Burning Cedar In Fireplace (5 Expert Tips For Clean Heat)

That crisp autumn air, the promise of winter’s chill, and the allure of a crackling fire – it’s a feeling I know intimately. For years, I’ve been immersed in the world of wood, from felling towering trees to meticulously stacking firewood. And one question I’ve heard countless times is: “Can I burn cedar in my fireplace?” The answer is a qualified yes, but it comes with caveats. Burning cedar isn’t as straightforward as tossing in oak or maple. It demands understanding, respect, and a mindful approach to ensure a safe and efficient burn. I’m here to guide you through the process, sharing five expert tips that will help you harness the unique qualities of cedar for a clean and cozy heat.

Burning Cedar in Fireplace: 5 Expert Tips for Clean Heat

Cedar, with its distinctive aroma and readily available nature in many regions, can be an appealing firewood option. However, its high resin content and tendency to produce sparks require special considerations. Ignoring these factors can lead to chimney fires, excessive smoke, and a less-than-enjoyable fireplace experience. These tips are gleaned from years of personal experience, research, and conversations with fellow wood-burning enthusiasts. I’ll share what I’ve learned, from proper drying techniques to the optimal way to load your firebox.

Tip 1: Seasoning is Key: Achieving Optimal Moisture Content

Green wood, regardless of the species, is a nightmare to burn. It hisses, sputters, produces excessive smoke, and delivers minimal heat. Cedar is no exception. In fact, due to its high resin content, burning green cedar is even more problematic. Seasoning, the process of drying wood to reduce its moisture content, is absolutely crucial for a clean and efficient burn.

What is Seasoning?

Seasoning involves allowing freshly cut (green) wood to air dry over a period of time. This process allows the water trapped within the wood cells to evaporate. The goal is to reduce the moisture content to below 20%.

Why is it Important for Cedar?

Reduced Smoke: Dry cedar burns much cleaner, producing significantly less smoke. Smoke contains unburnt hydrocarbons, which contribute to air pollution and can create creosote buildup in your chimney.
Higher Heat Output: Water absorbs energy. When you burn green wood, a significant portion of the fire’s energy is used to evaporate the water rather than producing heat. Dry wood burns hotter and more efficiently.
Reduced Creosote Buildup: Creosote is a flammable byproduct of incomplete combustion that condenses in your chimney. It’s a major fire hazard. Burning seasoned wood minimizes creosote formation.
Easier to Ignite: Dry cedar ignites much more readily and sustains a flame more easily.

How to Season Cedar Properly:

Split the Wood: Splitting the wood increases the surface area exposed to air, accelerating the drying process. I typically use a maul (an 8lb Fiskars IsoCore is my go-to) for smaller rounds and a hydraulic log splitter (25-ton Champion Power Equipment) for larger, tougher pieces. Splitting cedar is generally easier than splitting hardwoods like oak or maple.
Stack it Right: Proper stacking is essential for good airflow. Here’s how I stack my firewood:
- Elevate the Stack: Place the wood on pallets or sleepers (treated 4x4s) to keep it off the ground and prevent moisture absorption from the soil.
- Single Row Stacking: This is my preferred method for cedar due to its tendency to retain moisture. Stack the split wood in a single row, allowing air to circulate freely around each piece.
- Leave Space Between Rows: Leave at least 2-3 inches between rows to further enhance airflow.
- Cover the Top: Cover the top of the stack with a tarp to protect it from rain and snow, but leave the sides open for ventilation. I use heavy-duty tarps secured with bungee cords.
Location Matters: Choose a sunny and windy location for your woodpile. Sunlight helps to evaporate moisture, and wind promotes airflow. Avoid stacking wood in damp, shaded areas.
How Long to Season? Cedar generally requires 6-12 months of seasoning, depending on the climate and the size of the splits. I live in a region with moderate humidity, so I typically aim for a minimum of 9 months.
Test the Moisture Content: The most accurate way to determine if your cedar is properly seasoned is to use a moisture meter. I use a General Tools MMD4E digital moisture meter. Aim for a moisture content below 20%. Insert the meter’s probes into a freshly split piece of wood.

Personal Experience:

I once made the mistake of burning cedar that I thought was seasoned. It had been stacked for about six months, but I hadn’t properly protected it from rain. The result was a smoky, inefficient fire that left a thick layer of creosote in my chimney. I learned my lesson the hard way: patience and proper technique are paramount when seasoning cedar.

Strategic Advantage:

Investing the time and effort in proper seasoning not only ensures a cleaner and safer burn but also maximizes the heat output of your cedar firewood. This translates to lower fuel consumption and a more comfortable home environment.

Tip 2: Manage the Sparks: Using a Fireplace Screen

Cedar is notorious for its tendency to throw sparks. This is due to the pockets of resin that can explode when heated. While the crackling and popping sounds can be appealing, those sparks can be a serious fire hazard, especially if they escape the fireplace.

The Importance of a Fireplace Screen:

A fireplace screen is an essential safety device that prevents sparks and embers from escaping the firebox and landing on your flooring, furniture, or even clothing.

Choosing the Right Fireplace Screen:

Mesh Material: Look for a screen made of sturdy metal mesh, such as steel or iron. The mesh should be fine enough to prevent sparks from passing through.
Size and Coverage: The screen should be large enough to completely cover the fireplace opening, with at least a few inches of overlap on all sides.
Construction and Stability: Choose a screen that is well-built and stable. It should be able to withstand the heat of the fire and resist tipping over.
Style and Aesthetics: Fireplace screens come in a variety of styles to complement your home décor. Choose one that you find visually appealing.

My Recommendation:

I personally use a Pleasant Hearth Ascot Fireplace Screen. It’s made of heavy-duty steel mesh, provides excellent coverage, and has a classic design that fits well with my living room.

Beyond the Screen:

Even with a fireplace screen, it’s important to take additional precautions to manage sparks:

Keep a Clear Area: Maintain a clear area of at least three feet around the fireplace, free of flammable materials such as rugs, curtains, and furniture.
Use a Hearth Rug: Place a fire-resistant hearth rug in front of the fireplace to catch any stray embers.
Never Leave the Fire Unattended: Always supervise the fire and ensure that it is completely extinguished before leaving the room or going to bed.

Case Study:

A neighbor of mine experienced a small fire in their living room due to sparks escaping from their fireplace. They were burning cedar without a screen, and a spark landed on a nearby rug. Fortunately, they were home and able to extinguish the fire quickly, but it could have been much worse. This incident underscored the importance of using a fireplace screen and taking other fire safety precautions.

Strategic Advantage:

Investing in a quality fireplace screen and practicing fire safety precautions is a small price to pay for peace of mind and the protection of your home and family.

Tip 3: Controlled Burns: Smaller Fires, More Often

Cedar’s high resin content makes it burn hot and fast. This can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. On the one hand, it can quickly heat up a room. On the other hand, it can lead to a fire that is difficult to control and consumes fuel rapidly. The key is to manage the burn by building smaller fires and adding wood more frequently.

Why Smaller Fires are Better:

Increased Control: Smaller fires are easier to manage and control. You can adjust the airflow and fuel supply to maintain a steady, even burn.
Reduced Risk of Overheating: Overheating can damage your fireplace and chimney and increase the risk of a chimney fire. Smaller fires minimize this risk.
More Efficient Fuel Consumption: Burning smaller fires allows you to burn the fuel more completely, extracting more heat from each piece of wood.
Reduced Smoke Production: Smaller fires tend to burn cleaner, producing less smoke.

How to Build a Controlled Cedar Fire:

Start with a Small Kindling Bed: Use small pieces of dry kindling, such as twigs, paper, or cardboard, to start the fire.
Add Small Pieces of Cedar: Once the kindling is burning well, add small pieces of seasoned cedar, no larger than 2-3 inches in diameter.
Maintain a Low Flame: Aim for a low, steady flame rather than a roaring fire.
Add Wood Gradually: Add wood as needed to maintain the flame, but avoid overloading the firebox.
Adjust Airflow: Use the fireplace damper or air vents to control the airflow to the fire. More airflow will increase the intensity of the burn, while less airflow will slow it down.

My Technique:

I typically start with a small teepee of kindling and then add a few small pieces of cedar around the base. Once the cedar is burning well, I add a couple more pieces, being careful not to smother the flame. I then adjust the damper to achieve the desired burn rate. I find that this method allows me to maintain a steady, controlled fire that provides consistent heat.

Experimentation is Key:

The optimal size and frequency of wood additions will depend on the size of your fireplace, the type of cedar you are burning, and your personal preferences. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you.

Strategic Advantage:

By mastering the art of controlled burning, you can maximize the efficiency and safety of your cedar fires, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable fireplace experience.

Tip 4: Mixing with Hardwoods: Balancing Heat and Burn Rate

Cedar burns hot and fast, but it doesn’t have the long-lasting burn time of hardwoods like oak or maple. A strategic approach is to mix cedar with hardwoods to achieve a balance of quick heat and sustained burn.

Why Mix Cedar with Hardwoods?

Rapid Heat Up: Cedar’s quick ignition and high heat output can quickly warm up a room.
Extended Burn Time: Hardwoods burn slower and longer than cedar, providing a more sustained heat source.
Improved Efficiency: Mixing cedar with hardwoods can improve the overall efficiency of the fire, allowing you to burn less fuel while maintaining a consistent heat output.
Reduced Sparking: Hardwoods are less prone to sparking than cedar, which can help to reduce the risk of fire.

How to Mix Cedar with Hardwoods Effectively:

Start with Cedar: Use cedar to start the fire and quickly bring the firebox up to temperature.
Add Hardwoods Gradually: Once the cedar is burning well, add pieces of hardwood, such as oak, maple, or ash.
Layer the Wood: Layer the cedar and hardwoods in the firebox, alternating between the two types of wood.
Adjust the Ratio: Experiment with different ratios of cedar to hardwoods to find the optimal balance for your fireplace and heating needs.

My Preferred Blend:

I typically use a blend of about 70% hardwood (oak or maple) and 30% cedar. This combination provides a good balance of quick heat and sustained burn. I start the fire with cedar kindling and then add a few pieces of cedar logs. Once the cedar is burning well, I add larger pieces of oak or maple, layering them with the cedar.

Wood Selection:

When choosing hardwoods to mix with cedar, select woods that are dense and well-seasoned. Oak, maple, ash, and birch are all excellent choices. Avoid using softwoods like pine or fir, as they tend to burn quickly and produce a lot of smoke.

Strategic Advantage:

Mixing cedar with hardwoods allows you to take advantage of the unique properties of each type of wood, creating a fire that is both efficient and enjoyable.

Tip 5: Regular Chimney Maintenance: Preventing Creosote Buildup

Burning wood, especially resinous wood like cedar, inevitably leads to creosote buildup in your chimney. Creosote is a highly flammable substance that can ignite and cause a dangerous chimney fire. Regular chimney maintenance is absolutely essential to prevent creosote buildup and ensure the safe operation of your fireplace.

What is Creosote?

Creosote is a tar-like substance that is formed when wood burns incompletely. It is composed of unburnt hydrocarbons, water vapor, and other byproducts of combustion. Creosote condenses on the walls of the chimney as it cools.

Why is Creosote Dangerous?

Creosote is highly flammable. Even a thin layer of creosote can ignite and cause a chimney fire. Chimney fires can spread to other parts of your home and cause significant damage.

How to Prevent Creosote Buildup:

Burn Seasoned Wood: Burning seasoned wood reduces the amount of unburnt hydrocarbons in the smoke, which in turn reduces creosote formation.
Maintain a Hot Fire: Hot fires burn more completely, reducing the amount of creosote produced.
Ensure Proper Airflow: Proper airflow allows for more complete combustion, reducing creosote formation.
Regular Chimney Inspections: Have your chimney inspected by a qualified chimney sweep at least once a year.
Regular Chimney Cleaning: Have your chimney cleaned by a qualified chimney sweep as needed. The frequency of cleaning will depend on how often you use your fireplace and the type of wood you burn.

Chimney Inspection:

A chimney inspection involves a visual examination of the chimney to identify any signs of damage or creosote buildup. The chimney sweep will also check the flue for obstructions and ensure that the damper is working properly.

Chimney Cleaning:

Chimney cleaning involves removing creosote and other debris from the chimney using specialized tools, such as brushes and vacuums.

My Chimney Maintenance Routine:

I have my chimney inspected and cleaned by a certified chimney sweep every year before the start of the heating season. I also visually inspect my chimney myself several times throughout the year. I use a chimney brush to clean the chimney myself if I notice any significant creosote buildup between professional cleanings.

Cost Considerations:

The cost of a chimney inspection and cleaning will vary depending on the location, the complexity of the chimney, and the chimney sweep’s rates. However, the cost is a small price to pay for the safety and peace of mind that comes with knowing that your chimney is in good working order.

Strategic Advantage:

Regular chimney maintenance is not just a good idea, it’s a necessity. By taking proactive steps to prevent creosote buildup, you can significantly reduce the risk of a chimney fire and ensure the safe operation of your fireplace.

Final Thoughts

Burning cedar in your fireplace can be a rewarding experience, filling your home with its delightful aroma and providing a warm, cozy ambiance. However, it requires a mindful approach and a commitment to safety. By following these five expert tips, you can harness the unique qualities of cedar for a clean, efficient, and enjoyable burn. Remember, responsible wood burning is not just about enjoying the fire, it’s about protecting your home, your family, and the environment. Now, go forth, season your cedar, and enjoy the warmth and beauty of a well-managed fire!

Burning Cedar in Fireplace (5 Expert Tips for Clean Heat)