When it comes to having a cozy fire in your backyard fire pit, it’s understandable that you’d want to just gather any scraps of wood you have lying around and toss them in. However, not all types of wood are created equal when it comes to burning them in a fire pit. The type of wood you use can significantly impact the quality of your fire as well as the amount of smoke produced.
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Softwoods vs. Hardwoods
The first major distinction to understand when choosing fire pit wood is softwoods vs. hardwoods. Softwoods come from conifer trees, like pine, fir, cedar, and spruce. They are less dense than hardwoods and contain a high amount of sap and resins. Hardwoods come from deciduous trees like oak, maple, birch, and ash. They are denser than softwoods and contain less sap.
Both softwoods and hardwoods can be burned in fire pits, but they have some key differences when it comes to burning:
- Softwoods are easier to ignite because they are less dense and more resinous. However, they burn faster and produce more smoke due to the high sap content.
- Hardwoods take longer to ignite but will burn slower, producing better coals and less smoke. The dense structure means they provide more heat output as well.
Many firewood experts recommend using a mix of softwoods and hardwoods for the best fire pit experience. The softwoods help to start the fire while the hardwoods provide long-lasting burn and heat.
Good vs. Bad Fire Pit Wood
When selecting wood for your fire pit, you’ll want to avoid certain types of wood that are considered poor choices:
- Wet wood – Wood with a high moisture content will smolder and smoke instead of properly catching fire. Always use seasoned, dried wood that has been cured for at least 6 months.
- Treated lumber – Lumber that has been treated with chemicals like stain or paint can release toxic fumes when burned.
- Rotten wood – Wood that is rotting or diseased will burn poorly and create more smoke.
- Evergreen branches – Conifer branches and cuttings will pop and throw sparks, which can be dangerous.
- Poisonous woods – Woods from trees like oak, mesquite, or eucalyptus can release toxins when burned.
On the other hand, these types of wood are considered good choices for fire pits:
- Hardwood logs – Oak, maple, ash logs will burn long and steady.
- Fruit woods – Fruit trees like apple, pear, orange, and cherry give off nice aromas.
- Seasoned softwood – Well-dried pine, cedar, or fir will start fires easily.
Fire Pit Wood Chart
Here is a quick reference chart summarizing some of the best and worst woods for fire pits:
| Good | Bad |
|---|---|
| Oak | Wet Wood |
| Maple | Treated Lumber |
| Apple | Rotten Wood |
| Ash | Evergreen Branches |
| Pine | Poisonous Woods |
Tips for Burning Fire Pit Wood
Here are some handy tips to follow when selecting, storing, and burning wood in your fire pit:
- Look for downed branches or logs that are dried out rather than green.
- Cut wood into manageable lengths around 12-16 inches to fit in your fire pit.
- Split larger logs to increase the surface area and speed drying time.
- Store wood for at least 6 months in a covered, ventilated area before burning.
- Use a moisture meter if unsure about wood dryness.
- Start the fire with softwood kindling before adding hardwood logs.
- Criss-cross pieces in a lattice pattern for airflow.
- Add more substantial logs once the fire is established to maintain heat.
- Have a fire extinguisher or hose on hand in case of accidents.
Legalities of Gathering Firewood
Before you gather any found wood for your fire pit, be aware of any local laws and restrictions. Some key legalities include:
- It’s illegal to take firewood from any state or national park lands.
- Cutting down live trees is prohibited, even on private property.
- Only gather downed wood, not branches attached to trees.
- Be aware of permits needed for collecting wood on public land.
- Avoid gathering near hiking trails, campsites, or private property.
- Do not transport untreated firewood across state lines due to invasive pests.
Your best bet is collecting downed branches on your own property. Be a responsible gatherer by following all state and local ordinances.
Purchasing Firewood
If gathering firewood yourself is not an option, you can purchase quality wood specifically for fire pits. Here’s what to look for when buying firewood:
- Purchase local firewood where possible to avoid spreading invasive species.
- Look for well-seasoned hardwoods like oak, maple, ash.
- Wood should feel dry and lightweight, not wet or green.
- Opt for split logs 6-12 inches long.
- Avoid wood with rot, mold, or excessive dirt.
- Have firewood delivered in advance so it can acclimate to local climate.
- Buy from a reputable seller that can verify source and treatment.
It’s best to order a full seasoned cord of firewood so you have ample supply. A cord contains 128 cubic feet of wood, or about 400-500 split logs. This will be enough for several fire pit uses.
Firewood Pricing
The cost of purchasing firewood can vary quite a bit depending on your location, type of wood, and quality. Here are some typical price ranges:
- Cord of mixed hardwoods – $180-$350
- Cord of oak only – $250-$450
- Premium kiln-dried woods – $300-$600 per cord
- Bagged firewood bundles – $6-$10 per bag
- Individual split logs – $2-$6 each
Shop around with a few local firewood suppliers to find the best rates. Buying in bulk will provide the most value per wood volume.
Safety Tips
While having a cozy fire in your own backyard can be very enjoyable, safety should always be the top concern. Keep these tips in mind:
- Place fire pits on a flat, non-flammable surface away from overhangs or trees.
- Do not use gasoline or other accelerants which can cause dangerous flare-ups.
- Keep a fire extinguisher, bucket of water, or hose nearby in case of emergencies.
- Avoid burning during high winds or dry conditions with high fire risk.
- Always supervise the fire until completely extinguished.
- Ensure proper ventilation and airflow so smoke does not accumulate.
- Never leave a fire unattended.
Conclusion
When using a backyard fire pit, the type of wood you choose does make a difference. Look for well-seasoned hardwoods like oak or maple for the best burning experience. Avoid wet, treated, or diseased wood which will smoke excessively and burn poorly. Shop for quality firewood, follow fire bans and wood gathering laws, and always make safety a priority. With the right wood and some caution, you’ll be able to enjoy cozy evenings around the fire pit for years to come.