{"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
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
While you can use instinct to gather firewood, check these markers to collect the best red oak firewood.<\/p>\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 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 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 aired out to season.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\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 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 build-up in a chimney<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\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 splitting firewood<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\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 cooking on hot coals<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Although oak has over 30 species, red oak firewood has two major sub-categories. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a summarised comparison table for identification characteristics. <\/p>\n\n\n\nLow Smoke Production<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Long Seasoning Time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Mild Burning Smell<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Minimal Creosote Buildup<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Moderate Splitting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hot Long-burning Coals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Types of Red Oak Firewood<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/td> Southern Red Oak<\/strong><\/td> Northern Red Oak<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Scientific name <\/td> Quercus falcata<\/td> Quercus rubra<\/td><\/tr> Growth region<\/td> Southern New York, Texas, Florida<\/td> Eastern United States, southeast and south-central Canada<\/td><\/tr> Size<\/td> 70-100ft long, 3-6ft wide<\/td> 92-118ft long, 6.5ft<\/td><\/tr> Maturity\/Growth rate<\/td> 50-70 years2ft\/year<\/td>
2ft\/year<\/td><\/tr>Janka Hardness<\/td> 1060<\/td> 1290<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Comparison to Other Woods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n