Learn about the benefits of burning seasoned firewood and understanding the importance of BTUs when selecting firewood.
At Campfire Ninja, we know the best campfire wood is well seasoned. Seasoned firewood has been dried until its moisture content is between 15% and 20%. Seasoned firewood will burn more efficiently, produce less creosote and smoke, while releasing more energy in the form of heat. Hardwood provides a longer, slower burn whereas softwood is quick burning and great for kindling used to start a fire.
Hardwood comes from deciduous trees, which annually lose their leaves and grow slowly. Softwood comes from coniferous or evergreen trees. Softwood trees grow faster and are therefore softer and burn fast with a lower energy density.
When comparing different types of wood the measurement of BTU (British thermal unit) is used. This is the amount of energy it takes to heat 1 lb (0.45 kg) of water. BTU describes the amount of energy in firewood. If you are looking for heat, it makes sense to burn firewood that has higher BTU’s. Seasoned firewood generally has 20% or less moisture content. Each species of wood has a different length of seasoning (drying) time which also depends on factors such as size of wood and tree species.
Campfire Ninja sells firewood from the most common locally grown trees with high heat values. The table below provides an overview of some of the most common firewood species as well as other information about the Energy (Heat) in each type of wood.
Please note that the BTU values provided are approximate and can vary depending on the specific species within each genus, as well as the moisture content and seasoning of the wood.