Comparison: Best Kind Of Wood To Burn In Fireplace (Updated | Dec 16th)
As winter’s chill settles in, nothing beats the cozy warmth of a crackling fireplace. But did you know that not all firewood is created equal? Choosing the right wood can transform your fireside experience from frustrating to fantastic. In this guide, we’ll explore the best woods for burning, considering factors like heat output, aroma, and ease of use. Whether you’re a seasoned fire-tender or new to the hearth game, we’ll help you select the perfect logs to keep your home warm and inviting all season long.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for complete oak bundle: Billy Buckskin 18 LB Oak Firewood Bundle – Seasoned Fire Logs with Fatwood Starter Sticks for Fire Pit
- Best for sustainable mini wood: Mini Firewood and Fire Starters – Sustainable – Kiln Dried Oak Cherry Maple Walnut – 3.5-4″ Lengths (Compatible with Solo Stove Mesa Tabletop Fire Pit) (5 Pounds)
- Best for usda certified rounds: Smoak Firewood – Kiln Dried Premium USDA Certified Firewood (Uncut Rounds (16inch Logs) 100-120lbs)
- Best for natural kindling bundle: Good Wood Kindling Bundle 9″-15″ Pieces
- Best for premium split oak: 13″ Split Oak Firewood Logs
- Best for colorful fire magic: Meeco’s Red Devil 88110 ColorGlo Flames – Adds Vivid Rainbow Colors (Blue
- Best for heavy duty storage: Mr IRONSTONE 4ft Firewood Rack Outdoor Indoor
- Best for premium fatwood starter: Legendary Winter Woods Fatwood Fire Starter Sticks
- Best for fire cooking guide: Cooking with Fire: From Roasting on a Spit to Baking in a Tannur
- Best for heat resistant gloves: Suse’s Kinder Tig Welding Gloves Large
Product Comparison: Best Kind Of Wood To Burn In Fireplace
Complete Oak Bundle
Billy Buckskin 18 LB Oak Firewood Bundle – Seasoned Fire Logs with Fatwood Starter Sticks for Fire Pit, Campfire, Fireplace, Wood Stoves and Outdoor Grilling – Camping Accessories
BILLY BUCKSKIN HOME & BEAUTY
- LONG-LASTING OAK FOR STRONG HEAT: Oak is known for its slow burn and high heat. This 18 LB firewood bundle provides seasoned oak logs that are perfect for firewood for fireplaces, fire pits, and wood stoves where you want warmth that lasts.
- COMPLETE FIREWOOD STARTER KIT: No need to buy extras—each box includes split firewood for fire pit, long-burning logs, and fire starter sticks. It’s a reliable all-in-one solution with fireplace starter sticks and kindling wood for any setup.
- DENSE OAK FOR STRONG, LONG BURNS: Known for its slow, steady burn, oak firewood provides consistent heat with minimal smoke. A great option for fireplaces and fire pits when you’re after lasting warmth and reliable firewood for fireplace or wood stove use.
- CLEAN, HOT, CONSISTENT BURN: Our seasoned firewood burns hotter and cleaner with less smoke. Whether you’re using a wood stove fire starter, indoor firewood, or preparing for a bonfire, these fire logs deliver steady heat every time.
- FIRE STARTER FOR ANY ADVENTURE: From your backyard fire pit to deep woods camping, this bundle doubles as a survival fire starter kit. Great for firewood for fireplace, campfires, BBQs, and as fire starters for wood stoves at home or on the go.
Sustainable Mini Wood
Mini Firewood and Fire Starters – Sustainable – Kiln Dried Oak Cherry Maple Walnut – 3.5-4″ Lengths (Compatible with Solo Stove Mesa Tabletop Fire Pit) (5 Pounds)
Table Top Timber
- Kiln dried and perfect for burning! Reclaimed from wood manufacturing, this is truly sustainable / environmentally-friendly firewood.
- Includes either 5 or 10 pounds of MINI hardwood firewood. You will receive a mixture of oak, cherry, walnut, and maple.
- Most pieces will be 3.5″-4″ in length and approx. 0.75-1.5″ square. But will also include some small filler pieces / kindling too.
- Perfect for, and compatible with, Solo Stove Mesa Tabletop fire pits (or any small firepits or pizza ovens)
- Also includes 5-10 MINI, all-natural firestarting logs to get your fire going quickly and easily
USDA Certified Rounds
Smoak Firewood – Kiln Dried Premium USDA Certified Firewood (Uncut Rounds (16inch Logs) 100-120lbs)
Smoak Firewood
- Kiln Dried Uncut Rounds (16inch logs) 12-15 Rounds Included…Box size 22H x 18W x 16L 100-120lbs
- USDA Certified Pest-Free and 100% Organic containing NO chemicals: This means Smoak Firewood is safe for shipping and suitable for storage both indoors and outdoors. When you choose USDA certified wood, you’re ensuring that you’re not inadvertently spreading bugs and diseases, providing peace of mind for your home and the environment.
- Are you tired of buying wood you can not get to burn…Smoak Firewood is ready to burn now! Our premuim oak has been kiln dried to perfection, which reduces the moisture content. Allowing our wood to start easily, burn clean and hot. Experience the difference!
- Uncut Rounds extend the life of any fire. Its recommended to get flame going with smaller pieces or kindling 1st. Once flame is established add a round or two for a longer lasting fire. Perfect for keeping a flame going over night.
- Can be used to keep warm, as decorations, wood turning blanks or cooking wood needs
- Smoak Firewood, a family-owned and operated business, was founded in 2011 by the Smoak family, delivering a decade of exceptional service and quality firewood out of Senoia, GA…made in the USA!
Natural Kindling Bundle
Good Wood Kindling Bundle 9″-15″ Pieces, 0.5 Cubic Feet – 100% Natural Firewood Starter; Ideal Fire Starters for Campfires, Fire Starters for Fireplace, Wood Stoves Firestarter
LEISURE ARTS
- Enjoy easy fire starting with Good Wood Kindling Bundle, featuring 100% natural wood sourced from sustainable forests for eco-friendly use. Ideal for campfires, wood stoves, fireplaces, and barbecues.
- Fire starter sticks for fireplace deliver quick ignition, making it simple to get a fire going in no time. Perfect for cozy indoor fires or outdoor adventures.
- Each piece measures approximately 9″ to 15″ in length, offering versatile use for various fire-starting needs. The bundle contains 0.5 cubic feet of quality kindling.
- Compatible with fire starter logs for fire pit, these kindling pieces make lighting your fire easy, whether you’re at home, camping or cooking over an open flame.
- Durable and reliable, each fire starter stick ensures consistent performance for starting clean, natural fires in wood stoves, fireplaces, fire pits, and grills.
Premium Split Oak
13″ Split Oak Firewood Logs, Kiln-Dried Fire Wood for Fire Pit, Seasoned Campfire, Split Wood for Solo Stove 20lb
Generic
- Premium Quality Oak Firewood: Our kiln-dried firewood split logs are perfect for any use. Delivered straight to your door, these logs are ideal for fireplaces, fire pits, and wood stoves of all kinds.
- Versatile Wood for All Needs: Whether you’re looking for firewood for fireplace, firewood for your indoor fireplace, or cooking wood for your pizza oven, our firewood include the best Red/White oak Hardwood for your fireplace.
- Perfect for Outdoor Use: Our firewood logs for fire pits and campfires are small enough to handle but large enough to keep your fire burning strong. Enjoy wood for fire pits, mini firewood, and smoking wood logs for a perfect outdoor experience.
- High-Quality Kiln-Dried Wood: Our kiln-dried hardwood and split wood are designed to provide a cleaner, hotter burn with less smoke. Our oak wood logs are the best for wood-burning fire pits of all kinds.
- Ideal for Cooking and Smoking: Elevate your cooking with our wood for smoking meat, wood for pizza ovens, and solo stove firewood. We do use reyclced boxes we get donated for our shipping when we can, just FYI for our customer if they do choose to order and get ther4e order in a recycled box.
Colorful Fire Magic
Meeco’s Red Devil 88110 ColorGlo Flames – Adds Vivid Rainbow Colors (Blue, Green, Purple) to Fireplace, Wood Stove or Campfire (Cones, 1 lb) – Made in The USA
MEECO’S RED DEVIL
- COLORGLO FLAMES – 1 LB BOX OF PINE CONES – Add vivid blues, greens, and purples to your woodstove, fireplace, fire pit, or campfire. Includes at least 30 natural pine cones per box.
- FUN & MESMERIZING FOR FAMILY NIGHTS – Creates a magical flame show that kids and adults love to watch. Perfect for outdoor gatherings, campouts, backyard firepits, and cozy fireplace evenings.
- EASY TO USE – JUST TOSS INTO THE FIRE – No tools, no prep. Simply drop 2–3 cones onto active flames and enjoy colorful fire effects in seconds.
- 10–12 MINUTES OF COLOR PER USE – Each handful provides bright, rainbow-colored flames. Works best on hot, established fires indoors or outdoors.
- FOR WOOD-BURNING FIRES ONLY – Designed for fireplaces, woodstoves, inserts, chimineas, and open firepits. Enjoy the colorful display under adult supervision.
- TRUSTED QUALITY SINCE 1937 – Proudly made in the USA by Meeco’s Red Devil — America’s trusted name in stove and fireplace care.
Heavy Duty Storage
Mr IRONSTONE 4ft Firewood Rack Outdoor Indoor, Upgraded Heavy Duty Adjustable Fire Wood Rack Holds Up to 2600lbs, Fireplace Log Holder Wood Storage for Porch Patio, Easy Assembly
Mr IRONSTONE
- 【Large Capacity and Adjustable Length and Height】The maximum load capacity of the firewood holder is 2,600 pounds,the upgraded fireplace log rack measures appr 4.0(L) x 1.0(D) x 4.0(H),hold and store up to 1/4 side of firewood and the wood will not roll or fall.It’s easy to burn at any time.Firewood rack can be freely adjusted height and length, there are a variety of combinations to adapt to use in different places such as porches,outdoor fire pits,under eaves,backyard decks,patio,deck,garages.
- 【Sturdy Material】The wood storage rack is made of heavy-duty tubular steel construction with double black powder coating,optimal durability, sturdy,No fading,rustproof and weather fastness.Log holder is equipped with rubber pad to prevent them from scratching the floor,plus precision-drilled holes for easy assembly.You can put it in any hot,dry,cold or warm climate and carry enough wood for the fireplace all seasons.
- 【Prevent Firewood Holder Tipping Over】With 2 locking rings and 8 solid rack legs,two locking rings can reliably hold the rack, effectively preventing the rack from tipping over and avoiding serious accidents that would otherwise lead to the death of babies and children.We use high quality products to guard the safety of your families.When you use the firewood storage holder just lock up the rack with extra straps to prevent tipping and place the rack on a flat surface.
- 【Keeping Distance From the Ground】Due to dry wood burns better,the lumber stacking rack keeps logs 4.13 inches off of the ground.It provides better air circulaount of firewood for outdoor firepit,logs for wood burning stoves,fireplaces,firewood piles and outdoor camping logs.
Premium Fatwood Starter
Legendary Winter Woods Fatwood Fire Starter Sticks, Gift Box, Kindling Wood, Campfire Sticks, Fatwood Fireplace
Winter Woods
Fire Cooking Guide
Cooking with Fire: From Roasting on a Spit to Baking in a Tannur, Rediscovered Techniques and Recipes That Capture the Flavors of Wood-Fired Cooking
Storey Publishing
Heat Resistant Gloves
Suse’s Kinder Tig Welding Gloves Large, Fireproof Heat Resistant – For Welders, Wood Stove or Fireplace Cooking – Premium Leather (Brown Yellow, XL)
Suse’s Kinder
- HEAT RESISTANT; These heat resistant gloves protect in extreme conditions; The hand is lined with Kevlar material and the extra long split grain cuff protects to the elbow; When you need tough welding accessories, look no further than our premium welding gloves
- SOFT AND STRONG; Our welders gloves feature hands crafted from premium top grain cowhide, these fireproof gloves are manufactured for maximum dexterity; Safely use these fire gloves with maximum grip and control over your work
- PERFECT FIT; Our fire resistant gloves are designed for everyone; With a range of sizes, these fireplace gloves will fit men, women and teens; Our heat resistant cowhide gloves are slightly smaller than regular, if in doubt size up. XL size
- VERSATILE; Each pair of high heat gloves is stitched with Kevlar material thread to make sure they never come apart; Aside from being excellent welder gloves, they also make great wood working gloves, cooking gloves or wood stove gloves
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEED; If you don’t love our leather welding gloves, simply return your heat resistant work gloves for a complete refund.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What is the best type of wood to burn in a fireplace?
Hardwoods like oak, maple, and hickory are the best choices because they burn longer and produce more heat. They also create less creosote buildup, reducing fire hazards. Softwoods like pine burn faster and can lead to more residue in your chimney.
How do hardwoods and softwoods compare when burning?
Hardwoods are denser, providing a longer-lasting, hotter fire with less smoke. Softwoods ignite quickly but burn faster and produce more creosote, which can clog chimneys. For efficiency and safety, hardwoods are generally preferred.
What should I look for when buying firewood?
Choose seasoned wood that has been dried for at least 6-12 months to ensure efficient burning. Avoid green or unseasoned wood, as it produces excess smoke and less heat. Look for cracks at the ends, which indicate proper drying.
Is it better to buy firewood by the cord or by the bundle?
Buying by the cord (128 cubic feet) is more cost-effective if you use your fireplace frequently. Bundles are convenient for occasional use but are more expensive per volume. Consider your usage and storage space when deciding.
How can I tell if firewood is properly seasoned?
Seasoned wood is lighter in weight, darker in color, and has cracks at the ends. It should feel dry to the touch and make a hollow sound when knocked together. Moisture content below 20% is ideal for efficient burning.
Are there any woods I should avoid burning?
Avoid burning treated, painted, or glued wood, as they release toxic chemicals when burned. Softwoods like pine and fir can create excessive creosote buildup. Also, steer clear of driftwood, which contains salt that can damage your fireplace.
How much firewood do I need for a season?
A typical household uses 1-2 cords of firewood per winter, depending on usage frequency and climate. If you use your fireplace daily, lean toward 2 cords. Occasional users may only need half a cord.
What’s the most cost-effective firewood option?
Locally sourced hardwoods like oak or maple are often the most affordable and efficient. Buying in bulk during off-season months can also save money. Avoid premium-priced exotic woods unless you want a specific aroma.