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Shepherd’s Home Hardware Building Centre
3525 Mill Street, Box 37, Armstrong, BC
Canada’s frigid winter is settling in, and nothing beats the warmth of a crackling fire to stave it off and get us through the cold. Did you know, however, that not all firewood is created equal? When it comes to keeping your home cozy, safe, and efficiently heated, choosing the right type of firewood is important. Let this article be your guide to selecting the best firewood for all those frosty nights ahead; brought to you by Shepherd’s Hardware, your local experts in firewood and wood stove maintenance, and recently named Canada’s #1 Home Hardware store for 2024!
The type of wood you feed into your fireplace or wood stove can have a significant impact on its performance and longevity.
You see, different woods produce varying levels of heat. For example, hardwoods like oak or maple provide a consistent, high-heat output that is ideal for keeping a space warm for extended periods of time. They burn longer than softwoods, and require less frequent refills, but are also harder to ignite.
Using the wrong type of wood can also lead to excessive creosote buildup, which is a dark, sticky, tar-like substance that forms when wood burns incompletely. Wood has to be properly seasoned (dried) to burn efficiently and reduce the risk of poor consumption and smoke.
Let’s start by investigating the two main categories of firewood: hardwoods and softwoods.
Hardwoods are your heat-producing champions. Examples include birch, maple, and oak. They’re denser, burn hotter, and have a longer burn time than their softwood compatriots. They will keep your fire going for hours on end, so are the best choice when everyone is hunkered down and spending time indoors, or sleeping and in need of a warm, undisturbed home overnight.
Softwoods are firestarters. They’re much easier to ignite than hardwoods, making them perfect for the purpose of getting your fire going—especially when you need one going quick! They’re a lot less dense than hardwoods, so you don’t get the same amount of burn time out of each log. However, they work great for kindling and the reignition of a dwindling blaze. They also tend to have a pleasant scent (think cedar)!
It’s best to have some of both onhand—use the softwoods as firestarters, then switch to the hardwoods for sustained warmth throughout the day or night.
It’s important to avoid burning green, or freshly cut, wood, as the moisture this wood contains makes it difficult to combust and, if you do get it burning, very smoky! Here are some tips for identifying properly seasoned woods.
Identifying seasoned firewood is one thing, storing it is another! There are two main considerations for making sure you always have properly seasoned firewood available and ready-to-use.
In Armstrong and the surrounding local area, we’re lucky to have some great firewood sources closeby to keep you safe and warm throughout the winter. Here’s a few of our expert recommendations + what you can expect in terms of results:
Known for its bright flame and pleasant (almost sweet) aroma when burned, birch is a hardwood with a moderate density that produces a high heat output. Excellent for warming up spaces quickly, it offers a good balance between heat and burn time. Ideal for indoor fireplaces or outdoor fire pits.
Oak is known for its strength and density; one of the hottest burning woods, it provides a substantial amount of heat that stays consistent throughout its burn. Great for cold nights when you need to set a fire and don’t want to worry about feeding it until morning. Exceptionally long burn times and sustained warmth.
Cedar is a softwood and has a distinct fragrance that will make your house feel like a home. Lighter in weight compared to hardwoods, it’s often used in combination with other woods for kindling or to start up a fire. Not ideal for long-term heating, but perfect for ignition and an inviting burst of fragrance.
At Shepherd’s Hardware, we carry a selection of premium local hardwoods seasoned to perfection, along with an array of useful accessories like wood storage racks, moisture meters, and fireplace tools!
For the eco-conscious buyer, there are firewood alternatives and environmentally-friendly buying options available; compressed wood logs and recycled wood bricks, for example, burn cleaner and are made from sustainable materials. You can also seek out suppliers who support sustainable forestry practices.
Stay warm, stay safe, and prepare yourself for another lovely Canadian winter! Shepherd’s Hardware is here to help you and your family make the best choice when it comes to firewood. Come in and browse our selection today—our expert team will help you make the right choice!
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