Top 5 Types of Wood to Burn in Your Firepit (2024)

FAQs

What is the best wood to burn in a firepit? ›

When hardwoods are burned in good conditions for a fire, they produce very little smoke or unhealthy particulate matter. A few examples of the most popular hardwoods for fires are white oak, ash, birch, red oak, hard maple, beech, hickory, pecan, dogwood, apple, and almond.

When asking which wood burns the hottest the answer is still ash, even if the wood isn't completely dry. Beech: As one of the best fire logs for fireplaces and also topping the best firewood for heat, this is second to ash only because it needs to be seasoned. Hawthorn: Very much like beech.

Mahogany had a time of 34:55, douglas fir 36:18, western cedar 16:56, lodgepole pine 16:30, redwood 29:25, oak 40:03, poplar 24:22, alder 19:13, and juniper with 24:04. Oak turned out to last the longest and lodgepole pine burned out the fastest.

Lean small pieces of wood on the kindling/tinder to form a teepee shape. Repeat the process with progressively larger pieces of wood until you attain a larger teepee that covers almost 75% of your firepit. While laying the wood, ensure you leave a door facing against the wind direction and air spaces between the wood.

Some Things to Not Burn in Your Firepit

You don't want to burn treated wood, deck lumber, painted or stained wood planks, shipping palettes, or driftwood. These types of wood have usually been treated with chemicals that can be potentially dangerous and toxic to inhale.

Hardwoods, such as oak and cherry, burn longer and cleaner. They are denser and produce less smoke while providing more heat energy. Hickory, maple, birch and elms are some other popular logs and there are plenty others.

Birch burns easily and can be burnt unseasoned. It also burns very quickly so is often best mixed with a slower burning wood such as Oak or Elm. Birch bark can make an excellent fire-lighter. Another good firewood, burns slowly, good heat output and little smoke.

Wood from toxic trees and woody shrubs - some trees and shrubs are just not meant to be burned (e.g., cherry, elder, horse chestnut, laburnum, oleander, rhododendron, and yew, etc.,) Wood with vines or ivy - these plants are toxic, and burning them is a bad idea.

Not only does fir and pine smell like Christmas trees, these types of logs create a pleasant crackle and pop in your fire. These are softwoods which dry quickly, are easy to split, and create lovely crackling fires. Before burning fir or pine, be aware that the popping throws a lot more sparks than other firewood.

What is the best wood for a fire pit? ›

Seasoned wood will burn more efficiently and keep your fire pit clean. Usually, choosing the best wood for fire pits comes down to hardwoods vs softwoods. Due to their density and dryness, we'd recommend using hardwoods, like beech or ash, since they will ignite a low-maintenance fire that can burn for hours.

As far as harmful firewood types, driftwood contains dioxins (from the saltwater), and wood from poisonous trees and vines such as poison sumac and oleander can produce toxic smoke. Brazilian pepper wood is also not good to burn because of the toxic chemicals.

Oak generates more heat while producing a low rolling flame. It's our densest firewood, with a tighter grain that means it takes longer to light, but has an unmatched burn duration once lit. Use firelighters to make the process easier. This firewood is ideal in larger stoves and works well for overnight burning.

In regards to wood, not all types of firewood are proper to burn. You don't want to burn treated wood, deck lumber, painted or stained wood planks, shipping palettes, or driftwood. These types of wood have usually been treated with chemicals that can be potentially dangerous and toxic to inhale.

Materials such as sand, fire bricks, or slabs are excellent choices that can improve burning efficiency, extend lifespan, and ensure safety.

Natural lava rocks and fire-proof sand are excellent base layers for a fire pit. They can be used as cost-effective fillers to cover the bottom areas of a fire pit, then fire glass can be added on top for effect.