Not all firewood are created equal. Whereas some will provide you with a very hot fire, others won’t. There are those that produce a crackling fire and there are others that burn very smoothly. Regardless of what your interest is, there is definitely firewood that will burn exactly as you want. The trick lies in choosing the right type.
So, how can you ensure that the firewood you choose will give you the type of fire that you want? Well, for starters it is important to mention that different types of wood possess different characteristics which in turn determine the fire that they produce. Below is a guide on the different types of firewood for a fireplace.
Firewood For A Crackling Fireplace
A fire that crackles and pops can be very exciting – especially during the holidays when you need to relax. As a matter of fact, a 2014 study established that a crackling fire has the ability to relieve you from stress and therefore it is good for your health.
Fir and Pine produce very good wood for a crackling fire. Out of the two, Fir is the most recommended. It has a wonderfully fresh aroma that can create the perfect holiday ambiance. Pine is fine but it has a tendency of causing oily soot deposits around the house. Its scent is also super strong and can be a bit overwhelming.
Long Burning Firewood
If you are looking for the type of fire that burns for a very long time ten look no further than hardwood. Hardwoods are very dense and weigh much more than softwoods. For that reason, they produce a lot of heat for a very long time. They are great for cooking because they burn slowly but intensely. The only problem of using hardwoods is that you will find it difficult to get the fire started. Some examples of hardwood are Birch, Red Oak, Pecan, Beech, Dogwood, and Almond.
Firewood For Hot Fire
Hardwoods not only burn for long but they also produce a lot of heat. That means you can make them your first choice if you want a very hot fire.
Firewood That Burns Quickly
Contrary to hardwoods, softwoods usually burn quickly. That means they are only suitable for you when you need a fire that is easy to start and can die down quickly. When properly seasoned, softwood will burn cleanly and will not cause creosote in your chimney. Some examples of softwood are Yellow Pine, Cedar, and Douglas Fir.
Unseasoned Firewood
When you burn unseasoned or green wood, most of its energy is converted to smoke rather than heat. The smoke is a sign of inefficient fuel and can cause health problems when its tiny particles are inhaled. Apart from posing health risks, smoke can also compromise your safety and security. When it accumulates, it can cause creosote buildup in the chimney which in turn can lead to chimney fires.
Therefore, it is highly recommended that you only use seasoned wood. It should take about six months to season it thoroughly (although the time depends on type and size). The good thing is that both hardwood and softwood firewood can be seasoned.
Reliable Fireplace Lighter
Now that you have the appropriate firewood for your fireplace, you should invest in a high-end quality lighter that will allow you to light your fireplace safely. The 16.25" InfiniteLite lighters are the perfect fireplace lighters that will last you a long time and provide you a reliable spark when you want to cozy up next to your fireplace.
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