A guide to which firewoods are the best to use
Generally hardwoods are best for open fires because they tend not to spit excessively, however there are exceptions. Once properly seasoned conifer wood can be successfully used although ideally it is best mixed with hardwood. All wood will, when supported by lots of kindling and/or a good ember base, burn unseasoned however, you may find some woods are not worth using in this state.
Below we have listed the various wood types as a guide, along with the grade they are assigned, 1 been poor quality and 4 being high.
Wood
Grade
Alder
Low quality firewood
1
Apple
Burns well with a pleasant smell. Needs to be seasoned well.
3
Ash
Considered to be one of the best woods for firewood. It has a low water content (approx. 50%) and can be split very easily with an axe. It can be burned green but like all wood is best when seasoned. Burns at a steady rate and not too fast.
4
Beech
Beech has a high water content so only burns when well seasoned.
3
Birch
Excellent firewood and will burn unseasoned. However, it does burn very fast so is best mixed with slower burning wood.
3-4
Cedar
A good firewood which burns well with a pleasant smell. Gives off a good, lasting heat. Doesn't spit too much and small pieces can be burned unseasoned
2-3
Cherry
Needs to be seasoned well. Burns well with a pleasant smell and without spitting
2-3
Elm
A good firewood but due to its high water content it must be seasoned very well. It may need assistance from another faster burning wood such as Birch to keep it burning well. However it gives off a good, lasting heat and burns very slowly.
2-3
Hawthorn
Good firewood. Burns well.
3-4
Hazel
Excellent firewood. Allow to season. Burns fast but without spitting
4
Holly
Can be burnt green. A good firewood
3
Hornbeam
Good firewood. Burns well
3
Horse Chestnut
A low quality firewood
2
Larch
Needs to be seasoned well. Spits excessively while it burns and forms an oily soot within chimneys
1
Oak
One of the best firewoods. When seasoned well, it gives off a good, lasting heat. Burns reasonably slowly.
4
Pine
Needs to be seasoned well. Spits while it burns
2-3
Rowan
Good firewood. Burns well.
3
Spruce
Needs to be seasoned well. Spits while it burns
2-3
Sycamore (Maples)
Good firewood. Burns well
3
Walnut
A low quality firewood
2
Willow
Willow has a high water content so only burns really well when seasoned well
2-3
Yew
A usable firewood
2-3