Wood-burning stoves are a cost-effective option to expensive fossil fuels and electric power. They also reduce dependence on imported wood, which is a major source of carbon.
Research has found that the smoke from wood burning in homes contributes to ambient winter pollution in areas in which it is prevalent. This can be especially relevant in valleys that are prone to temperature inversions.
1. Pine
Pine wood is a typical choice for log burners However, it must be first seasoned prior to use indoors. Unseasoned pine wood may produce more creosote that can cause chimney blockages. Additionally, unseasoned pine wood produces lots of smoke and carbon monoxide which can be toxic to humans and pets.
Most people avoid using pine wood for their firewood due to its high resin content and fear of creosote build up. Creosote, a tar-like substance, is that covers the inside of your chimney flue. It traps smoke preventing it from leaving your home. If it gets too thick, it can cause a chimney fire which is very dangerous. Hardwoods such as oak, Hickory and maple Ash do not produce much creosote, and they burn more hotly with less smoke.
It is because pine wood isn't properly seasoned that it creates an abundance of creosote. All wood must be properly seasoned prior to burning inside. The wood is seasoned to eliminate moisture, which makes it easier for it to ignite and burn. When pine wood is seasoned it will burn more quickly with no sparks or spitting and will produce an excellent heat output. It will still release plenty of creosote after it has been burned. Most people prefer hardwoods such as hickory or oak to pine wood for burning.
2. Cedar
Cedar is a softwood and while it produces high heat, its output is not as high as other hardwood firewoods. It also burns very quickly and can cause creosote accumulating in the chimney. Many people are hesitant to use cedar for their fireplaces due to this.
For those who don't have any concerns about creosote or other issues cedar can be used for outdoor wood-burning fireplaces. Cedar isn't the best choice for indoor fireplaces due to the oils released when the fire is burning. If you want to use cedar indoors make sure you pair it with more dense wood like oak or hickory.
The price of firewood varies depending on the region, however a complete cord can cost between $150 and $500. The firewood you purchase will last between six and 12 weeks, assuming you burn it twice daily.
If you don't wish to purchase a whole cord then you can cut your own firewood and save cost. Some tree service providers offer this service, but If you have the equipment to do so yourself you could save more money.
Green or unseasoned wood usually costs less than seasoned wood. If you plan to purchase firewood, consider buying it in the spring if possible. This will give the wood a year to season, which helps it burn better and with less smoke. It also makes the process more efficient and reduces delivery fees. If you want to go a step further, consider hiring a professional to split and stack your firewood.
3. Birch
Birch wood stoves near me can be a good choice for those looking for a fireplace set that is both attractive and green. These attractive logs are constructed from birchwood and feature realistic embers that give the appearance of a real fire in your fireplace.
The birch wood logs that look attractive can also be used for fire pits outdoors. They are easy to light and don't create lots of sparks or smoke. They are a great choice for those with limited space in their backyard or patio.
The slender Birch is a versatile hardwood with a waterproof bark. It is utilized for many applications like paper making, canoe construction, homeopathy, and more. Its unique wood is prized by artists, musicians, and craftspeople due to its distinctive texture and grain.
Silver birch is a great hardwood to burn for firewood, but it doesn't have the same density as traditional favorites like hornbeam or oak So a piece of silver birch won't travel as far to heat. Birch is a typical type of woodland timber that is harvested during thinning of the forest.
Birch wood has an extremely low resin content, meaning it won't spark or spit. It can also be burned green. However, it has to be well-seasoned. It's a great substitute to basswood that has a high water content, and must be dried out before burning.
4. Maple
Maple is a good option for wood burners as it is quick to ignite and burns hot. It also is a good choice for seasoned wood. However, it won't last as long as some other hardwoods, like oak and hickory.
This wood comes in both hard and soft varieties and in a variety of shapes and sizes. It also has a live edge. It also comes in natural hue that blends in with both modern and traditional decor. The wood is available in a kit that contains everything you need to get started. The kit includes the pen and wand, as well as solid brass tips in round and flat shapes, and shader tips. Shader tips are employed to create realism using shading. This method is utilized by a lot of people to create commissioned art of their pets or family members.
Generally speaking, hardwoods like maple and hickory burn longer than softwoods, such as pine and fir. This is because they tend to have less pitch than softwoods, which results in a longer burning fire with a minimal build-up of creosote in the chimney.
Maple is a popular firewood that is found throughout the United States. It is a heavy hardwood that has a high btu for kg and is simple to split. It is a good alternative to ash wood, which may be in short-supply due to the emerald leaf borer. It is able to burn for a long period of time when properly prepared.
5. Cherry
The firewood logs of cherry are thick and provide a consistent burning. They're a good option for those looking for an atmosphere that lasts. It has a pleasant aroma and does not release a lot of smoke. It sparks more than other hardwoods, but you can control it with an air filter for your fireplace.
Pine Pine is available and inexpensive, but it doesn't season as well as hardwoods and can make it difficult to start. It is a great option to use for kindling and getting a fire started however, you must switch to hardwoods once the flames are established.
Alder Alder is easy to split and is moderately priced. It has a slow burning with a high heat output. However it can be a disappointment to use in an open fire because it can ignite sparks.
Ash Oak is widely considered to be the top hardwood and will produce the highest heat, but it is also expensive. The cost is worth it but for those who want the most durable and efficient wood for your fireplace.
Contact us today if you're looking to install a brand new wood stove or fireplace to your home. We can inform you about the various models we have available and help you select the one that is right for you. Our NFI-Certified Master Hearth Professionals will answer all of your questions.
6. Oak
Many people choose to use oak wood logs for their fire pit or stove because of its lovely traditional scent. It is also longer burning than other log types which means it will keep you warm for a longer time. It is a great option for anyone looking to enjoy those long nights sat around the fireplace or in the garden during summer with family and friends talking and sipping wine.
Hardwoods such as hickory and oak are more dense than conifers, which means they burn hotter and longer. They also offer greater efficiency for fuel. This means they burn longer, hotter and leave more coals behind so that you can rekindle your fire with ease.
Beech
Although beech wood for fires are of good quality, they require a long time to season and they can be difficult to split. They do burn well they produce plenty of heat and bright flames. They are best mixed with other slow-burning logs, such as Ash or Oak.
Beech wood can be found in local garden centres and supermarkets however, you should stay clear of buying pallets that were used to transport timber as they'll be full of screws and nails. They will likely require treatment with chemicals like methyl bromide before they can be safely burned. If you are searching for a cheap wood to use for your log burner, consider reaching out to local tree trimmers, construction crews or storm cleanup teams to find out if they have any unused firewood that they can offload. Make sure the wood you are using is safe and has been treated with non-toxic preservatives like mineral oil or Linseed.
