Whether you're an experienced outdoors person or just getting started, there's nothing quite like a cozy fire to keep you warm on a cold night. So, what type of wood should you use for your next campfire? While any kind of wood will get the job done, cedar is one of the best options around. Here's why.
What is cedar firewood good for?
Cedar firewood is a type of wood that can be used for both indoor and outdoor fires. Cedar is known for its unique smell, which many people find pleasant. It also has a high heat output and burns slowly, making it ideal for use in fireplaces and wood-burning stoves. Cedar is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy the benefits of a real wood fire without having to deal with the smoke associated with other types of wood.
How to select the best cedar firewood?
Cedar is a popular type of firewood because it burns hot and produces little smoke. When selecting cedar firewood, look for logs that are free of rot and have a diameter of at least 4 inches. The length of the log should be no more than 2 feet so that it can fit easily into your fireplace or wood stove. Cedar firewood typically has a high moisture content, so it's important to allow the logs to dry out completely before burning them. To speed up the drying process, split the logs into smaller pieces using an axe or saw. Once the cedar firewood is dry, store it in a covered area until you're ready to use it.
Why should you use cedar firewood as your fuel source?
- Cedar is a very dense wood, which means it burns hot and slow. This makes it an ideal firewood for both indoor and outdoor use.
- The high density of cedar also gives it a long burning time, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy a fire without having to constantly add more wood.
- Cedar has a pleasant smell when burned, so it can be used as an aromatherapy tool as well. The scent will help you relax and feel at ease while enjoying your fire.
The different types of cedar trees and what they are typically used for
Cedar trees are coniferous evergreen trees that belong to the genus Cedrus. There are four main species of cedar tree, all of which are native to different parts of the Northern Hemisphere:
- The Atlas Cedar is found in the Atlas Mountains of Algeria and Morocco. It is a large tree, growing up to 40m tall with a trunk diameter of 1-2m. The timber is widely used in construction and furniture making, as well as for carving and turned objects.
- The Cyprus Cedar is endemic to the island of Cyprus where it grows on mountain slopes up to an altitude of 1,000m. It reaches 20-25m in height with a trunk diameter 0f 60cm or more. Its wood was historically used for shipbuilding but nowadays it is mostly used for decorative purposes such as veneers and marquetry work.
- The Deodar Cedar, also known as Himalayan Cedar, occurs naturally in Afghanistan, Pakistan India, Nepal, and Bhutan. In its natural habitat, it can grow up to 70m tall. It is often much smaller when grown in cultivation. It has been planted extensively outside its natural range including Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina, and Chile. Its timber is soft yet strong and is resistant to decay. It is used for a wide range of purposes including construction, carpentry, furniture making, and veneer production.
- The Lebanon Cedar is the national emblem of Lebanon and can be found on the Lebanese flag. It is also the source of the biblical cedarwood. Cedars of Lebanon are among the oldest trees in the world, with some specimens thought to be over 1,000 years old. The trees grow to a height of 30-40m and have a trunk diameter of 1-2m. They are found naturally in the mountains of Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, and Iran. The timber is resistant to decay and insects and is used for a variety of purposes such as construction, joinery, furniture making, and flooring.
General maintenance tips for using cedar firewood
Cedar firewood is a great choice for those who want a long-lasting, hot-burning wood. But like all woods, it does require some maintenance to keep it in top condition. Here are some tips on how to care for your cedar firewood:
- Season the wood properly. Cedar is a dense wood and can take longer to season than other types of firewood. Make sure you give it enough time (at least 6 months) to dry out completely before using it in your fireplace or stove.
- Store the wood off the ground and covered. This will help protect it from moisture and insects. If possible, store the wood inside where it will be protected from rain and snow; otherwise, cover with a tarp or plastic sheeting.
- Split the wood into small pieces. Cedar firewood is dense and can be difficult to split. Use a sharp axe or maul and split the wood into pieces that are manageable for your fireplace or stove.
Tips on how to store cedar firewood properly, including storing before burning it or after burning it
Before burning cedar firewood, it is important to store it properly. Cedar wood should be stored in a dry place and away from direct sunlight. It is also important to keep the wood off the ground by using a rack or pallet. The wood should also be stacked in a way that allows for air circulation so that it can continue to dry out.
Safety precautions when using cedar firewood
When using cedar firewood, it is important to take some safety precautions in order to avoid any accidents. Here are some tips:
- Only use cedar firewood that has been properly seasoned and dry. Wet or green wood can cause a lot of smoke and sparks.
- Don't overload the fireplace or stove with too much wood at once. This can cause a dangerous build-up of heat.
- Be sure to have a good supply of water on hand in case you need to douse any flames that get out of control.
Is cedar firewood hardwood or softwood
Cedar is a type of softwood that is often used for firewood. It burns hot and produces little smoke, making it a good choice for those who want to enjoy a cozy fire without all the fuss. Cedar also has a pleasant smell that can make your home feel more inviting.
Cedar firewood BTUs
Cedar firewood is a popular choice for wood-burning stoves and fireplace inserts because it has a range of BTU outputs depending on which type you use. The BTU rating measures the amount of heat that is released when the wood is burned. Some cedar firewood, like Port Orford Cedar, has a higher BTU rating than other types of wood, which means that it produces more heat per pound. Cedar firewood heat output can range from 12 to 26 BTUs.
Some people also choose to burn cedar because it has a pleasant smell when burning. However, some people find the scent of cedar to be overwhelming. If you are sensitive to smells, you may want to avoid using cedar in your stove or fireplace.
Splitting and seasoning cedar firewood
Cedar is an excellent choice for kindling, but it can also be used as firewood in wood stoves and campfires. Cedar splits easily and doesn't produce much smoke, making it a good option for indoor use.
Before you burn cedar, you need to split it into smaller pieces and season it properly. Seasoning cedar helps prevent the release of harmful chemicals into the air when burned. It also makes the wood easier to light and keeps your fireplace or stove clean burning all winter long.
Burning cedar firewood
Cedar is a type of softwood that burns hot and produces long-lasting coals, making it ideal for use in a fireplace or wood stove. Cedar firewood also has a pleasant aroma when burned, which can add to the ambiance of your home.
When shopping for cedar firewood, look for logs that are at least 18 inches long and have a diameter of 6 inches or more. These larger pieces will burn longer and produce more heat than smaller ones. You should also avoid using fresh cedar logs that have been cut from living trees; these may still contain sap which can cause them to smoke excessively when burned.
Does cedar firewood make sparks?
Cedar firewood does make sparks. It can be more than some other types of wood. If cedar is dried properly, it will produce fewer sparks than green wood.
You can also use a spark screen when burning cedar firewood in your fireplace or wood stove.
How much does cedar firewood cost?
Cedar firewood is a premium product that typically costs 30-50% more than other types of wood. The reasons for this are its superior burning qualities and the fact that it produces very little smoke or sparks.
Is cedar firewood good to burn in a fireplace, fire pit, stove, or campfire?
Cedar is a popular type of wood to use for firewood because it burns hot and produces little smoke. It's also easy to find and relatively inexpensive. However, cedar isn't the best choice for everyone. Here are some things to consider before using cedar in your fireplace or campfire:
- Burning cedar releases more sparks than other types of wood, so it's not ideal if you're looking to avoid a messy cleanup.
- The high heat produced by burning cedar can damage some fireplaces and stoves, so check with your manufacturer before using this type of wood in your home.
- Cedars typically have a higher sap content than other woods, which can cause them to smolder rather than burn cleanly. This can lead to creosote buildup in your chimney or stovepipe (which could eventually cause a dangerous chimney fire).
How does cedar firewood smell when it is burned?
When cedar firewood is burned, it produces a unique smell that many people find pleasant. The scent of cedar has been used for centuries in different cultures for its purported benefits, including relaxation and stress relief. Some studies have even shown that the aroma of cedar can help to improve cognitive function and memory recall.
Does cedar firewood smoke?
Cedar firewood does smoke when burned, but it is generally less smoke than many other firewoods. The smoke produced is fragrant and has a distinctive aroma that many people enjoy. While the amount of smoke produced by cedar wood varies depending on the type of tree it came from, as well as how dry it is, all cedar wood will produce some level of smoke when burned.
