Best Wood to Burn in a Fireplace

As fall approaches, many Indianapolis homeowners are gearing up to use their fireplaces during the colder months. One important consideration to keep in mind is the type of firewood that you use. For optimal use and health of your fireplace, it is crucial to use the best wood possible for your fireplace. 

Using the wrong firewood leads to stinky fires, smoke, and even fireplace damage. Avoid those issues this upcoming burning season by choosing the best wood to burn in a fireplace. 

So, which type of wood should you get?

Read on to find out more. 

Dry, Seasoned Wood 

No matter which specific type of wood you choose, it must be dry and seasoned. Fresh wood contains a ton of moisture, which makes it hard to light and smoke-producing. Dry, seasoned wood creates the ideal fire. It gives off more heat while preventing creosote buildup that unseasoned wood can cause. It is imperative that you choose dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace. 

How can you identify seasoned wood? It tends to have a gray, white appearance and is usually lighter on the outside. Seasoned wood will display radial cracks, loose bark, and stronger aromas than greenwood. 

Hardwood vs Softwood

In addition to choosing dry, seasoned wood, you should also opt for hardwood. Hardwood is denser than softwood, so it burns for longer and produces more heat. Hardwood is an excellent fuel choice for fires and creates the best fire experience. Additionally, they are great for the health of your fireplace/ chimney because they produce less creosote buildup. 

Optimal Kinds of Wood

There are many different types of wood that are considered a hardwood. Remember, the key is to find them dried and seasoned. Some of the best wood options for a fireplace include:

• Bitternut Hickory 
• Maple 
• Apple 
• Cherry 
• Red Oak
• White Oka
• Yellow Birch 
• Mesquite 
• Pine 
• White Ash 
• And more!

Prepare Your Fireplace for the Best Wood

For the best fires this upcoming season, choose hardwoods that are dry and seasoned. If you previously used softwoods or wet wood, now is the time to switch over for better fires and a healthier fireplace. Regardless of the wood you used before, you must prepare your fireplace and chimney for burning this year. The experts at the Brick + Ember Outfitters of Indianapolis will prepare your fireplace and chimney with an affordable chimney sweep and inspection. Schedule yours today with Brick + Ember Outfitters HERE.