As temperatures drop and coziness draws us to the fireplace, a question often arises: Which wood is actually best to use as firewood?
The answer is more complex than one might think, according to Danish media outlet N24.
Klaus Egly, chairman of the Federal Association of Firewood Trade and Firewood Production, shares his insights with myHOMEBOOK – and the answer isn't just about calorific value.
"The question of which wood burns best can be compared to asking which car drives best," says Klaus Egly. In other words: It depends on what you prefer.
Many believe that certain types of wood provide significantly more heat than others, but according to the expert, the differences are minimal.
"Any wood that has less than 25 percent residual moisture is suitable for heating," he emphasizes.
The difference between hardwood and softwood, such as poplar or pine, is more about pace than effect. Softwood burns faster, so you'll need to refill more often, but both types of wood can easily heat your living room.
What might be most interesting for many consumers is not the calorific value, but rather the aesthetics of the flame and the sound of the wood.
"Birch wood, for example, has a beautiful yellow flame with red tips, while pine or spruce produces the typical crackling sound," explains Klaus Egly, pointing out that such details are often more important to fireplace enthusiasts than the technical aspects.
However, there is some wood you should absolutely avoid: Wet or dirty wood can cause smoke problems and pollute the stove. Treated or lacquered wood is also a no-go – it can release dangerous chemicals.
So, the conclusion? Use the wood you have, as long as it's dry and natural.
