The Best and Worst Types of Wood to Burn in Your Fireplace — And Why It Matters

August 18, 2025 | *Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

There’s nothing like the warmth and crackle of a real wood-burning fire. Whether it’s for ambiance or home heating, your fireplace can be a cozy focal point — but only if you’re burning the right kind of wood.Using the wrong firewood can result in excess smoke, poor heat output, creosote buildup, and even dangerous chimney fires. Below, we break down the best and worst types of wood to burn — and why choosing the right firewood is so important for your safety and comfort.Best Types of Firewood for a FireplaceThe best wood for burning is seasoned, dry hardwood. These woods burn longer, cleaner, and produce more heat with less smoke.1. OakOak is one of the most popular firewood choices. It burns slowly and produces steady, high heat. However, it must be properly seasoned — usually 12 to 24 months — for best performance.2. MapleMaple burns cleanly and gives off good … Continued

5 Wood-Storing Tips for Dry Firewood

November 13, 2023 | Fireplace Basics

Nothing beats the warmth and cozy ambiance from a crackling fire in your fireplace on a chilly evening. As a homeowner with a well-inspected fireplace, you’ll need a steady supply of dry firewood to keep those flames going. However, storing firewood can be challenging, especially if you want to keep it dry and pest-free. Chimney Champions shares five wood-storing tips to help you keep your firewood in excellent condition and ready for use every time.

CHOP and SHOP: Tips for Choosing the Best Firewood, Tinder & Kindling for The Most Efficient Fire

July 18, 2018 | Efficiency

DIFFERENT TYPES OF FIREWOOD: Does it Really Matter? Yes, it really does. Choosing the right type of wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove involves many factors. When the firewood was cut, for instance, can play a role in whether or not it is the right wood for you. The more recently the wood has been cut, the more water it contains. Well-seasoned wood is dryer and is therefore easier to get started, and produces a hotter, cleaner burn. Firewood should always be stored outdoors, off the ground, and with some type of overhead covering to prevent direct contact with rain or snow. This area should be well-ventilated to allow the air to circulate and dry the wood out. Firewood that has been stored properly and cut at least six months before burning will produce a much better burn.Many think the most important factor to consider when selecting firewood is what … Continued