Q. What types of wood are best suited for firewood?
A. There are significant differences in the burning qualities of various types of wood. Burning most air-dried woods produces roughly 7,000 British thermal units of heat per pound. Heavier, denser wood provides more heat per cord. Look for “seasoned firewood,” which has been left out to dry for an extended period of time. Wet wood, such as green wood that was recently cut from a tree, is difficult to burn and generates less heat. Most of the firewood you select should be hardwoods, which are generally heavier and burn slower and cleaner than softwoods. For the highest, most intense heat, some good hardwood selections include ash, oak, beech, birch, hickory, hard maple, pecan, dogwood, almond and apple.
