is redwood good for firewood

Is Redwood Good for Firewood? A Comprehensive Guide

by

When it comes to selecting the right wood for your fireplace or outdoor fire pit, many factors come into play. One question that often arises is, “Is redwood good for firewood?” This comprehensive guide will explore the characteristics of redwood as a fuel source, its pros and cons, and how it compares to other popular firewood options. Whether you’re a seasoned wood-burning enthusiast or just starting to explore your heating options, understanding the properties of redwood as firewood will help you make an informed decision for your home or outdoor activities. Let’s delve into the world of redwood and discover if it’s the right choice for your fire-burning needs.

Understanding Redwood: An Overview

Before we dive into the specifics of using redwood as firewood, it’s essential to understand what redwood is and its general characteristics.

What is Redwood?

Redwood refers to two species of trees: the coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and the giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum). These majestic trees are native to the western coast of North America, primarily found in California and Oregon. Redwoods are known for their impressive size, with some specimens reaching heights of over 300 feet and diameters of more than 36 feet.

Characteristics of Redwood

Redwood is prized for its unique properties:

  1. Durability: Redwood is naturally resistant to decay and insects, making it a popular choice for outdoor construction.
  2. Lightweight: Despite its size, redwood is relatively lightweight compared to other hardwoods.
  3. Straight grain: The wood typically has a straight grain pattern, which contributes to its strength and workability.
  4. Color: As its name suggests, redwood has a distinct reddish-brown hue that darkens over time.
  5. Softwood classification: Although large and sturdy, redwood is botanically classified as a softwood.

Understanding these basic characteristics will help us evaluate redwood’s potential as firewood.

The Burning Properties of Redwood

Now that we have a general understanding of redwood, let’s examine its burning properties to determine if redwood is good for firewood.

Heat Output

One of the most critical factors in assessing firewood is its heat output, typically measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) per cord. Redwood falls on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to heat production:

Wood Type BTUs per Cord
Redwood 18.1 million
Oak 26.5 million
Maple 24.0 million
Pine 18.1 million

As we can see, redwood produces less heat than hardwoods like oak and maple, but it’s comparable to other softwoods like pine.

Burn Time and Efficiency

Redwood tends to burn relatively quickly compared to denser hardwoods. This characteristic can be both an advantage and a disadvantage:

Pros:

  • Quick to ignite
  • Produces a lively, crackling fire
  • Good for starting fires or kindling

Cons:

  • Burns through faster, requiring more frequent refueling
  • May not be ideal for overnight burning or maintaining long-lasting heat

Smoke Production

When properly seasoned, redwood produces moderate amounts of smoke. However, it’s important to note that:

  1. Unseasoned redwood can produce excessive smoke and creosote buildup.
  2. The resin content in redwood can lead to more smoke than some hardwoods.
  3. Proper airflow in your fireplace or stove is crucial to minimize smoke production.

Spark Production

Redwood is known to produce more sparks than some other types of firewood. This characteristic is due to its resin content and cellular structure. While this can create a visually appealing fire, it also poses some safety concerns:

  1. Increased risk of flying embers
  2. Potential for chimney fires if not properly maintained
  3. Extra caution required when using in open fireplaces or outdoor fire pits

H2: Pros and Cons of Using Redwood as Firewood

To help you make an informed decision, let’s summarize the advantages and disadvantages of using redwood as firewood.

Pros

  1. Availability: In regions where redwood grows naturally, it may be readily available and affordable.
  2. Easy to ignite: Redwood catches fire quickly, making it excellent for starting fires.
  3. Pleasant aroma: Burning redwood can produce a subtle, pleasant scent.
  4. Aesthetic appeal: The crackling and sparking of burning redwood can create an attractive ambiance.
  5. Lightweight: Easier to transport and handle compared to denser hardwoods.

Cons

  1. Lower heat output: Redwood produces less heat than many hardwoods, requiring more wood to maintain warmth.
  2. Faster burn rate: It may not be ideal for long-lasting fires or overnight burning.
  3. Increased spark production: This can pose safety risks, especially in open fireplaces or outdoor settings.
  4. Potential for creosote buildup: Like other softwoods, redwood can contribute to creosote accumulation in chimneys if not properly seasoned or burned.
  5. Environmental concerns: Redwoods are slow-growing and ecologically important, raising sustainability issues when used as firewood.

Comparing Redwood to Other Firewood Options

To better understand how redwood stacks up as firewood, let’s compare it to some common alternatives.

Redwood vs. Oak

Oak is often considered the gold standard for firewood due to its high heat output and long burn time. Here’s how redwood compares:

  1. Heat output: Oak produces significantly more heat (26.5 million BTUs/cord) compared to redwood (18.1 million BTUs/cord).
  2. Burn time: Oak burns much slower and longer than redwood.
  3. Smoke production: Properly seasoned oak produces less smoke than redwood.
  4. Availability and cost: Oak is more widely available in many regions and may be more cost-effective in the long run due to its burning efficiency.

Redwood vs. Pine

Pine, like redwood, is a softwood and shares some similar characteristics:

  1. Heat output: Both redwood and pine produce around 18.1 million BTUs/cord.
  2. Burn rate: Both burn relatively quickly compared to hardwoods.
  3. Spark production: Pine and redwood both tend to produce more sparks than hardwoods.
  4. Resin content: Both contain resins that can contribute to creosote buildup if not properly seasoned and burned.

Redwood vs. Maple

Maple is a popular hardwood choice for firewood. Here’s how it compares to redwood:

  1. Heat output: Maple produces more heat (24.0 million BTUs/cord) than redwood.
  2. Burn time: Maple burns longer and more steadily than redwood.
  3. Smoke and spark production: Maple generally produces less smoke and fewer sparks than redwood.
  4. Ease of splitting: Redwood is typically easier to split than maple due to its straight grain.

Proper Preparation and Use of Redwood as Firewood

If you decide to use redwood as firewood, proper preparation and use are crucial to maximize its effectiveness and minimize potential drawbacks.

Seasoning Redwood

Seasoning is the process of drying wood to reduce its moisture content. This step is critical for all firewood, but especially for resinous softwoods like redwood.

  1. Timing: Allow at least 6-12 months for redwood to properly season.
  2. Stacking: Stack the wood in a way that allows air to circulate freely.
  3. Coverage: Protect the wood from rain and snow, but allow air to flow through.
  4. Ideal moisture content: Aim for a moisture content of 20% or less before burning.

Proper Storage

Correct storage of your seasoned redwood firewood is essential to maintain its quality:

  1. Elevate: Keep the wood off the ground to prevent moisture absorption.
  2. Ventilation: Ensure good airflow around the woodpile.
  3. Location: Store away from your home to discourage pests.
  4. Rotation: Use a first-in, first-out system to ensure all wood gets used in a timely manner.

Best Practices for Burning Redwood

To get the most out of your redwood firewood and minimize potential issues:

  1. Mix with hardwoods: Combine redwood with denser woods for a more efficient burn.
  2. Use a wood stove: Enclosed stoves can help control the burn rate and reduce spark risks.
  3. Ensure proper airflow: Adequate ventilation helps reduce smoke and improves burn efficiency.
  4. Regular chimney maintenance: Due to potential creosote buildup, clean your chimney more frequently when burning redwood.

Environmental Considerations of Using Redwood as Firewood

When considering redwood as a firewood option, it’s crucial to take into account the environmental implications.

Sustainability Concerns

Redwoods are ancient, slow-growing trees that play a vital role in their ecosystems:

  1. Growth rate: Redwoods can take hundreds of years to reach maturity.
  2. Habitat: These trees provide crucial habitats for numerous species.
  3. Carbon sequestration: Redwoods are excellent at capturing and storing carbon dioxide.

Using redwood trees specifically harvested for firewood is generally not considered sustainable. However, using redwood waste from lumber production or fallen trees can be a more environmentally friendly option.

Alternatives to Harvesting Live Redwoods

To minimize environmental impact, consider these alternatives:

  1. Reclaimed redwood: Use wood from old structures or fallen trees.
  2. Lumber mill waste: Offcuts and scraps from redwood lumber production can be used as firewood.
  3. Sustainable plantations: Some areas have redwood plantations managed specifically for wood production.

Carbon Footprint Considerations

When evaluating the environmental impact of using redwood as firewood, consider:

  1. Transportation: Using locally sourced wood reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
  2. Burning efficiency: Less efficient burning may result in higher overall wood consumption and emissions.
  3. Alternative heating methods: Compare the emissions from burning redwood to other heating options in your area.

Safety Precautions When Using Redwood Firewood

Due to its burning characteristics, extra care should be taken when using redwood as firewood.

Fire Safety

  1. Spark screens: Always use a spark screen with open fireplaces to contain flying embers.
  2. Clearance: Maintain proper clearance between the fire and any flammable materials.
  3. Supervision: Never leave a fire unattended, especially when burning redwood.
  4. Extinguishing: Ensure the fire is completely out before leaving it or going to bed.

Chimney Maintenance

Regular chimney maintenance is crucial when burning any wood, but especially important with resinous woods like redwood:

  1. Inspection: Have your chimney inspected annually by a certified professional.
  2. Cleaning: Clean the chimney more frequently when burning redwood to prevent creosote buildup.
  3. Creosote removal: Use creosote removal products as directed by professionals.

Indoor Air Quality

To maintain good indoor air quality when burning redwood:

  1. Proper ventilation: Ensure your space is well-ventilated.
  2. Carbon monoxide detectors: Install and maintain CO detectors in your home.
  3. Avoid burning painted or treated redwood: These can release toxic fumes.

Alternative Uses for Redwood

Given the environmental considerations and burning characteristics of redwood, you might consider alternative uses for this beautiful wood:

Construction and Woodworking

  1. Outdoor furniture: Redwood’s natural resistance to decay makes it excellent for outdoor applications.
  2. Decking: Many homeowners choose redwood for its durability and aesthetic appeal in deck construction.
  3. Fencing: Redwood fences are known for their longevity and natural beauty.
  4. Interior accents: The unique color and grain of redwood make it popular for interior design elements.

Landscaping

  1. Mulch: Redwood bark makes an excellent, long-lasting mulch for gardens.
  2. Raised beds: The wood’s resistance to decay makes it suitable for raised garden beds.
  3. Decorative elements: Redwood can be used to create beautiful landscape features.

Artistic Uses

  1. Carving: The soft nature of redwood makes it popular among wood carvers.
  2. Musical instruments: Some luthiers use redwood in instrument construction.
  3. Turning: Redwood can be used to create unique turned objects on a lathe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to use redwood as firewood?

The legality of using redwood as firewood depends on several factors:

  1. Source: It’s generally illegal to harvest live redwoods from protected areas for firewood.
  2. Local regulations: Some areas may have specific restrictions on using redwood as firewood.
  3. Reclaimed wood: Using reclaimed redwood or waste from lumber production is typically legal.

Always check with local authorities and forestry services before collecting or using redwood for firewood.

How does redwood compare to other softwoods for firewood?

Redwood is similar to other softwoods in many respects:

  1. Heat output: Comparable to pine and other softwoods, but lower than hardwoods.
  2. Burn rate: Burns relatively quickly, like most softwoods.
  3. Spark production: Tends to produce more sparks than average, similar to pine.
  4. Resin content: Contains resins that can contribute to creosote buildup, like many softwoods.

While redwood can be used as firewood, it’s generally not considered a top choice compared to other readily available softwoods.

Can I burn redwood in a pizza oven?

While it’s possible to burn redwood in a pizza oven, it’s not ideal for several reasons:

  1. Flavor: The resin in redwood can impart an undesirable taste to food.
  2. Heat: Redwood doesn’t produce as much heat as hardwoods, which are preferred for pizza ovens.
  3. Spark risk: The increased spark production of redwood could be a safety concern in a food preparation area.

For pizza ovens, it’s better to stick with traditional hardwoods like oak, maple, or fruitwoods that provide high heat and complementary flavors.

Conclusion

While redwood can be used as firewood, it’s not the ideal choice for most situations. Its lower heat output, faster burn rate, and higher spark production make it less efficient and potentially more hazardous than hardwood alternatives. Environmental concerns further complicate its use as a fuel source. However, in areas where redwood is readily available as reclaimed wood or mill waste, it can be an acceptable option when properly seasoned and used cautiously. Ultimately, the decision to use redwood as firewood should balance burning properties, safety, environmental impact, and local availability. For optimal home heating, consider more efficient wood types or alternative heating methods.

External links for further reading:

  1. U.S. Forest Service – Firewood Facts: https://www.fs.usda.gov/learn/nature-science/firewood-facts
  2. Environmental Protection Agency – Burn Wise: https://www.epa.gov/burnwise
  3. Save the Redwoods League – About Redwoods: https://www.savetheredwoods.org/redwoods/
  4. Chimney Safety Institute of America – Wood Burning Safety: https://www.csia.org/homeowner-resources/wood-burning-safety/

Leave a Comment