Which type of wood is best for an outdoor fireplace?

The secret to a beautiful fire starts with the right wood

A beautiful outdoor fireplace deserves good firewood. Yet the impact of wood on the fire experience is often underestimated. The right type of wood provides a powerful fire, more heat, less smoke and a longer burn time.

In this article we explain which types of wood are most suitable and why dry wood is at least as important as the type of wood itself.

Why is the type of wood so important?

Not all types of wood burn the same way. Some give off a lot of heat quickly, while others burn longer and more steadily. The amount of smoke, sparks and the smell also differ considerably.

A good outdoor fireplace only truly comes into its own when you use high-quality firewood.

Choose hardwood if possible

For outdoor fireplaces we recommend hardwood. Hardwood has a higher density than softwood and therefore burns longer and more evenly.

Good types of wood include:

Oak

A classic among firewood. Oak burns for a long time, gives off a lot of heat and provides a steady fire. However, it is important that the wood has been able to dry for at least two years.

Ash

Ash is one of the most popular types of wood for outdoor fireplaces. It burns easily, gives off a lot of heat and creates a beautiful flame.

Beech

Beech wood burns very evenly, produces few sparks and creates an atmospheric fire. Ideal for long evenings outdoors.

Softwood: when to use it and when not to?

Softwood, such as pine or fir, ignites quickly and is therefore suitable for starting a fire. Because these types of wood contain resin, they produce more sparks and burn faster.

For a long-lasting and steady fire, hardwood is the better choice.

Dry wood is more important than the type of wood

Perhaps even more important than choosing oak or ash is the moisture content of the wood.

Wet wood causes:

• more smoke;
• less heat;
• a less stable fire;
• more creosote buildup in the chimney.

Therefore, always use properly dried firewood with a moisture content of no more than approximately 20%.

How can you recognize good firewood?

You can often recognize good firewood by:

• cracks on the end grain;
• a relatively low weight;
• a clear, dry sound when two logs are struck together;
• loosening bark on some types of wood.

Not sure? With a simple moisture meter you can quickly check whether the wood is dry enough.

Which logs are best suited for the VENTOR®?

For the VENTOR®, we recommend logs measuring approximately 25 to 43 centimetres. This length fits well in the firebox and ensures optimal air circulation, allowing the fire to develop beautifully and the heat to be distributed evenly.

Good wood and a good outdoor fireplace complement each other

A high-quality outdoor fireplace can only perform optimally if the firewood is also of good quality. Conversely, even the best firewood will burn less effectively in a fireplace with limited airflow.

That is why the VENTOR® was developed with great attention to natural draft, balanced airflow and efficient combustion. In combination with dry hardwood, this creates a stable fire with a powerful flame, pleasant heat and minimal smoke under normal conditions of use.

Frequently asked questions

Which wood produces the most heat?

Hardwood, such as oak, ash and beech, has a high energy value and burns longer than softwood.

Which wood produces the least smoke?

Well-dried hardwood with a moisture content below 20% generally produces the least smoke.

Can you burn painted or treated wood?

No. Only burn clean, untreated wood. Painted, varnished or treated wood can release harmful substances and is not suitable for an outdoor fireplace.

Is kindling the same as firewood?

No. You use kindling to get the fire going. For a long-lasting fire, you then switch to larger hardwood logs.

Conclusion

A beautiful fire starts not only with a good outdoor fireplace, but also with the right choice of wood. By choosing dry hardwood such as oak, ash or beech, you will enjoy more heat, a steady flame and less smoke.

In combination with a technically well-designed outdoor fireplace such as the VENTOR®, you will get the most out of every evening around the fire.