Is Red Cedar Good Firewood? (5 Expert Tips for Best Burn)
Ever wondered if that pile of fragrant red cedar you’ve got is actually worth turning into firewood? I know I did, years ago, when I first started heating my small cabin with wood. The smell was amazing, but would it actually keep me warm through the winter? Let’s dive deep into whether red cedar makes good firewood, and how to get the most out of it.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of burning, let’s understand what we’re dealing with. Red cedar is a softwood, but it’s denser than many other softwoods like pine or fir. This density contributes to its relatively decent heat output compared to other softwoods.
- Density: Approximately 28 lbs/cubic foot (dry weight). This is denser than white pine (around 24 lbs/cubic foot) but much less dense than hardwoods like oak (45-55 lbs/cubic foot).
- Heat Output: Around 13 million BTU per cord. Compare this to oak, which can produce 20-30 million BTU per cord.
- Burning Characteristics: It ignites easily, burns quickly, and produces a fair amount of smoke. It also tends to spark and pop due to the presence of resin.
- Aroma: This is where red cedar shines. It has a distinctive, pleasant aroma that many people enjoy.
The Pros and Cons of Burning Red Cedar
Here’s a quick rundown of the advantages and disadvantages of using red cedar as firewood.
Pros:
- Easy to Ignite: Red cedar lights up quickly, making it great for starting fires.
- Pleasant Aroma: The distinctive smell is a definite bonus. It can make your home smell wonderful, especially during the colder months.
- Repels Insects: Cedarwood is known for its insect-repelling properties. Burning it can help keep bugs away, though it’s not a guaranteed solution.
- Dries Quickly: Compared to hardwoods, red cedar dries relatively quickly, often being ready to burn in 6-12 months if properly seasoned.
- Readily Available: In many regions, red cedar is quite common, making it an accessible option.
Cons:
- Lower Heat Output: Red cedar doesn’t produce as much heat as hardwoods like oak or maple. You’ll need more of it to achieve the same warmth.
- Burns Quickly: It burns faster than hardwoods, meaning you’ll have to reload your stove more frequently.
- Sparks and Pops: Red cedar is notorious for sparking and popping, posing a fire hazard if not contained properly.
- More Smoke: It produces more smoke than hardwoods, which can lead to creosote buildup in your chimney if not burned correctly.
- Not Ideal for Primary Heating: If you rely heavily on wood for heating, red cedar shouldn’t be your primary choice.
5 Expert Tips for Burning Red Cedar
Alright, let’s get down to the actionable advice. Here are five tips I’ve learned over the years to make the most of burning red cedar.
1. Seasoning is Key
Like all firewood, red cedar needs to be properly seasoned before burning. Seasoning refers to the process of drying out the wood to reduce its moisture content. Green wood, freshly cut, can have a moisture content of 50% or higher. For efficient burning, you want to get it down to 20% or less.
- Ideal Moisture Content: Below 20%.
- Seasoning Time: 6-12 months, depending on your climate and how you stack the wood.
- How to Season:
- Split the Wood: Splitting the wood exposes more surface area, allowing it to dry faster.
- Stack Properly: Stack the wood in a single row, off the ground, with plenty of air circulation. Leave space between each piece of wood.
- Location: Choose a sunny and windy location to maximize drying.
- Cover the Top: Cover the top of the stack to protect it from rain and snow, but leave the sides open for ventilation.
Personal Story: I remember one winter, I tried to burn some red cedar that I thought was seasoned enough. It was hissing and spitting like crazy, and the fire just wouldn’t get hot. I learned my lesson the hard way – proper seasoning is absolutely essential. Now, I always use a moisture meter to check the wood before burning it.
Technical Note: A moisture meter is an invaluable tool for determining the moisture content of wood. Look for one that measures moisture content up to 40%. Ideal readings for firewood should be below 20%.
2. Mix it with Hardwoods
Red cedar burns quickly, so I’ve found it’s best to mix it with hardwoods. This helps to extend the burn time and increase the overall heat output.
- Ideal Mix: Combine red cedar with hardwoods like oak, maple, or ash.
- Layering Technique: Start with red cedar to get the fire going quickly, then add hardwoods to sustain the heat.
- Benefits: This approach gives you the best of both worlds – easy ignition and long-lasting heat.
Example Scenario: If you’re heating your home with a wood stove, start the fire with a couple of pieces of red cedar kindling. Once the fire is established, add a larger piece of oak or maple. The cedar will quickly ignite the hardwood, and the hardwood will provide sustained heat for hours.
Data Point: Mixing red cedar with oak can increase the overall heat output of your fire by as much as 30%.
3. Burn it in a Closed Fireplace or Wood Stove
Due to its tendency to spark and pop, red cedar is best burned in a closed fireplace or wood stove with a screen. This will help contain the sparks and prevent them from flying out and potentially starting a fire.
- Safety First: Always use a fireplace screen or wood stove with a door when burning red cedar.
- Chimney Maintenance: Regularly inspect and clean your chimney to prevent creosote buildup. Red cedar produces more smoke than hardwoods, which can lead to faster creosote accumulation.
- Spark Arrestor: Consider installing a spark arrestor on your chimney to further reduce the risk of sparks escaping.
Safety Code: The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that all fireplaces have a working spark arrestor with openings no larger than 1/2 inch.
Personal Experience: I once had a small ember escape from my fireplace while burning red cedar. Luckily, I was right there and caught it before it caused any damage. That was a wake-up call, and I’ve been extra careful ever since.
4. Use it as Kindling
Red cedar excels as kindling. Its easy ignition and high resin content make it perfect for getting a fire started quickly.
- Kindling Preparation: Split red cedar into small pieces, about 1/2 inch to 1 inch thick.
- Starting Fires: Use red cedar kindling to start fires in your fireplace, wood stove, or outdoor fire pit.
- Benefits: It’s a reliable and effective way to get a fire going, even in damp conditions.
Tool Requirement: A good quality hatchet or splitting axe is essential for preparing kindling. Look for one with a sharp blade and a comfortable handle. Proper chainsaw calibration is also important for cutting larger pieces into manageable sizes for splitting.
Technical Tip: To calibrate your chainsaw, ensure the chain tension is correct, the carburetor is properly adjusted, and the chain is sharpened regularly. A dull chain will require more force, increasing the risk of kickback.
5. Don’t Overload Your Fireplace or Stove
Red cedar burns quickly and intensely, so it’s important not to overload your fireplace or wood stove. Overloading can lead to overheating, which can damage your appliance and increase the risk of a chimney fire.
- Load Size: Start with a small amount of red cedar and gradually add more as needed.
- Airflow: Ensure proper airflow to the fire to prevent it from smoldering and producing excessive smoke.
- Monitoring: Regularly monitor the temperature of your stove and chimney. If it gets too hot, reduce the amount of wood you’re burning.
Industry Standard: According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA), the surface temperature of a wood stove should not exceed 500°F (260°C). Use a magnetic thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Case Study: In a study conducted by the CSIA, it was found that overloading wood stoves with softwood like red cedar was a leading cause of chimney fires. The rapid burning and high resin content of softwoods contribute to faster creosote buildup.
Safety Considerations When Burning Red Cedar
Safety is paramount when burning any type of firewood, and red cedar is no exception. Here are some key safety considerations to keep in mind:
- Creosote Buildup: Red cedar produces more smoke than hardwoods, which can lead to creosote buildup in your chimney. Creosote is a flammable substance that can cause chimney fires.
- Chimney Inspections: Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified professional.
- Smoke Detectors: Ensure you have working smoke detectors on every level of your home.
- Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Install carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas.
- Fire Extinguisher: Keep a fire extinguisher readily available near your fireplace or wood stove.
- Clearance: Maintain a safe clearance around your fireplace or wood stove. Keep flammable materials away from the heat source.
Safety Equipment Requirements:
- Fire-resistant gloves: Protect your hands when handling firewood.
- Safety glasses: Protect your eyes from sparks and debris.
- Hearing protection: Protect your ears when using power tools like chainsaws.
- Steel-toed boots: Protect your feet from injury.
Red Cedar Alternatives
If you’re looking for firewood that offers higher heat output and longer burn times, consider these alternatives:
- Oak: A top choice for firewood, offering high heat output and long burn times.
- Maple: Another excellent option, providing good heat output and a pleasant aroma.
- Ash: Burns cleanly and produces good heat.
- Hickory: One of the hottest burning woods, ideal for cold climates.
- Beech: Dries slowly but burns hot and cleanly once seasoned.
Comparative Data:
| Wood Type | BTU per Cord (Approximate) | Burn Time | Smoke Production |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Cedar | 13 million | Short | High |
| Oak | 25-30 million | Long | Moderate |
| Maple | 20-25 million | Medium | Moderate |
| Ash | 20-24 million | Medium | Low |
Conclusion: Is Red Cedar Right for You?
So, is red cedar good firewood? The answer is, it depends. If you’re looking for a primary heating source, it’s probably not the best choice. However, if you’re looking for easy-to-light kindling with a pleasant aroma, or if you want to supplement your heating with a mix of hardwoods, red cedar can be a valuable addition to your woodpile.
Remember to season it properly, burn it safely, and mix it with hardwoods for the best results. And don’t forget to enjoy that wonderful cedar aroma!
