Many of you use a fireplace or wood-burning stove as a heating source. But do you know that not all types of wood are created equal. Some types of wood produce more heat and last longer than others, while some should be avoided due to dangers that they present.
Whether you’re buying firewood for the first time or just want to brush up on your knowledge, in this article you’ll find tips for choose the right firewood for your fireplace or stove.
Why should you choose your firewood wisely?
One of the most important things to consider when using a fireplace or wood burning stove is the type of wood you are burning. Some types of wood are better than others when it comes to heat output and burn time. Other types of wood should be avoided altogether, as they can release harmful toxins into your home.
What are your heating needs with your wood stove?
One of the first things you need to consider when choosing wood for your wood burning stove is your heating needs.
Do you use your wood stove as your main source of heating? Or is it more for the atmosphere?
If you use your wood stove as main source of heat, you will want to choose a heavier wood. These woods tend to be more expensivebut they also have a power higher calorific. This means that they produce more heat and last longer.
On the other hand, if you use your wood stove mainly for the atmosphere, you can choose a lighter wood. These woods are generally less expensive and take up less space when stored. However, they don’t produce as much heat and don’t last as long as their heavier counterparts. Pine and poplar are examples of lighter woods
Light wood and heavy wood.
One of the main factors to consider when choosing your firewood is knowing the differences between light wood or heavy wood.
The light wood is generally less expensive than heavy wood, but it also has a lower calorific value. This means that it will take more light wood to produce the same amount of heat as heavy wood. However, light wood is easier to store and takes up less space than heavy wood.
If you use your wood stove mainly for ambiance, then light wood is a good choice. But if your wood-burning stove is your main source of heat, it’s best to opt for heavy wood.
Hardwood and softwood
Another factor to consider when choosing your wood is whether you want hardwood or softwood. Hardwood is denser than softwood, which means it burns slower and produces more heat. However, hardwood is also more expensive than softwood. Softwood, on the other hand, burns quickly and does not produce as much heat. But it is also cheaper than hardwood.
If you want a steady, consistent source of heat, then hardwood is the way to go.
But if you’re just looking for a rapid heat supplysoft wood will do.
Which woods should not be used in a fireplace?
We advise once morest using woods such as chestnut and plane, as they tend to split and can be dangerous.
Woods to avoid
Chestnut and plane trees should be avoided because they tend to split. This can be dangerous, as the splinters can fly up and hit you or your guests. Also, these woods produce a lot of sparks, which might easily start a fire outside the fireplace. If you must use these woods, be sure to wear gloves and have a fire extinguisher handy, just in case.
Other woods to avoid
In general, it’s best to avoid all soft woods, such as pine or fir. These woods burn too quickly and do not provide much heat. Hardwoods are always the best choice for fires because they burn slowly and evenly.
To conclude
For everyday heating you should choose a type of wood that burns slowly and produces a lot of heat. If your fireplace or stove has more of a decorative function you may prefer a type of wood that burns quickly and does not produce too much heat.
