Hickory, Oak, Black Locust) to keep the fire going overnight. For example, wood that has great coaling properties will work well as an overnight fuel in wood stoves, because the quality coals will help the fire stay hot through the night. And to get all the above burn qualities and benefits, you’re going to need to be able to tell if the wood you have is definitely Ash. Low smoke production is a common trait among our top tier firewoods, like Ash, Hickory, Oak, etc. Now, here it is! Ash wood - Very popular and most recommended for wood-only burners due to it being very clean burning. It is a little lower in BTU than oak, it burns hotter, but it doesn’t last quite as long. Maple has a finer texture and tight, even grain. Second, Oak tends to be a little easier to split. Or Maple, which tends to have much tighter-fitting bark. Other types of firewood are better known for their smell. Seasoned firewood is described as having a 20% moisture content. Having seen this table of data, you may be wondering, why you would burn Ash instead of Black Locust, Hickory, etc.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'burlybeaver_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_14',107,'0','0'])); Well, there are some advantages of Ash over those other types of wood, and in general, you should feel good about burning any of these top types of firewood, because they all perform well. The best practice is to vary your firewood sources, using hardwoods like oak in winter, and softer woods for fall and spring. It’s worth mentioning that both birch and ash are both hardwoods, albeit that birch is softer than ash, and when kiln dried to a sufficiently low moisture content both make excellent firewood, however there are a few key differences which are important to consider when buying your firewood: Birch logs burn faster and provide heat faster Many other types of firewood are darker or have a darker heartwood (center of the log) and a lighter sapwood (outer ring). Good: Birch: Hardwood: Birch burns easily but also fast, so is best mixed with slower burning wood such as Elm or Oak. And finally, Oak produces better coals than Ash, and will sustain a fire longer. Oak produces a flame initially and then reduces down to a small flame/glow. good firewood, oak mixed with ash tree firewood, oak mixed with ash tree kiln dried logs,firewood in crates, kiln dried logs placed in crates Speaking of Pine, it’s probably the worst type of wood when it comes to creosote build-up. There is even an old English proverb that goes something along the lines of: "Seer or green, Ash is fit for a … For more information about the log species call 01280 825 778 or email, Enjoy Summer With a Heavy Duty Wooden Gazebo, 5 Points for Maintaining Your Wood Burner. directly opposite) to it. Below, you’ll find a chart that summarizes the BTU output and weight of 15 common firewood species’ (Note: data sources are mentioned beneath the infographic above. Build-up of creosote can reduce the ventilation of your chimney, and it’s also HIGHLY flammable, which can cause chimney fires. Beech wood is a fine-grained wood that has a light orange to salmon colour. This ranking is not an arbitrary list, and it’s actually based primarily on data from several university extension offices. So, if you find a leaf that looks like the photo above, and it is opposite-compound with 7-11 leaflets, then you’ve found yourself an Ash leaf. Part of the experience of burning logs is choosing your wood species. We burn lots of it here, especially after the EAB came to reside here. Also, as a bonus, it is one of the easiest to split and fairly quick to dry. 1; 2; Next. The top tier (top of the pyramid) is the absolute best firewood you can burn, whereas the bottom of the pyramid is the firewood that will still produce heat, but is not ideal because of low heat output, excessive smoke, difficulty splitting, or some other reason. Next Last. Burls. The white ash, also known at the American Biltmore or cane ash, is considered to be the best among the ash species. This will allow both stacks of wood to dry better. Let’s get to it! Split pieces catch quicker and burn easier than round logs. As a result, Ash would be a great choice for an open indoor fireplace, because it has good heat output, and the sparking is minimal. So, the question is, are chainsaw mills worth it? Birch Birch is an excellent firewood and will burn easy with a large flame. And finally, Oak produces better coals than Ash, and will sustain a fire longer. In short, chainsaw mills... How long a chainsaw bar lasts depends on how much the saw is used. Like most wood for firewood, straight pieces are easier to split than others, but when it comes to White Ash, I have almost never seen very straight pieces (the ones I have found, we marked and cut for making tool handles). Some claim you get more ashes from it than with other wood but we've not found that part to be much different. All trees take in water, which means that when logs are cut they contain a certain amount of moisture. For example, Oak has very visible rays, which are lines that run from the center of the log to the outside (perpendicular to the rings of the tree). max384 Member. Birch. You should expect it to take at least 6-12 months to fully season your Ash firewood. However, if you do have a lot of firewood options, here’s some more info to help you break the tie. Definitely ash all day. White oak provides around 27-29 million BTUs per cord, while Red Oak Firewood produces 28-29 million BTUs per cord. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'burlybeaver_com-box-4','ezslot_8',105,'0','0'])); If you’re not familiar with those, extension offices are typically associated with a university, and their role is to do research and provide services which help citizens better manage their land and natural resources. Amount of Smoke Oak produces very little smoke, especially when compared to Pine or Hard Maple, which are known to be... 3. I've been collecting firewood, planting trees, and woodworking since before I could hold an axe. These affected trees are perfect for responsible firewood harvesting. Red Oak Firewood is usually one of the top fuels since you can use it for heating your home, and also for cooking. By kiln drying the logs it brings the moisture level down from 60-50% to 20% or less, this has many benefits, including an efficient burn (less energy is used to disperse water) and less water vapour enters the flume or chimney. First, I think it’s helpful to mention that you probably aren’t going to have every kind of wood close by, and a perfectly reasonable way to choose from a list of top firewood types is to go with what is most readily available. Other types of firewood are less explosive, but still throw sparks significantly. The main point to keep in mind is that ash and oak are a very dense species of wood (oak being more dense than ash), meaning there’s a lot of wood fibres contained within the logs; this is what lends them to burning for such long periods when compared with other softer species of hardwoods such as birch, and all of the softwood varieties. First, Oak has a slightly higher heat output than Ash. With that said, both Oak and Ash burn exceptionally well. link to How Long Does a Chainsaw Bar Last? I'm trying to figure out if I need to change my firewood strategy. Jon Yarde is a firewood enthusiast, an Eagle Scout, and an avid learner and teacher of outdoor skills. Next, let’s touch briefly on identifying Ash firewood, so you can be sure you know what type of wood you’re dealing with. Black Locust. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'burlybeaver_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_17',110,'0','0'])); The fragrance of Ash is not really a big “pro”, but it’s not a “con” either. We stock various firewood’s including Ash, Oak, Hornbeam, Birch & Alder. Many customers prefer one type of kiln dried log and they often stick with it. if you want to learn more about seasoning firewood, you should take a look at this article. Wholesome Gear, LLC may also participate in affiliate programs with other sites. Andy8850. Ash is known to throw fewer sparks than Black Locust, Hickory and Mulberry, all of which are top tier firewoods with higher heat output. Don’t let the jargon scare you though, because this has a simple meaning. Ash Firewood – How Does it Compare? Alright, now that we’ve covered the 6 most important burning qualities for Ash, let’s draw a few quick comparisons between Ash and other top tier firewood types like Black Locust, Oak, and Hickory. This includes guidance on the qualities of trees and firewood. The wood from these oak trees is prized for its strength and density, and that density makes it one of the best at producing heat. When identifying firewood, you probably won’t have any leaves on-hand, so you would typically go by the following: Let’s touch on each one for Ash. These firewood BTU ratings charts compare the heat energy content of common firewood types along with both green and dry weight per firewood cord. if you make multiple stacks of firewood, each stack should be separated by at least a few inches for air flow. Welcome to the site! Go. This is different than Hickory, for example, which grows bark in a thin plated-pattern. I'm also the son of a forester, and in the last few years, I've developed a newfound appreciation for the old-fashioned knowledge trapped in the heads of guys like Dad. As discussed before, logs of heavier woods like oak, hickory and ash will burn longer than gum, poplar or pine. Maple is also known for its burls, which are clusters of rounded grain patterns, and for small, elliptical shaped grain patterns known as birds-eyes. If you’ve not heard of creosote before, it’s a side product of burning wood, and it’s basically a black tar that is gradually deposited by wood smoke on the inside walls of a chimney. In addition, Ash produces minimal smoke, good quality coals, and is not too difficult to split when dry. White Oak for Firewood. For a leaf to be opposite, means that where one leaf grows, there is always another one growing in parallel (e.g. Beech Wood. Kiln dried logs also quickly deliver a high heat, low smoke and a consistent result. Kiln dried ash is the most popular species for woodburners and fireplaces, but also for catering people making woodfired pizza as it offers the high heat needed to quickly cook a pizza in a stone oven. Kiln dried oak is a more dense wood species, each log is heavier in weight and it burns more slowly. You can also check out our quick summary video to hit the main highlights:eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'burlybeaver_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',104,'0','0'])); To help you get an idea for how Ash compares to other types of firewood, we’ve put together a graphic below, which provides a snapshot of some of the most common types of firewood in our area (in the Midwest USA), and they are divided into 3 levels of quality. And it certainly doesn’t have a foul smell, like the invasive species Ailenthus does. On Ash, especially on larger trees, the bark forms in large parallel ridges, almost like tiny parallel mountain ranges. Is it better to burn Ash or Oak? With that said, both Oak and Ash burn exceptionally well. Ash is an excellent firewood! In order to expedite the process, and to get your firewood seasoned as quickly as possible, use the following tips for fast drying: firewood dries WAY faster when it is split into pieces, rather than sitting in log-form. Nov 28, 2015 97 Eagle Rock, PA. Apr 11, 2016 #1 Hello all This winter will be my first winter with a woodstove. Hickory. Both Oak & Hornbeam firewood offer very similar burning characteristics, this is due to the density of the firewood. Firewood is incorrectly identified all the time. This can be an issue if you’re using an open-air fireplace, or if you’re burning outside and there are fire risks (like very dry conditions).eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'burlybeaver_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_15',109,'0','0'])); You obviously don’t want to catch a rug on fire (or worse!). Some types of wood pop really powerfully (like Catalpa wood) and could hurt somebody or even damage your stove. Wholesome Gear, LLC is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Kiln dried oak is preferred by many customers because it offers a good heat result, it has 20% moisture or less and it is known to last longer than other species like ash or … Heat Output vs Other Wood The heat output of Ash firewood is in the mid-to-high range for common firewoods. To learn more about the data sources, you can read the note below the image. If you happen to have the leaves of the tree on hand, then this is actually a much easier way to identify Ash. Often beech is turned into briquettes which burn really well. Another big factor is the type of wood you’re burning.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'burlybeaver_com-leader-4','ezslot_20',117,'0','0'])); In general, firewood that is very sappy will produce much more creosote build-up than firewood that is not as sappy. In addition to risks of creosote build-up (see #6 below), high smoke production is one of the reasons you should always make sure your firewood is properly dried before you burn it. And for a leaf to be compound, means that each bud from the tree grows a series (e.g. Exactly how long it will take depends on several factors, including the climate where you’re located (e.g. It is good for the amount of heat it puts out, having a moderate burning time while also being easy to light, compared to many other hardwoods. The fire can also be started with kiln dried ash kindling, this is in small pieces and is also sold on the Ashby site along with natural firelighters. If it is to be burned in a wood stove, nearly any kind of wood will do. Keep reading to see how Ash matches up on key burn qualities. If you only use your... Hi there - I'm Jon, the guy behind Burly Beaver. If grow… First, Oak has a slightly higher heat output than Ash. In addition, where there was missing data (only a few occasions), I’ve used my own experience to round out the data.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'burlybeaver_com-banner-1','ezslot_13',106,'0','0'])); In the following section, we’re going to see how Ash measures up against the 6 most important burn qualities for firewood. Different types of firewood will require more (or less) time in order to dry-out, and you should always plan to burn firewood that is completely seasoned. 1 of 2 Go to page. Kiln dried oak is a more dense wood species, each log is heavier in weight and it burns more slowly. Second, Oak tends to be a little easier to split. Ash has long been considered the king of firewood's. For more information about the log species call 01280 825 778 or email sales@ashbylogs.co.uk, Address The Log Shed, Signal Hill, Gawcott, Buckingham, MK18 4BU, Ashby Logs Kiln Dried Logs National Delivery, Part of the experience of burning logs is choosing your wood species. Walnut is not great firewood. (Episode 2: Firewood Series) (https://youtu.be/RsXf8Lm5qhQ). It also has a smooth bark so nice to handle. Ash is famous for its ease of division and low moisture content. The 6 Major Burn Qualities of Ash 1. Below are the things you need to know about the three types of wood. 2. This rapidly growing tree is popular for making baseball bats and tool handles do to its strength and flexibility. It has a high heat output of 24.2 million BTUs per cord of seasoned wood. In our area (Midwest USA), there are very few trees that have opposite-compound leaves. Oak for Firewood. I’d say the heat output is “solid”, but not quite on the same level as something like Black Locust or Hickory. Oak produces very little smoke, especially when compared to Pine or Hard Maple, which are known to be big smoke producers. For wood to be “seasoned” basically just means that it’s thoroughly dried. All our firewood is responsibly sourced, and kiln dried to give a moisture content of less than 20%, so whichever type of firewood you choose, you can expect a pleasant burning experience. But they can be rather expensive and labor intensive. It burns clean with no smoke and it throws few sparks. Woodworkers like the white ash because it can be bent into various shapes without jeopardizing its strength.The white ash will commonly grow between 70-80 feet tall and likes rich, moist, well drained soils. To prevent creosote build-up, it’s important to properly maintain your stove and to have your chimney cleaned regularly. Ash has been a common firewood over the last several years, and frankly, a lot of people have been burning dead Ash trees that were killed by the Emerald Ash Borer (more on that later). Seasoned split mixed Hardwood @ £95 per m 3 Seasoned split mixed Softwood @ £80 per m 3 Kiln dried ash is the most popular species for woodburners and fireplaces, but also for catering people making woodfired pizza as it offers the high heat needed to quickly cook a pizza in a stone oven. However, Mulberry, which is an otherwise top-level firewood, does produce a moderate amount of smoke.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'burlybeaver_com-leader-1','ezslot_16',108,'0','0'])); It’s also worth mentioning, that almost any wood will be VERY smokey if you burn it wet. This site is owned and operated by Wholesome Gear, LLC. For example, my favorite is Eastern Red Cedar (which is what they make mothballs out of), because of it’s fresh, rich, and almost-tangy smell. Although Ash can produce a little less BTU’s than oak or sugar maple, it is a popular firewood option for many people. oak mixed with ash tree kiln dried logs oak mixed with ash tree kiln dried logs packed into 1m 3 crate € 145.00 Add to cart I love it’s smell but crank out btu’s it does not. So, are people just burning it out of necessity, or does Ash actually make good firewood?eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'burlybeaver_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',103,'0','0'])); Ash firewood is among the best types of firewood you can burn. Think about it, when the wood is split more surface area is exposed to the wind and sunshine, which are the primary contributors to dry wood. If the bark is still on, you can also use that as an indicator. Kiln dried oak is preferred by many customers because it offers a good heat result, it has 20% moisture or less and it is known to last longer than other species like ash or birch logs. Seasoning firewood takes time. A good rule of thumb is to cut firewood this year so you can use it next year. It has a low water content and burns at a steady rate. And I’ll admit, this isn’t absolutely essential, but if you put your stack of firewood up on some pallets or perpendicular planks, it will increase airflow beneath the firewood stack and will accelerate your drying time. So, I created Burly Beaver to serve as a library of the skills, facts, and tricks that I've learned. You can find a written article with more information about Ash Firewood on the Burly Beaver blog: https://burlybeaver.com/ash-firewood/Is Ash good firewood? It can take a long time for the wood to dry out naturally, so kiln drying can be utilised to speed up the process, reducing levels by as much as 80% in just one week. Furniture makers love its distinct pore pattern. Ash: Hardwood: Considered one of the best firewoods. On average, a chainsaw bar could last ten years unless it becomes damaged or bent which can happen at any time. If you skip down to this section, you can learn more about seasoning firewood, and how you can accelerate the process. A focus on burning Oak as firewood. The wood from the hickory family of trees, which includes pecan trees, is also very dense and prized for use as firewood, being of similar quality to oak. Ash gives off a very subtle and mild aroma. Main Hearth Forums. These long-lasting coals will allow you to easily re-start a fire in the morning by simply adding more wood to the existing embers. The Wood Shed Status Not open for further replies. A piece of freshly cut ash has a moisture content slightly higher than that of seasoned ash. But even before that we burned a lot of it simply because it makes such good firewood. The best type of firewood for heating a home with a wood stove, is Black Locust or Hickory, due to the high heat output and long-lasting coals. To optimize your drying time, you should stack your firewood neatly in a location that will maximize the amount of sunshine and air flow. While oak, ash, and maple are our top three, there are many other types of firewood wood that are acceptable for wood … Properties. It produces a bright flame, high heat, good burn duration and consistent performance all at a compelling price. What is the Best Firewood? a chain) of leaves, instead of one single leaf (called a “simple” leaf). I’d say... 2. Since smell is so closely related to flavor, these are the types of wood that are most commonly used for BBQ and open-fire cooking. So much so that many people, including my family, completely avoid burning Pine in wood stoves. By kiln drying the logs it brings the moisture level down from 60-50% to 20% or less, this has many benefits, including an efficient burn (less energy is used to disperse water) and less water vapour enters the flume or chimney. The problem with ash trees and moving firewood is when you move the wood miles and miles away from where the tree grew, but burning it locally is fine. Many customers prefer one type of. That combined with being easy to split makes ash good for kindling. Hardwood net (40 litre) @ £7 each Softwood net (40 litre) @ £6 each. brenndatomu, Biddleman, Chaz and 11 others like this. Oak is a better firewood than Ash for a few reasons. wood dries faster in Texas than in Oregon), and if you’ve properly split and stacked the wood. You may do a double take here, because a lot of people don’t do this step due to the extra effort required. Burls are especially favored by wood turners and birds-eye patterns are striking in furniture pieces. If your wood pile is outside you can put a cover or tarp over the stack to drain any rain/snow. When it comes to choosing which wood to buy to heat your home, we have plenty of options available. Ash leaves are a type of “opposite-compound” leaves. It is still best when seasoned and will burn at a steady rate. As an additional distinguishing characteristic, most types of Ash trees have 7-11 leaflets (the one in the image above has 7). Oak is a better firewood than Ash for a few reasons. Ash Considered to be one of the best woods for firewood in winter. They are hardwoods, so they give off ample heat, and they both work well for cooking, too. Keep up the rotation and you will always have good, dry, seasoned wood to burn. Thread starter max384; Start date Apr 11, 2016; Forums. In general, higher-quality firewood will throw fewer sparks, and Ash is one of the best performers in this category. In the next couple of sections, we’ll touch on more of the specific qualities of Ash and how it compares to other types of firewood. In addition, you should only ever burn wood that is thoroughly seasoned (dried), because wet wood produces more creosote. The emerald ash borer, an invasive species native to northeast Asia, has killed many ash trees throughout the United States. To get the most energy out of your firewood the wood should be seasoned. The end grains for Ash are not particularly distinctive, but the fact that it’s not distinctive allows you to eliminate some other woods from the start. Some types of firewoods in the mid-range, like Cherry and Hard Maple also beat Ash in this category. Ash wood gives a nice bright flame and burns very nicely albeit slightly faster than oak Beech Firewood Like oak, this is a very dense species and needs a lot of drying, but once dry burns with a nice bright yellow flame and for a long time. In general, firewood will take at least 6-8 months to fully dry, and for denser hardwoods this process can take even longer. The best-known firewoods are white and red oak trees. White ash firewood is a versatile wood. Large rounds need wedges and splitting mauls; axes, even sharp ones, will only get caught in the tight grain (trust me). But, Ash is still a heavy hardwood, and it does outperform significantly lighter woods like Pine. Our series of articles looking at the various species of tree that can be used as firewood continues with a British favourite: the mighty oak. To be able to burn properly, this moisture level need to be less than 20%. Creosote isn’t a problem in small quantities, but if it gets built up, it can be quite dangerous. The Green Ash is widely planted as a street tree in the United States. If you find all this talk of firewood aromas interesting, you should check out our article on the 11 best smelling types of firewood.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'burlybeaver_com-leader-2','ezslot_18',115,'0','0'])); Another factor that is commonly used for rating firewood is “coaling”. Ash falls short in this category, and it really doesn’t have coaling on the same level of any of the other top tier firewoods. Great: Beech: Hardwood: Beech has a high water content so will only burn well when seasoned.