Whether you’re trying to keep warm on a cold winter night or cooking a meal over an open flame, firewood is key. But what kind of wood should you use? Some people say oak is the best kind of wood to use for fires, while others say it can be difficult to light and doesn’t burn very hot. So, what’s the verdict? Is oakwood a good firewood?
In this post, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of using oak as firewood, so you can decide for yourself if it’s right for you.
Oak firewood is excellent for long-burning, low flames–meaning you don’t need to tend the fire as often. Oak also produces fewer sparks and sputters than other woods, making it one of the safest choices for indoor fires.
What is oak wood?
Oaks are a type of tree that belongs to the beech family, with over 600 species found in warm climates worldwide. They tend to be large, some reaching 100 feet tall or more, and have thick leaves and acorns. Most oaks prefer sunny areas but some can tolerate shade. Oaks are highly prized for their strong, durable wood.
Amongst other wood species, oak is notably dense and strong while also being heavy and long-lasting. Its resistance to water, insects, and fungi makes it ideal for many projects. The color of natural oak lightens over time as the grain pattern becomes more distinct and visible.
What are the most common types of oak trees?
There are many different types of oak trees, and each one has its own unique characteristics.
White Oak
White oaks are one of the most common types of oak trees in North America. They can grow up to 100 feet tall and have dark green leaves that turn yellow or brown in autumn. White oaks are also known for their acorns, which are an important food source for many animals.
White Oak is one of the best quality woods for firewood because it has a longer burning time than other types of wood. For example, white oak will burn hotter and last longer than red oak. In addition, it smokes less and dries faster. Finally, white oak is easy to split due to its long, straight grains.
Red Oak
Red oaks are a popular type of oak tree, distinguished by the reddish-brown leaves they get in autumn. They can grow to be 80 feet tall and live for more than 500 years!
There are many reasons why red oak makes good firewood: it’s hard, provides a lot of heat, burns for an appropriate amount of time, and–since it’s not as valuable as white oak lumber– chopping down red oaks helps preserve white oaks.
While red oak is good burning wood, it produces more smoke than other options and goes up in flames faster.
Is Oakwood good firewood?
Oak trees make great firewood not only because they’re easy to split, but also due to other reasons. All oak trees have a straight grain, which is one factor that contributes to their desirability for wood-burning purposes. There are hundreds of species of oak trees, so you’re sure to find the perfect type for your needs.
The benefits of oak firewood
Here are some of the benefits/ advantages of using oak firewood.
- Oak is a popular type of firewood because it burns slowly and produces a lot of heat.
- It is also relatively easy to split and stacks well.
- Oak firewood is less likely than other types of wood to release sparks, making it a good choice for use in a fireplace.
- Oak firewood is less likely to spark than other types of wood, making it a safer option for use in your fireplace or wood stove.
- Oakwood emits a pleasant aroma when burned, adding to the ambiance of your home. Whether you’re looking for a hot, long-lasting fire or simply want to enjoy the pleasant smell of burning wood, oak firewood is a great choice.
- Oak also produces very little smoke, so it is less likely to cause air pollution.
What to consider when buying oak firewood
Always ensure to consider the following when buying oak wood:
- Oak logs should be well-seasoned before they are used. Otherwise, they will produce a lot of smoke and sparks.
- Oak logs should be cut to the proper length for your fireplace or wood stove. If they are too long, they will not fit properly and will not burn as efficiently.
- Remember that oak firewood can be very heavy, so be sure to have someone help you if you need to move it.
How can you say if the wood is well-seasoned?
You can tell if the firewood is well-seasoned by checking the color of the ends of the logs. If they are cracked and dark, that means the wood is dry. Seasoned wood that is dry will weigh less than wet wood, and if you hit two pieces together, it will make a hollow sound. If you can see any green color or if the bark is hard to peel, then it means the log is not yet dry.
How long does it take to season oak?
Seasoning wood is a process that varies in duration depending on the type of wood. For example, if softwood is dried correctly, the entire process may only take 6 months. Seasoning hardwoods, such as oak, take significantly longer and could possibly take up to 2 years.
If you want more tips and insights about firewood, watch this video called “How To Identify Oak Firewood” from the Life in Farmland Youtube Channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the commonly asked questions about oak wood as firewood.
What type of oak is best for firewood?
The best firewood comes from White and Red Oak Trees as they both create a high heat value, long-lasting fire, and clean burn.
Can I burn oak?
Oak logs are perfect for wood burning, as they give off intense heat and last 2 to 3 hours. Thanks to its high density, kiln-dried oak firewood also has a higher calorific content than other types of wood fuel, so it lasts longer.
What’s the hottest burning wood?
When compared to other oak trees, white oak produces more heat. In total, it emits 30.7 million BTUs of heat per cord of wood.
Conclusion
So, is oak the best firewood for you? It depends on your needs and what’s available to you. If you have easy access to oak and don’t mind the extra work required to split it, then it might be a good fit for you. However, if there are other types of wood that are easier to obtain or less expensive, they may be a better choice for you. No matter what type of wood you choose, make sure to store it in a dry place so it will be ready when you need it.