Is Hardwood Firewood Really Better Than Softwood For Wood Stoves?
Hardwood firewood, in many parts of the world, is the most sought after type of firewood compared to softwood. Is hardwood really that much better and is there really a noticeable difference between the two?
There is a difference between the way some hardwoods and softwoods burn. I say some hardwoods because there are some hardwoods that burn more similar to softwoods. The biggest difference between the two is the density. Many hardwoods like oak and hickory are much more dense than softwoods. But some hardwoods like cottonwood, alder and aspen are more similar to softwoods in density.
High density hardwoods that are considered by many to be the best firewood, are some of the most dense woods. This means there is more actual solid wood in any given sized piece. Since there is more actual wood in dense hardwoods, they also produce more energy and burn longer than less dense softwoods. For heating a home with a wood stove this makes hardwood a good choice since the wood will last longer and produce more heat over a long time.
Softwoods and low density hardwoods are more porous and have less wood for any specific volume. This less dense and more resinous wood is actually easier to ignite and burn. Softwoods are more likely to burn with more intense flames and put out heat faster than hardwoods. Because of this and because it easily splits into small strips, softwood makes good kindling. When you want to get a hot fire fast softwood is usually better than hardwood. But don’t expect it to last long since it burns up fast.
Softwood is great for starting fires and building hot fires fast. Hardwood is better for putting out more steady heat over a longer amount of time. Hardwood is not necessarily better, it’s just different. They both have advantages and disadvantages and both have their place in wood heating. I prefer to have both on hand so I can have the best of both types.
Learn which types of firewood are more dense than others and compare firewood BTU ratings between species.
Learn more about firewood and the differences between softwood vs hardwood firewood.
Learn about storing firewood.
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