Douglas Fir, with its abundance and inviting aroma, is a common and often budget-friendly choice. But is Douglas Fir good firewood?
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive and unbiased look at the pros and cons of burning Douglas Fir. We'll explore its burn characteristics, and compare it to other popular options so you can find the right fuel to warm your home.
When to Burn Douglas Fir:
When to Burn Douglas Fir:
- Occasional fires for ambiance and supplemental heat.
- Starting fires quickly and easily (as kindling).
- When budget is a major concern.
- If you have easy access to a plentiful supply.
When NOT to Burn Douglas Fir:
- As your primary heating source.
- If you're concerned about creosote buildup.
- If you need long-lasting fires that require minimal tending.
- In fireplaces or stoves not designed for high spark potential.
- If hardwoods are readily available and affordable in your area.
Keep reading for more details and tips…
Table of Contents
- Douglas Fir Firewood: Pros and Cons
- Comparing Douglas Fir to Other Firewood Options
- Is Douglas Fir Right for You?
Additional Tables:
Douglas Fir Firewood: Pros and Cons
Like any firewood option, Douglas Fir has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these will help you determine if it's the right fit for your needs.
Pros
- Affordable and readily available: Douglas Fir is widely available, especially in the Pacific Northwest, often making it one of the more affordable firewood options.
- Pleasant aroma: Burning Douglas Fir releases a distinct, piney aroma that many find pleasant and evocative of the outdoors.
- Easy to split and season: Compared to hardwoods, Douglas Fir is relatively soft, making it easier to split and process. It also seasons relatively quickly.
- Good for kindling and getting a fire started quickly: Thanks to its resin content, Douglas Fir ignites easily and burns hot initially, making it excellent kindling for starting a fire.
Cons
- Lower heat output compared to hardwoods: Douglas Fir offers a lower BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating compared to hardwoods like oak or maple.
- This translates to less heat output and a shorter burn time, requiring more frequent replenishing.
- Produces more creosote: The resinous nature of Douglas Fir contributes to a higher creosote buildup in your chimney.
- Creosote is a flammable substance that can lead to chimney fires if not regularly cleaned.
- Sparks and pops: The sap pockets within Douglas Fir can cause sparking and popping as it burns.
- Ensure you have a proper screen in front of your fireplace and keep flammable materials away.
- Not ideal for long-lasting fires: Due to its lower density and faster burn rate, Douglas Fir isn't the best choice if you're looking for a fire that will last all night.
- You'll need to add wood to the fire more frequently compared to denser hardwoods.
Related: Burning Fir Wood: Is It Right for Your Stove or Fireplace?
Comparing Douglas Fir to Other Firewood Options
To fully understand where Douglas Fir stands in the firewood hierarchy, let's compare it to some popular alternatives:
| Feature | Douglas Fir | Oak | Maple | Hickory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Output (BTU) | Low (21.1 million/cord) | High (26.8 million/cord) | Medium-High (24.0 million/cord) | Very High (27.7 million/cord) |
| Burn Time | Short | Long | Medium-Long | Very Long |
| Ease of Splitting | Easy | Difficult | Medium | Difficult |
| Creosote Buildup | High | Low | Low | Low |
| Spark Potential | High | Low | Low | Medium |
| Cost | Low | High | Medium-High | High |
| Aroma | Piney | Mild | Sweet | Strong, Sweet |
| Availability | High (regional) | Medium | Medium | Medium |
As this table illustrates, Douglas Fir excels in affordability, ease of splitting, and availability (in certain regions). However, it falls short in terms of heat output, burn time, and creosote production.
Hardwoods like oak and hickory provide significantly more heat and longer burn times, but come at a premium price and require more effort to split.
Maple offers a balance between heat output and ease of splitting, while still producing less creosote than Douglas Fir.
Is Douglas Fir Right for You?
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to burn Douglas Fir comes down to your individual circumstances and priorities. Let's recap the key points to consider:
Budget
If cost is a primary concern, Douglas Fir is an attractive option due to its affordability and widespread availability in certain regions.
Heating Needs
If you rely on firewood as your primary heating source, Douglas Fir may not be the most efficient choice. Its lower BTU rating and shorter burn time mean you'll need a significantly larger volume of wood compared to hardwoods.
In this scenario, investing in a higher BTU wood like oak or hickory, despite the higher upfront cost, might save you money and effort in the long run.
Fireplace/Wood Stove Type
Consider your fireplace or wood stove's design.
- If you have an efficient wood stove designed to handle higher heat outputs, hardwoods might be a better choice.
- If you have an open fireplace or a less efficient stove, Douglas Fir's lower burn intensity might be more suitable.
Occasional vs. Regular Use
If you only use your fireplace occasionally for ambiance and supplemental heat, Douglas Fir's lower cost and pleasant aroma make it a reasonable choice. However, for frequent or primary heating, its drawbacks might outweigh its benefits.
Tolerance for Creosote and Sparks
If you're uncomfortable with the higher creosote production and spark potential of Douglas Fir, hardwoods are a safer alternative. Remember, burning Douglas Fir requires more frequent chimney cleaning.
Related: How to Stop Creosote Buildup in Your Wood Stove: Prevention Tips
In Short
Douglas Fir can be a suitable firewood choice for occasional use, particularly if you prioritize affordability and easy starting. However, if you need high heat output, long burn times, or prefer minimal creosote buildup, hardwoods are generally a better investment.
Consider your specific needs and weigh the pros and cons carefully before making your decision.
More Articles for You: