before you get too comfortable, let’s chat about what you’re tossing into that fire. Believe it or not, not all wood is created equal when it comes to burning, and using the wrong kind of wood can leave you with more smoke than warmth—or worse, a chimney fire.

So, how do you choose the right firewood for your wood-burning fireplace? Let’s break down the best and worst types of wood to burn, and throw in a little humor along the way—because, let’s face it, firewood isn’t the most glamorous topic.

Only Use Seasoned Wood—It’s a Must!

Let’s start with the golden rule of firewood: always burn seasoned wood. Seasoned wood is wood that has been dried out for at least six to twelve months, allowing the moisture to evaporate. Why is this so important? Well, wet or “green” wood (not the eco-friendly kind of green!) doesn’t burn well. It smokes more, burns less efficiently, and can even clog up your chimney with creosote, a dangerous substance that builds up and increases the risk of chimney fires.

So, here’s your first firewood pro tip: If it feels wet, leave it alone. If you’re unsure whether your wood is properly seasoned, give it a knock. Seasoned wood sounds hollow, while unseasoned wood sounds dull and thudding—kind of like that feeling when you realize you forgot to season your dinner.

Why Seasoned Wood Is Your Fireplace’s Best Friend:

• More Heat, Less Smoke: Dry firewood burns hotter and cleaner, keeping your home warmer without filling it with smoke.

• Easier to Light: It ignites easily and burns more consistently—no struggling with stubborn logs that refuse to catch.

• Longer Burn Time: Seasoned wood burns longer, so you’re not constantly feeding the fire.

• Safer for Your Chimney: Wet wood leads to creosote buildup, which can be dangerous. Dry wood significantly reduces this risk.

Now that you know the importance of using dry wood, let’s get into the specifics of which wood species you should seek out—and which to avoid like, well, fire.

Firewood

The Best Types of Firewood for Your Fireplace

When it comes to firewood, hardwoods reign supreme. These dense, slow-burning woods are packed with energy, giving you longer-lasting fires and more heat output. So, if you’re after a roaring fire to cozy up next to, hardwoods are your go-to.

1. Oak

Oak is like the dependable friend who always shows up to help you move. It’s reliable, burns slow, and produces a lot of heat. Oak firewood has a dense grain, which means it’ll keep burning for a long time, but it does need to be well-seasoned—think at least a year or more. Patience is a virtue with oak, but trust me, it’s worth the wait. Once it’s cured, oak will keep your home toasty and your firewood pile looking respectable.

2. Maple

Maple isn’t just for pancakes! It’s also an excellent firewood choice. Like oak, maple burns hot and long. It has a subtly sweet aroma, which makes it a pleasant option for indoor fireplaces. Plus, it doesn’t pop and crackle too much, so it’s ideal if you’re looking for a steady, calm burn.

3. Hickory

Hickory is the powerhouse of firewood. It burns with a high heat output and is famous for that classic smoky scent—so much so that people often use it to smoke meats. If you love a fire that gives off serious warmth and a bit of that outdoorsy smell, hickory is your new best friend. It also burns for a long time, making it great for those long winter nights.

4. Ash

Ash is the overachiever of firewoods because it’s one of the few that burns well even when it’s a bit green. That said, seasoned ash is far better. It burns steadily, produces good heat, and has a low moisture content to begin with, so it doesn’t take forever to season. If you come across ash logs, grab them—they’ll give you a consistent, enjoyable fire without much fuss.

5. Cherry

Cherry is like the refined, classy cousin of firewoods. While it doesn’t burn as hot as some of the other hardwoods, it makes up for it with a pleasant fragrance and a smooth burn. It also doesn’t spit or spark as much, which is a bonus if you’re looking for a cleaner, more controlled fire. Cherry wood will make your home smell lovely, so if ambiance is what you’re after, cherry is a great pick.

6. Birch

If you need a fire in a hurry, birch is your best bet. It burns easily, even when not fully seasoned, and gives off a good amount of heat. However, it burns quickly, so you’ll want to mix it with slower-burning wood like oak for a more balanced fire. Fun fact: birch bark is also excellent for starting fires, so keep a few pieces handy for kindling!

Other Good Options:

• Douglas Fir: A fast-burning softwood that produces high heat, but keep an eye on the sparks!

• White Birch: High heat output with minimal smoke and a pleasant aroma—plus, that bark makes for excellent kindling.

The Worst Types of Firewood for Your Fireplace

Not all wood is meant for your cozy indoor fire. Some types of wood are better left outside or used sparingly because they burn poorly, produce too much smoke, or leave behind dangerous residue.

1. Pine

Ah, pine. It smells great and burns fast, which makes it ideal for kindling. But pine is loaded with sap, which means it creates a lot of creosote—one of the worst culprits for clogging up your chimney. Use pine sparingly, and avoid it altogether if you’re burning indoors for long periods. Sure, it’ll get the fire going quickly, but at what cost? Creosote buildup is no joke and can lead to chimney fires if not properly cleaned.

2. Spruce

Like pine, spruce is a softwood that burns fast and hot. Unfortunately, it also produces a lot of smoke and has a high sap content, leading to—you guessed it—creosote buildup. Save spruce for outdoor fires where the smoke won’t be an issue.

3. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus might smell great in your essential oil diffuser, but when it comes to firewood, it’s a hard pass. It burns too hot, too fast, and produces excessive smoke. Plus, the oils in eucalyptus can cause flare-ups that are less than safe for indoor fireplaces. Stick to eucalyptus for your spa day, not your fire.

4. Poplar

Poplar is a low-density wood, meaning it burns fast and doesn’t produce much heat. And if that’s not bad enough, it also gives off a pretty unpleasant smell when burned. If you’re looking to keep your house warm and smelling nice, steer clear of poplar.

5. Willow

Willow, with its high moisture content, doesn’t burn hot and produces a lot of smoke. Even when well-seasoned, it just doesn’t provide the kind of heat you want from firewood. Plus, it’s notorious for being a bit of a smoke bomb in the fireplace—no thanks!

6. Chestnut

Chestnut burns weakly and produces a lot of smoke. If you don’t want to spend your evening coughing or running to open a window, avoid this one. It also tends to spark and pop, making it a bit of a hazard for indoor use.

Woods That Can Cause Creosote Buildup

Some woods are known for causing excessive creosote buildup, which can be dangerous if not cleaned out regularly. Here’s a quick list of culprits:

• Pine

• Fir

• Spruce

• Cedar

• Eucalyptus

These woods have high sap and resin content, which means they don’t burn completely. When that sap vaporizes and cools inside your chimney, it turns into creosote—a flammable substance that can ignite and cause chimney fires. To prevent creosote buildup, use only seasoned hardwoods and have your chimney cleaned regularly.

Common Name	Hardwood/Softwood	Comments	Grade
Alder	H	Generally considered a poor firewood. Burns quickly and gives off little heat.	Poor
Apple	H	Needs to be seasoned well. Burns slowly with good heat and pleasant smell, little sparking.	Good
Ash	H	Low moisture content when green. Can burn green but best seasoned. Good heat output.	High
Beech	H	High water content, needs long seasoning. Burns well but tends to spark.	Good
Birch	H	Burns easily, even unseasoned. Burns quickly; best mixed with slower-burning woods.	Good-High
Blackthorn	H	Burns slowly with good heat output and little smoke.	Good
Cedar	S	Burns well with a pleasant smell. Provides lasting heat but little flame, minimal spitting.	Low
Cherry	H	Needs to be seasoned well. Burns with a pleasant smell and without spitting.	Low-Good
Douglas Fir	S	Poor firewood, produces little flame or heat.	Poor
Elder	H	Burns quickly with little heat output. Produces a lot of smoke.	Poor
Elm	H	Good firewood but needs thorough seasoning. Burns slowly with good heat.	Low-Good
Hawthorn	H	Burns well with good heat and little smoke. Can be difficult to split.	Good-High
Hazel	H	Excellent firewood. Burns quickly without spitting.	High
Holly	H	Can be burnt green. A good firewood overall.	Good
Hornbeam	H	Good firewood. Burns well.	Good
Horse Chestnut	H	Poor firewood, spits a lot.	Low
Larch	S	Needs to be seasoned well. Spits excessively, produces a lot of soot deposits.	Poor
Lime	H	A low-quality firewood.	Low
Oak	H	One of the best firewoods. Burns slowly and is long-lasting but needs a long seasoning period.	High
Pear	H	Needs to be seasoned well. Burns well with a pleasant smell and without spitting.	Good
Pine	S	Burns well but tends to spit. Leaves sooty deposits. Good for kindling.	Low
Plane	H	Usable firewood with good burning properties.	Good
Poplar	S	Burns slowly and produces a lot of smoke even when seasoned.	Poor
Rowan	H	Good firewood. Burns well.	Good
Spruce	S	A low-quality firewood.	Low
Sweet Chestnut	H	Burns when seasoned but spits excessively, especially on an open fire.	Poor-Low
Sycamore	H	Good firewood. Burns well but with moderate heat output.	Good
Walnut	H	Low-quality firewood.	Low
Willow	H	High water content, burns well only when seasoned very well.	Low
Yew	H	A usable firewood with decent burning properties.	Good

Clean Between Different Types of Firewood

Switching between different types of wood? It’s a good idea to clean your fireplace between burns, especially if you’ve been using high-creosote woods like pine or spruce. A quick sweep with a chimney brush will help reduce soot and creosote buildup, making your next fire safer and easier to maintain.

Final Thoughts: Light It Up!

Choosing the right firewood can make all the difference when it comes to creating the perfect fire. Stick with seasoned hardwoods like oak, maple, and ash for the best burn, and avoid softwoods like pine and spruce for indoor use. Remember, the key to a great fire is proper preparation and knowing which woods to use (and which to avoid).

With the right wood and a little know-how, you’ll be able to enjoy warm, cozy fires all season long—without filling your home with smoke or risking chimney fires. So go ahead, light it up, sit back, and enjoy the comforting crackle of a well-built fire!