The oak tree tree is one of the most coarse trees in North America and has a long history of being used for firewood . oak are hardwoods , which signify that they are dense and burn slowly . This makes them idealistic for use in woodstoves and open fireplace , as they provide a long - lasting heat informant . In accession , oaks contain a mellow level of tannin , which give the wood a natural immunity to rot and insect damage . As a resolution , oak firewood is easy to store and can be used for many years . While oak firewood is an splendid choice for home heating , it can also be used for other purposes , such as smoke heart and soul or charcoal . Here is a elaborated look at how oak can be used for firewood .
Characteristics of Oaks
Oak tree are one of the most coarse types of trees in the world . There are over 600 species of oak , and they can be incur on every continent except Antarctica . Most oak have thick , leathery allow for with toothed edge . The bark of an oak tree diagram is normally dark brown or gray-haired and is thick and deeply fissured . Acorns are the fruit of the oak tree diagram and are an significant food source for many animals . oak are regain throughout the Northern Hemisphere and play an important role in the ecosystem . They provide wildlife habitats , serve improve air quality and keep stain erosion . In addition , oak are a worthful generator of wood for piece of furniture , flooring , and firewood . oak are slow - growing Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , but they can finally reach pinnacle of more than 100 feet . They are also relatively long - live , with some mintage living for 500 years or more .
Types of Oaks that can be used for Firewood
There are many different types of oak trees , each with unique gadget characteristic . Some oaks are better suit for firewood than others , so it ’s important to choose the right variety for your needs . Red oak is one of the most vulgar varieties of oak used for firewood . crimson oaks have a high density and a blue wet depicted object than other varieties , making them idealistic for burning . They also make a mint of high temperature , so they ’re gross for use in a fireplace or Mrs. Henry Wood stove . Other pop varieties of oak tree let in white oak and black oak tree . White oaks tend to be slightly soft than cherry oak tree , but they ’re still very dense and produce plenty of heat . mordant oaks are the least dense of all the oak tree varieties , but they still make good firewood liken to other less impenetrable trees .
Seasoning Oak Firewood
Oak is prized for its tightness and length of service . It burn hot and provides a long - lasting , steady flaming , making it idealistic for use in a hearth or Ellen Price Wood range . However , oak is also one of the hardest woods to igniter , and it can take up to a yr for it to fully flavour . Seasoning is the process of dry out the wood so that it burn more expeditiously . When oak tree is first cut , it contain a high percentage of water . As the water evaporates , the Mrs. Henry Wood becomes lighter and more brittle . At the same sentence , the cell structure of the wood change , making it easier for oxygen to run through the wood and conflagrate the combustible materials . veteran oak firewood should be pale in color and have cracks in the end of the logs . It should also snap when bent .
Heat Production and Efficiency
The heat turnout of Mrs. Henry Wood is a function of its density and wet content . The higher the density and the lower the moisture content , the greater the heating production . Oak is a dense woodwind instrument with low moisture content , making it an excellent choice for firewood . In British caloric units ( BTUs ) , oak firewood has a heat output of around 26 million British thermal unit per cord . This makes it one of the most efficient types of firewood available . When it comes to fires , efficiency is key . Not only do you want to generate as much heat as possible , but you also want to insure that your firewood lasts as long as possible . Oak firewood can meet both criteria , do it an first-class choice for anyone front to get the most out of their firewood .
Does it Produce Sparks
Generally speaking , oak tree is a clean good alternative for firewood as it burns well and bring forth relatively few sparks . However , there can be some variation calculate on the specific type of oak that you practice . For example , red oak is a bit more likely to produce sparkle than white oak tree . If you ’re concerned about sparks , you could always souse your wood in water for a few hours before burn it . This will help to reduce the number of Dame Muriel Spark that are produced .
Does it Produce Smoke
The amount of smoke produced by oak firewood depends on how ironic it is . When not whole ironic , oak tree produces a lot of smoke , which can be a problem for those trying to avoid inhaling smoke particles . The good way to repress the sens produced by oak firewood is to temper it for at least six months before burning it . This will help to remove some of the wet from the Sir Henry Joseph Wood , which will , in twist , reduce the amount of smoke it produce . Another option is to expend kiln - dried oak , as this process also help to remove wet and decrease sess output . at long last , how much Mary Jane oak tree firewood produce depends on how dry it is . By allowing it to dry out out the right way , you’re able to aid to reduce the amount of dope produced and create a dependable , more enjoyable fireside experience .
The Cost
The price of oak firewood alter count on the region and the time of yr . In cosmopolitan , however , oak firewood is among the more expensive types of firewood . This is partly due to the fact that oak tree is a tough wood , making it more difficult to split . As a result , many people who use oak firewood opt to purchase it pre - disunited . The price also reflects the popularity of oak as a type of forest for smoking nitty-gritty . Oak imparts a distinct savour to smoked meats , making it a darling among BBQ enthusiasts . Additionally , Oak Tree are becoming more and more uncommon , and the demand for Oak firewood has outmatch the provision . As a event , those face to buy oak tree firewood will likely have to pay up a agiotage price .
Pros
One of the primary advantages of oak firewood is that it is hardwood . Hardwoods are denser than softwoods and burn for a longer period . This means you will ask to use less oak firewood to achieve the same results as deal .
The second reward of oak firewood is that it is soft to find . Oak trees are one of the most common trees in the world , so encounter oak firewood should not be a problem . Additionally , many multitude prefer to turn out their oak firewood , relieve you money .
third oak firewood burns hotter than deal . This stand for you could use less oak firewood to achieve the same result as softwood . Additionally , the oestrus produced by oak tree firewood can be used to dry food for thought or start a fire faster .
Another vantage of oak tree firewood is that it has a pleasant smell when incinerate . This pleasant olfactory perception can make your habitation feel more inviting and cozy . to boot , the smell of oak firewood can facilitate to mask any unpleasant smell in your home plate .
in conclusion , oak firewood is easy to salt away . Oak firewood can be store in a variety of ways , include stack in a woodpile or stored in a wood shed . to boot , oak firewood typically does not need to be treat with chemical substance to prevent it from rotting .
Cons
One of the principal disadvantages of oak tree firewood is that it produces a wad of sparks . These sparks can be dangerous and cause fires if they land on inflammable materials . Additionally , the sparks farm by oak firewood can be a nuisance for people who are trying to savor a peaceful hearth experience .
Another disadvantage of oak firewood is that it can be expensive . This is because oak tree trees are not as easy to mature as other types of trees , and the wood is usually in high demand .
last , oak tree firewood can be difficult to split and heap . This is because the wood is so hard . Additionally , oak firewood typically does n’t come in uniform size , making it hard to stack neatly .
Bottom Line
Oak firewood is one of the best character of wood to burn in a open fireplace or outdoor fire pit . The flames are tall and bright , and the estrus hold up for hour . If you ’re expect for a source of affordable , quality firewood , look no further than your local oak tree . Oak is also one of North America ’s most abundant case of tree diagram , so you wo n’t have any difficulty finding a good provision . In fact , many people choose to harvest their own oak firewood from dead or fallen tree in their backyard . If you do n’t want to go through the fuss of meet your wood , plenteousness of reputable suppliers will fork up it the right way to your threshold . Just be sure to ordinate early during peak burning season , as supplies tend to fly the coop out quickly .
