{"id":196,"date":"2022-10-01T09:37:37","date_gmt":"2022-10-01T09:37:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lonelyaxe.com\/?p=196"},"modified":"2023-01-16T09:00:34","modified_gmt":"2023-01-16T09:00:34","slug":"alder-firewood","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lonelyaxe.com\/alder-firewood\/","title":{"rendered":"Alder Firewood: A Comprehensive Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Alder firewood is now a top choice for most hardwood uses, and its growing popularity is evident in its demand. As a fuel source, alder firewood is a budget-friendly source that you should add to your stack. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s look at some qualities of the wood before you can settle on adding alder to your firewood stack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is Alder Wood?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Alder is straight-grained, soft hardwood lumber. It’s popular because it has a uniform color and appealing look. Alder is among the softest wood in the hardwood group and ranks just above poplar<\/a> and pine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A cross-section of the tree of sawn alder shows the tree<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Burn Qualities of Alder Firewood<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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

Alder firewood is easy to light. It burns rapidly, producing less heat than other hardwoods such as oak and apple. Alder produces 17.5 million BTUs<\/a> per cord, thus only suitable for burning in the fall or spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Properly seasoned alder has very little smoke. As a result, it is ideal for use in open fireplaces, campfires, wood stoves, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Small<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Small campfire with gentle flames beside a lake<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Alder firewood has a relatively short seasoning period. While in dry conditions, it requires 6 to 8 months to season appropriately. The short seasoning time is primarily because of the alder’s thin bark, which facilitates rapid moisture loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Alder is a favorite among those who enjoy burning aromatic firewood. It emits a sweet, pleasant scent when lit in a room, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, it is critical to have delicious flavors in fish like salmon and trout if you like to barbecue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Creosote <\/a>refers to unburnt particles that stick to the walls of the chimney and form layers. It is a product of smoke from burning firewood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When adequately seasoned, alder firewood does not produce a lot of Creosote. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind that Creosote is combustible. Therefore, ensure that firewood seasons adequately so that less Creosote builds up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Dangerous<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Dangerous accumulation of Creosote<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Alder wood has a loose grain and soft wood, which makes splitting simple. For instance, using an axe can reduce large logs into small pieces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alder Firewood Type<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Alders come in over 35 different species, but the red and black alder are the two most common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is a list of the top 12 alder trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Red Alder<\/h3>\n\n\n\n