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FAQs

  • What’s the best firewood for pizza ovens?

    Oak is best for pizza ovens, providing high heat and clean burning. Maple works well too, while fruitwoods like cherry add flavor when mixed with primary fuel.

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  • What causes creosote buildup in chimneys?

    Creosote forms when smoke from wet wood or inefficient fires condenses in chimneys, creating a dangerous, flammable tar-like deposit.

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  • What size should firewood pieces be?

    Firewood should typically be 16 inches long and split to 4-6 inch diameter. Measure your fireplace or stove to confirm the right size before ordering.

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  • Can you burn green (unseasoned) wood?

    You can burn green wood, but shouldn’t—it produces minimal heat, maximum smoke, dangerous creosote buildup, and wastes money.

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  • What’s the difference between hardwood and softwood firewood?

    Hardwoods are denser and burn longer with more heat, while softwoods ignite faster and burn quicker—both have advantages when properly seasoned.

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Long-lasting coals are essential for overnight burns, maintaining consistent heat, and efficiently cooking over wood fires. Dense hardwoods produce superior coal beds that radiate heat for hours after flames subside, making them invaluable for serious wood burners and those using wood as primary heating.

Oak stands as the champion coal producer among commonly available firewood species. Both white oak and red oak create dense, long-lasting coal beds that can maintain heat through an entire night when properly loaded in an efficient wood stove. Oak coals often glow hot for 6-8 hours or more, making them ideal for banking fires overnight and waking to a warm house with coals ready to reignite.

Hickory rivals oak for coal production and many experienced burners consider it slightly superior. Hickory coals burn extremely hot and maintain their heat for extended periods. The wood’s exceptional density creates coals that resist breaking down, providing sustained radiant heat long after the flames disappear. For overnight heating or all-day cooking fires, hickory excels.

Black locust produces outstanding coals despite being less commonly used. Its extreme density creates coals that rival or exceed oak and hickory. Black locust coals burn intensely hot and last remarkably long. In regions where black locust is available, particularly where it grows invasively, it represents one of the finest firewoods for coal production.

Ash creates good quality coals that, while not quite matching oak or hickory longevity, still provide extended heat. Ash’s advantage lies in easier splitting and faster seasoning while still delivering respectable coal performance. For users who value both workability and coal quality, ash offers an excellent compromise.

Softwoods like pine, fir, and cedar produce minimal coals, burning quickly with bright flames but little lasting ember action. While useful for kindling and quick heat, softwoods aren’t suitable when sustained coal beds matter. Mix softwood for starting fires, then transition to hardwood for coal development and extended heat.