Burning Wood

This article was originally published on October 21, 2006 and expired on November 25, 2006. It is provided here for archival purposes and may contain dated information.

With increased energy prices, more and more people are showing interest in burning wood. Many people are particular when it comes to the types of wood they want to burn in their fireplaces. Typically, oak, hickory, and ash are sought. Each species has its own burning qualities, but on a weight basis, all species of wood generate the same amount of heat. What makes species like oak and hickory more desirable?

Duane Friend, University of Illinois Extension Natural Resources educator, says the answer lies in the density, or weight per unit of volume. A cubic foot of oak weighs considerably more than the same volume of soft maple. More maple would have to be cut and used to get the same amount of heat as a lesser volume of hickory or oak.

There are several hardwoods, such as osage orange and black locust, that have higher densities, and, therefore, higher heat values per cord. These woods, however, are harder to split, harder to start burning, and especially in the case of osage orange, tend to pop or spark.

How much wood is supposed to be in a cord? A standard cord contains 128 cubic feet of wood, but actually is closer to 80 to 90 cubic feet, due to the space between pieces. A facecord and rick are sometimes used interchangeably with cord, but many times, these are smaller than a cord.

A standard sized pickup with wood randomly thrown in to the top of the bed will equal about one-third of a cord. If the wood is neatly stacked, the amount of wood will be closer to one-half of a cord.

When storing wood, keep the pile covered, off of the ground, and avoid direct contact with buildings. Firewood should be seasoned for six to nine months prior to burning, to remove moisture that sacrifices energy and produces smoke.

For more information on burning wood, visit the following websites: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/askextension/?AskSiteID=87 and http://www.forestry.iastate.edy/publications/pubs-pdf/F-370.pdf