Fire Wood Question

[CharlieTR]

I am looking into getting a wood burning stove and installing it before the clod weather this year. There are a good number of trees I can access but none are Oak. They are smaller and are not evergreens. I read that hardwood output around twice the BTU as the evergreens. Does that apply to any hardward (trees that loose leaves in Winter)?

 

[Egon]

Wood of different species produces about the same amount of energy per pound. Look up a table showing the weights of wood or densities and you can tell the amount of heat produced.

 

[HappyCPE]

Such a chart can be found here:
Energy Values - Hardwoods - Firewood

 

[TheHammer]

Here is a chart that may help you.

Sweep's Library - Firewood BTU Comparison Charts

Firewood needs to be seasoned at least 1 year to burn well. 2 is even better. If you cut now and use it this winter, it will be "wet" and won't throw much heat. Plus, the moisture in the wood can cause creosote buildup on your chimney - chimney fire hazard.

I would say try to find someone selling seasoned firewood to use this year, and you can start cutting next years wood now.

 

[jbrumberg]

If you are going to burn unseasoned wood I would recommend ash. It splits well and burns "ok" green, but I agree with TheHammer. Jay

 

[tallyho8]

My favorite firewood is not on those charts. It is hard to get in many areas but Pecan is about the best firewood and is also perfect for smoking and BBQ.

 

[SnowRidge]

I've heard madrone is the best there is. Anyone burn it?

 

[YanmarFever]

I used madrona for 8 yrs its a great wood to burn, great coals.

Just dont drop any on your toes even a little piece weighs a lot, it has a very paper thin bark which makes it slip out of your hands easily.

 

[RonMar]

Madrona is great, very dense...

IMO, Unless you are buying already seasoned wood, you are a little late in the year to be planning a woodstove for this winter. IF you are buring really green wood, watch for chimney buildup. Green wood dosn't burn as hot and as clean and you will buildup/condense more cresote(the stuff that chimney fires are fueled by) on the chimney lining.

Oops, is there an echo in here? I missed TheHammer's post the first go around. What he said

 

[RobertN]

I've heard madrone is the best there is. Anyone burn it?

Madrona is excellent firewood. As someone else noted, it is heavy too; very dense and good burning. I am not sure of availability though; it is common around here.

It is, also, a nice winery Madroña Vineyards It is also only 15 minutes from my house.