Is Cedar Good For Firewood? (5 Expert Tips For Best Burn)

Are you sitting on a pile of cedar and wondering if you’re about to commit a firewood faux pas? Let’s get straight to the heart of the matter: Is cedar good for firewood? The short answer is…it’s complicated. But don’t worry, I’m here to break it down for you.

As someone who’s spent a good chunk of my life wrestling with logs, from the frosty mornings in the Appalachian foothills to the sweltering summers in the Pacific Northwest, I’ve learned a thing or two about firewood. I’ve seen firsthand what works, what doesn’t, and what’ll just leave you coughing in a cloud of smoke. So, let’s dive deep into the cedar conundrum and explore how to get the best burn.

The Cedar Firewood Debate: To Burn or Not To Burn?

Cedar, with its aromatic scent and distinctive reddish hue, often evokes images of cozy cabins and crackling fires.

Pros of Burning Cedar Firewood

Easy to Ignite: Cedar is known for its ease of ignition. The lightweight, resinous wood catches a flame quickly, making it a great option for starting fires, especially in challenging conditions. Think of it as the kindling king.
Pleasant Aroma: That distinctive cedar scent isn’t just for closets and chests. When burned, cedar releases a fragrant aroma that many find appealing. It can add a touch of ambiance to your fireside experience. I’ve often used cedar kindling just for the delightful smell it brings to the first few minutes of a fire.
Dries Relatively Quickly: Compared to denser hardwoods like oak or maple, cedar dries out faster. This means you can season it and have it ready to burn in a shorter amount of time. This is a boon if you’re in a pinch and need firewood quickly.
Good for Kindling: Due to its flammability, cedar makes excellent kindling. Small pieces of cedar will easily catch fire and help ignite larger logs. I always keep a stash of cedar shavings and small branches for this purpose.

Cons of Burning Cedar Firewood

Lower Heat Output: Cedar is a softwood, which means it’s less dense than hardwoods. As a result, it produces less heat per unit volume. If you’re looking for a fire that will keep you warm all night, cedar might not be your best bet as a primary fuel source.
Burns Quickly: Because it’s less dense, cedar burns through faster than hardwoods. This means you’ll need to add more wood to the fire more frequently.
More Smoke: Cedar tends to produce more smoke than seasoned hardwoods. This can be an issue if you’re burning it in an enclosed space like a fireplace or wood stove, as it can contribute to creosote buildup in your chimney.
Can Spark and Pop: Cedar contains oils and resins that can cause it to spark and pop when burned. This isn’t usually a major safety hazard, but it’s something to be aware of, especially if you have an open fireplace.

Data Points and Statistics

BTU Output: Cedar typically has a BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating of around 13 million BTUs per cord, compared to oak, which can have a BTU rating of 20-30 million BTUs per cord.
Creosote Buildup: Softwoods like cedar are estimated to contribute to 2-3 times more creosote buildup in chimneys than hardwoods.
Drying Time: Cedar can typically be seasoned and ready to burn in 6-12 months, while hardwoods can take 12-24 months.

5 Expert Tips for Getting the Best Burn from Cedar

Okay, so you’ve decided to burn cedar. Now, let’s make sure you do it right. Here are five expert tips to help you get the best burn from your cedar firewood.

1. Season it Properly

This is the golden rule of firewood. No matter what type of wood you’re burning, it needs to be properly seasoned. Seasoning refers to the process of drying out the wood, which reduces its moisture content.

Why Seasoning Matters: Unseasoned wood, also known as green wood, contains a lot of moisture. When you burn green wood, much of the fire’s energy goes into boiling off that water, rather than producing heat. This results in a cooler, smokier fire. Seasoned wood, on the other hand, burns hotter, cleaner, and more efficiently.
How to Season Cedar: To season cedar, cut it into manageable lengths (typically 16-18 inches), split the logs, and stack them in a well-ventilated area. Elevate the wood off the ground using pallets or scrap lumber. Cover the top of the stack to protect it from rain and snow, but leave the sides open to allow for airflow.
Drying Time: Cedar usually needs to season for at least 6-12 months to reach an acceptable moisture content (around 20% or less).
Pro Tip: Invest in a moisture meter. These inexpensive tools can tell you exactly how much moisture is in your wood.

2. Mix it with Hardwoods

Cedar is best used in combination with hardwoods. Use cedar to get the fire going, and then add hardwoods like oak, maple, or ash to provide sustained heat.

The Best of Both Worlds: This approach gives you the best of both worlds: the easy ignition of cedar and the long-lasting heat of hardwoods.
Layering Technique: Start by building a base of kindling, including small pieces of cedar. Once the kindling is burning well, add some slightly larger pieces of cedar. As the cedar catches, gradually introduce the hardwoods.
Personal Experience: I often use this method in my wood stove. I start with cedar kindling and small cedar splits, then add a few oak logs. The cedar gets the fire roaring quickly, and the oak keeps it burning steadily for hours.

3. Burn it in a Well-Ventilated Fireplace or Wood Stove

Because cedar produces more smoke than hardwoods, it’s important to burn it in a well-ventilated fireplace or wood stove.

Proper Ventilation: Make sure your fireplace damper is fully open or that your wood stove’s air vents are adjusted to allow for sufficient airflow. This will help to draw the smoke up the chimney and prevent it from entering your home.
Chimney Maintenance: Regularly inspect and clean your chimney to remove any creosote buildup. Creosote is a flammable substance that can accumulate in chimneys when burning wood, especially softwoods like cedar.
Safety First: Always have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home when burning wood.

4. Be Mindful of Sparks and Pops

Cedar’s tendency to spark and pop can be a minor nuisance or a potential safety hazard, depending on the situation.

Use a Fireplace Screen: If you’re burning cedar in an open fireplace, always use a fireplace screen to contain any sparks that might fly out.
Monitor the Fire: Keep an eye on the fire, especially during the first hour or so, when the cedar is most likely to spark and pop.
Keep Flammables Away: Make sure there are no flammable materials, such as rugs, curtains, or furniture, near the fireplace.
Outdoor Considerations: When burning cedar in an outdoor fire pit, be aware of your surroundings and keep a safe distance from trees, bushes, and other vegetation.

5. Consider Using Cedar for Outdoor Fires

Given its aromatic properties and tendency to spark, cedar is often best suited for outdoor fires.

Campfires and Bonfires: Cedar can add a pleasant scent to campfires and bonfires. Just be sure to follow all local fire safety regulations.
Outdoor Fire Pits: Cedar can be a good option for outdoor fire pits, as long as you take precautions to prevent sparks from escaping.
Not Ideal for Indoor Heating: While you can burn cedar indoors, it’s generally not the best choice for primary heating due to its lower heat output and higher smoke production.

Understanding Wood Density and Heat Output

Let’s take a moment to delve deeper into the science behind wood density and heat output. This will help you understand why certain woods make better firewood than others.

What is Wood Density?

Wood density refers to the mass of wood per unit volume. Denser woods contain more wood fibers packed into the same amount of space.

Density and Heat: Denser woods generally produce more heat when burned because they contain more fuel.
Density and Burn Time: Denser woods also tend to burn longer because it takes more energy to consume the wood fibers.
Examples: Oak, maple, and ash are examples of dense hardwoods. Pine, cedar, and fir are examples of less dense softwoods.

How is Heat Output Measured?

Heat output is typically measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). One BTU is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

BTU Ratings: Firewood BTU ratings are usually expressed in BTUs per cord. A cord is a unit of volume equal to 128 cubic feet.
Factors Affecting BTU: A wood’s BTU rating is influenced by its density, moisture content, and resin content.
Comparing Wood Species: Here’s a comparison of the approximate BTU ratings of some common firewood species:
- Oak: 20-30 million BTUs per cord
- Maple: 20-25 million BTUs per cord
- Ash: 20-24 million BTUs per cord
- Birch: 20 million BTUs per cord
- Pine: 15-20 million BTUs per cord
- Cedar: 13 million BTUs per cord
- Aspen: 12-15 million BTUs per cord

Impact of Moisture Content on Heat Output

Moisture content has a significant impact on a wood’s heat output.

Green Wood: Green wood can have a moisture content of 50% or higher. When you burn green wood, a significant portion of the fire’s energy is used to evaporate the water, reducing the amount of heat available for heating your home.
Seasoned Wood: Seasoned wood typically has a moisture content of 20% or less. Seasoned wood burns hotter and more efficiently.
Ideal Moisture Content: The ideal moisture content for firewood is around 15-20%.

Safety Considerations When Burning Firewood

Burning firewood can be a rewarding way to heat your home or enjoy a cozy fire, but it’s important to prioritize safety.

Chimney Maintenance

Regular Inspections: Inspect your chimney at least once a year for signs of damage or creosote buildup.
Professional Cleaning: Have your chimney professionally cleaned every year, or more often if you burn wood frequently.
Creosote Removal: Creosote is a flammable substance that can accumulate in chimneys when burning wood. If creosote buildup becomes excessive, it can lead to a chimney fire.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Install Detectors: Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas.
Test Regularly: Test your carbon monoxide detectors regularly to ensure they are working properly.
Know the Symptoms: Be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can include headache, dizziness, nausea, and confusion.

Fire Safety Practices

Clear the Area: Keep the area around your fireplace or wood stove clear of flammable materials.
Use a Fireplace Screen: Always use a fireplace screen when burning wood in an open fireplace.
Never Leave a Fire Unattended: Never leave a fire unattended, especially when burning cedar, which can spark and pop.
Proper Disposal of Ashes: Dispose of ashes in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Store the container away from flammable materials.

Environmental Considerations

Burn Seasoned Wood: Burning seasoned wood reduces smoke emissions and creosote buildup.
Burn Efficiently: Use proper burning techniques to maximize heat output and minimize emissions.
Consider Alternative Heating: If you have concerns about air quality, consider using alternative heating methods, such as natural gas or electric heat.

Alternatives to Burning Cedar

If you’re not comfortable burning cedar, or if you’re looking for alternative uses for this versatile wood, here are a few ideas:

Cedar Mulch

Cedar mulch is a popular choice for landscaping. It’s naturally resistant to insects and decay, and it has a pleasant aroma.

Benefits of Cedar Mulch: Cedar mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Using Cedar Mulch: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of cedar mulch around trees, shrubs, and flower beds.

Cedar for Construction Projects

Cedar is a durable and attractive wood that can be used for a variety of construction projects.

Outdoor Projects: Cedar is often used for decks, fences, and siding due to its resistance to rot and insects.
Indoor Projects: Cedar can also be used for interior trim, paneling, and furniture.

Cedar for Aromatherapy

Cedarwood essential oil is used in aromatherapy for its calming and grounding properties.

Benefits of Cedarwood Oil: Cedarwood oil is said to help reduce stress, improve focus, and promote relaxation.
Using Cedarwood Oil: Cedarwood oil can be diffused, added to bathwater, or applied topically (diluted with a carrier oil).

Case Studies and Real-World Examples

To illustrate the principles we’ve discussed, let’s look at a couple of real-world examples of how cedar is used for firewood and other purposes.

Case Study 1: Small-Scale Firewood Producer

Background: A small-scale firewood producer in the Pacific Northwest harvests cedar from sustainably managed forests.
Processing: The producer cuts the cedar into manageable lengths, splits the logs, and seasons them for 6-12 months.
Marketing: The producer markets the cedar as kindling and as a supplementary fuel source for fireplaces and wood stoves.
Results: The producer has found a niche market for cedar firewood, particularly among customers who appreciate its easy ignition and pleasant aroma.

Case Study 2: DIY Homeowner

Background: A homeowner in the Appalachian region had a large cedar tree fall in their yard.
Processing: The homeowner cut the tree into logs and split them. They used some of the cedar for kindling and mixed the rest with hardwoods for their wood stove.
Safety Considerations: The homeowner regularly cleaned their chimney and used a carbon monoxide detector to ensure safety.
Results: The homeowner was able to heat their home efficiently using a combination of cedar and hardwoods, saving money on their heating bill.

Actionable Takeaways for Burning Cedar Firewood

Let’s distill all this information into some actionable takeaways you can use right away:

Season Your Cedar: Properly seasoned cedar burns hotter, cleaner, and more efficiently. Aim for a moisture content of 20% or less.
Mix it Up: Combine cedar with hardwoods for the best of both worlds: easy ignition and sustained heat.
Ventilate, Ventilate, Ventilate: Burn cedar in a well-ventilated fireplace or wood stove to minimize smoke and creosote buildup.
Spark Awareness: Be mindful of sparks and pops, especially when burning cedar indoors. Use a fireplace screen and keep flammables away.
Outdoor is Often Best: Consider using cedar primarily for outdoor fires, where its aromatic properties can be fully appreciated.

Conclusion: Cedar as Firewood – A Balanced Perspective

So, is cedar good for firewood? As you can see, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Cedar has its pros and cons, and it’s important to weigh them carefully before deciding whether to burn it.

In my experience, cedar can be a valuable addition to your firewood arsenal, especially when used strategically. It’s great for starting fires, it smells wonderful, and it dries relatively quickly. However, it’s not the best choice for primary heating due to its lower heat output and higher smoke production.

By following the expert tips I’ve outlined in this article, you can get the best burn from your cedar firewood and enjoy a cozy and safe fireside experience. Happy burning!

Remember, firewood preparation is a journey, not a destination. Keep learning, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep safety in mind.