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Not every piece of firewood burns the same way. Some logs give you a long, steady fire, while others burn quickly, create more smoke, or send sparks flying. If you have a fire pit in your backyard, choosing the right wood can make the fire easier to manage and much more enjoyable.
Dry, seasoned hardwoods are usually a good choice for a fire pit because they tend to burn longer and produce steady heat. Here are seven types of wood worth considering for your next outdoor fire.
Oak
Oak is one of the most reliable choices for a fire pit. Its dense wood burns slowly, giving you a steady fire that can last for hours.
It also produces good heat and plenty of long-lasting coals. Oak does take longer to catch than some softer woods, so give it enough time to dry and use smaller pieces of kindling to get the fire started.
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Hickory
Hickory is another dense hardwood that produces plenty of heat and burns for a long time. It also has a pleasant smoky scent, which makes it especially popular for outdoor cooking.
If you enjoy grilling over a fire pit, hickory can add a nice flavor to food. Just make sure the wood is properly seasoned before burning it.
Birch
Birch catches fire fairly easily and produces bright flames, making it useful for getting a fire going.
Its bark is particularly handy as kindling because it catches easily, even when conditions aren’t perfect. Birch burns faster than dense hardwoods such as oak, so it’s better suited for starting a fire or adding a quick burst of heat rather than keeping a fire going all night.
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Maple
Maple is a solid choice for a backyard fire pit because it burns hot and steadily without producing excessive smoke when properly seasoned.
It also tends to produce fewer sparks than some other types of wood. Hard maple burns longer than softer maple varieties, making it a good choice if you want a fire that lasts through an evening outdoors.
Ash
Ash is a favorite among many people who burn firewood because it splits easily and burns with a steady flame. It also produces good heat without creating excessive smoke.
Ash can burn reasonably well even when it hasn’t been seasoned as long as other hardwoods, although properly dried wood will always burn better. Once established, an ash fire can leave behind a good bed of coals for continued heat.
Cherry
Cherry wood is a pleasant choice for sitting around a fire pit. It produces moderate heat and burns steadily, while its smoke has a mild, sweet scent.
Well-seasoned cherry can create good coals and doesn’t usually produce excessive smoke. It also burns at a manageable pace, making it a nice option for an evening fire.
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Pine
Pine burns quickly and catches fire easily, which makes it useful for starting fires or when you only need a short-lasting fire.
The downside is that pine can produce more smoke and sparks than many hardwoods, particularly if the wood isn’t properly seasoned. Because of this, use dry pine in a fire pit with a suitable spark screen and keep a safe distance from anything that could catch fire.
Pine is best used for kindling or shorter fires rather than as your only source of firewood for an entire evening.
Choose Dry, Seasoned Wood
No matter which type of wood you choose, moisture matters. Wet or freshly cut wood tends to produce more smoke and can be difficult to burn.
Store firewood off the ground in a dry, covered area with enough airflow around the stack. Also avoid burning painted, stained, treated, or manufactured wood in a backyard fire pit, since these materials can release harmful substances when burned.
With the right firewood and a little preparation, your fire pit can provide steady heat, a comfortable place to gather, and a much better outdoor fire experience.
