The Most Common Mistakes People Make With Wood Burners

· 6 min read
The Most Common Mistakes People Make With Wood Burners

Types of Wood Burners Near Me

Wood burning stoves offer a cost-effective alternative to expensive electric heating and fossil fuel. They also decrease dependence on imported wood, a major source of carbon.

In areas where wood smoke is common studies have proven that it contributes to winter air pollution. This can be especially relevant in valleys that are prone to temperature shifts.

1. Pine

It is common to make use of pine wood for log burners. However, it should be dried before using indoors. Unseasoned pine wood is more likely to generate creosote which can lead to chimney block ups. Unseasoned pine wood may also produce a lot smoke and carbon dioxide, which is toxic to animals and humans alike.

Many people do not recommend using pine wood for their firewood due to its resin content and fear of creosote accumulation. Creosote, a tar like substance, coats your chimney flue preventing smoke from leaving your home. If it is allowed to build up, it could cause a chimney fire which is extremely dangerous. Hardwoods such as maple, oak and hickory do not produce a lot of creosote when they burn and also are more hot to burn, producing less smoke.

It is because pine wood isn't properly seasoned, that it produces lots of creosote. All wood needs to be properly seasoned prior to burning indoors. Seasoning the wood removes the moisture content, making it easier to ignite and burn. If pine wood has been seasoned, it will burn faster with less spitting and sparking. It also produces a lot of heat. It will still release an enormous amount of creosote when it is burned. This is the reason why many people don't use pine wood for firewood and prefer to use hardwoods like hickory and oak instead.

2. Cedar

Cedar is a soft wood, and while it produces some decent heat, it doesn't produce as much as other types of firewood made from hardwood. It also burns fast and can cause creosote accumulation in the chimney. Because of this, many people are wary to use cedar in their fireplaces.

If you don't care about creosote and other issues cedar is a great choice for outdoor wood-burning fireplaces. Cedar isn't a good choice for indoor fireplaces however due to the oils it releases during combustion. If you're looking to use cedar indoors, you can combine it with more dense firewood like oak or hickory.

The cost of firewood is influenced according to the region, but a complete cord costs $150 to $500. The amount of wood you purchase will last between 6 and 12 weeks if you burn it twice each day.

You can save money by cutting your own firewood if you don't have to purchase a whole cord. Certain tree services offer this service. If you have the right equipment you can save 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 great choice for those seeking a fireplace set that is stylish and eco-friendly. These beautiful logs, constructed of birchwood, have realistic embers that create the appearance of a genuine fireplace fire.

The decorative birch wood logs are also suitable for outdoor fire pits. They don't create a lot of sparks or smoke and are easy to light. This makes them an excellent choice for those who have a limited amount of space in their patio or backyard space.

The slim birch is a multi-purpose hardwood tree with waterproof bark that is often used for paper making, canoe building, homeopathy and other applications. Its distinctive wood is coveted by musicians, artists and craftspeople due to its distinctive texture and grain.

Silver birch is a wonderful wood for making firewood. However it doesn't have the same density as other woods such as oak or hornbeam. A cord of silver birch will not be as hot. Birch is a type of wood that is harvested during forest thinnings.

Birch wood is low in resin, which means it won't ignite or spew when it is burned. It can also be burned green, but it needs to be well seasoned. It is a great alternative to basswood that has lots of water. It must be dried prior to burning.

4. Maple

Maple is a great choice for wood burners since it burns quickly and is hot. It also seasons well. However, it won't last as long as other hardwoods, like oak and hickory.


This wood comes in both hard and soft varieties, and in a variety shapes and sizes. It also has a live edge. It also has natural hue that blends into both traditional and modern decor. The wood is available as a kit with all the necessary parts and accessories to get started. The kit includes the pen/wand as well as solid brass tips (round and flat) and a shader tip. Shader tips are used to shade it, which is a method for creating realism. Many people employ this technique to create artworks for commissions of their pets or family members.

Generally speaking, hardwoods like maple and hickory burn for longer than softwoods, such as pine and fir. This is due to the fact that hardwoods tend to have lower pitch than softwoods, which results in an extended burning time and leaves less creosote in the chimney.

Maple is a common firewood that is found across the United States. It is a hard wood that has a high btu for lb and is easy to split. It is a good alternative to ash wood, which may be in short-supply due to the emerald-leaf borer. When properly prepared, this wood can have long, steady burns.

5. Cherry

The firewood logs made of cherry produce an even burn and are extremely dense, making it a great option for those who want lasting ambiance from their fireplace. It also has an appealing scent and doesn't produce much smoke. It does spark more than other hardwoods but it is easy to manage this using a fireplace screen.

Pine Pine is easily available and inexpensive, but it does not have the same seasoning as hard hardwoods, and can be difficult to get started. It can be used to start a fire and for kindling, but once the flames are established, you should change to hardwoods.

Alder Alder is easy to split and reasonably priced. It's a slow-burning fire with a high heat output, but can be disappointing when employed in an open flame because it is known to spit and can cause sparks to fly.

Ash Oak is widely considered to be the most desirable hardwood and will produce the most heat, however it is also costly. However, the cost is worth it if you are seeking the longest-lasting and most efficient wood for your fireplace.

If you are looking for a new fireplace or wood stove to add to your home, contact us today. We can tell you about the various types of wood stoves we have available and assist you in choosing the one that is best suited to your requirements. Our NFI-certified Hearth Professionals are available to answer any questions you might have.

6. Oak

Many people choose to use oak wood logs for their firepit or stove because of its lovely traditional smell. It is more efficient than other types of logs, so you can stay warm for longer. The firewood made of oak is a fantastic option for anyone looking to spend long evenings sat around the fireplace or outside in the garden during summertime with family and friends drinking wine and chatting.

Unlike  vintage wood stove Fireplaces And Stove  as hickory, hardwoods such as oak have a greater density and higher efficiency for fuel. This means they burn more hot and last longer, allowing more coals to rekindle the fire.

Beech

While beech firewood logs are of good quality, they require a long time to season and they can be difficult to split. They do burn well they produce lots of fire and bright flames. It is recommended to mix them with other slow-burning logs like Ash or Oak.

Beech wood can be found at local grocery stores and garden centers however, you should stay clear of buying any pallets that have been used to transport timber because they will contain a lot of screws and nails. They will likely require treatment using chemicals such as methyl bromide before they can be burned safely. If you're in search of affordable firewood for your log stove, inquire with local tree trimming crews or storm cleanup teams or construction crews if they have extra wood that they'd be willing to give away. Make sure you examine any sourced wood for safety and ensure that it has been treated with a non-toxic preservative such as mineral oils or linseed oil.