Best Firewood for a Fireplace: Types, Moisture & Burning Guide
By Chimney Insight Editorial Team
Posted on September 27, 2025
The best firewood for a fireplace is not defined by one species alone. Dryness, local availability, fireplace design, fire size, and how the wood is stored all affect heat output, smoke, and creosote formation.
The most important factor: moisture
EPA guidance says wood burns best at a moisture content below 20%. Wet wood wastes heat evaporating water, produces more smoke, and can contribute to deposit buildup in the chimney. A moisture meter used on a freshly split face is a practical way to check firewood before burning. See EPA Best Wood-Burning Practices.
Hardwoods vs softwoods
Dense hardwoods such as oak, hickory, maple, beech, and ash can provide long-lasting fires when properly seasoned. Softwoods such as pine, fir, and spruce are less dense and often burn faster, but dry softwood can still be useful—especially for kindling and quick heat. Moisture content matters more than simply labeling a species “good” or “bad.”
Wood to avoid
- Painted, stained, or pressure-treated lumber
- Construction waste and engineered wood
- Trash, plastics, and packaging
- Wet or visibly moldy wood
- Driftwood or other wood contaminated with salts or chemicals
How to store firewood
Split wood, stack it off the ground, protect the top from rain, and leave the sides open for airflow. EPA’s archived Burn Wise guidance recommends allowing adequate seasoning time and checking moisture before burning.