{"id":1846,"date":"2023-02-13T08:55:39","date_gmt":"2023-02-13T08:55:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lonelyaxe.com\/?p=1846"},"modified":"2023-06-25T14:47:04","modified_gmt":"2023-06-25T14:47:04","slug":"red-oak-fire-wood","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lonelyaxe.com\/red-oak-fire-wood\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Red Oak Fire Wood Good? Qualities and Comparisons"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Is Red Oak Fire Wood Good? The warmth of a good wood fire in your fireplace is unmatched. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wouldn\u2019t you love it if it lasted? It can be a tough call knowing the type of wood to stock up for cold seasons or bonfires. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, red oak firewood is one of the best firewood choices for home or outdoor use. Should you stock red oak for firewood?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 We\u2019ll tell you why it’s a great choice and how it compares to other hardwood firewood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Is Red Oak Firewood?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Red oak firewood is a fast-growing hardwood mostly found in the sandy areas of Eastern and Southern North America. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Red oak firewood is preferred for its availability, fast growth,\u00a0 and high heat production. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mature red oak can reach up to 75 feet, with 2ft a year growth in its first ten years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Burn Qualities of Red Oak Firewood<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While you can use instinct to gather firewood, check these markers to collect the best red oak firewood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

High Heat Production<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Red oak firewood has a relatively high BTU at 25.9 million per cord<\/strong>. You only need to toss a few pieces in the fireplace to keep a steady flame. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Low Smoke Production<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dry red oak firewood has low sap content. Red oak firewood produces a clean burn with minimal smoke as dense hardwood.<\/strong> This quality makes it ideal for burning in closed spaces such as kitchens and fireplaces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Long Seasoning Time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Red oak takes up to 24 months to season, leaving it to dry naturally.<\/strong> However, you can shorten the time by splitting and stacking it as soon as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This easy-to-follow guide shows you the best way to stack firewood to season. Aim for final moisture content below 20% for maximum burning efficiency.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Wood<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Wood aired out to season.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mild Burning Smell<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Unseasoned red oak has an unpleasant smell. However, seasoning the firewood drains out much of the tannins. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seasoned red oak firewood will have a pleasant burning smell similar to vinegar.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minimal Creosote Buildup<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

See that black soot-like substance that forms in your chimney after a while? That\u2019s creosote. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to its intense heat, red oak firewood leaves minimal creosote buildup. You won\u2019t have to worry about burning the firewood in the in-house fireplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can get creosote buildup if your fireplace has unburnt wood or the firewood has a low burn intensity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Soot<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Soot build-up in a chimney<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moderate Splitting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although red oak firewood has a straight grain, it also has knots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The knots make it harder than white oak to split<\/a>. However, you won\u2019t have to apply too much elbow grease if you use a splitting block. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alternatively, get a commercial 7-ton log splitter for small-scale splitting.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Axe<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Axe splitting firewood<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hot Long-burning Coals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Red oak firewood retains hot coals long after the flames have died. You can rely on the coal’s heat if you add a large piece of red oak firewood as the last piece. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The hardwood\u2019s ability to keep a short flame and long-burning coals make it excellent for grilling and overnight camping. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Food<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Food cooking on hot coals<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Red Oak Firewood<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although oak has over 30 species, red oak firewood has two major sub-categories. <\/p>\n\n\n\n