Best Types of Firewood for Backyard Fires and Campfires
Best Firewood Options
When it comes to enjoying a cozy backyard fire or a memorable campfire in the beautiful outdoors of Colorado, choosing the right type of firewood is essential. The right firewood not only enhances your fire experience but also ensures safety, efficiency, and a cleaner burn. Here's a guide to the best types of firewood for your backyard fires and campfires in Colorado.
Hardwoods vs. Softwoods: What's the Difference?
- Hardwoods are denser and burn longer and hotter than softwoods. They are ideal for long-lasting fires, making them perfect for backyard fire pits and campfires that you want to enjoy over several hours. Hardwoods also produce less creosote, a byproduct that can build up in chimneys and flues.
- **Softwoods** burn faster and are easier to ignite, making them great for starting a fire or for shorter, less intense fires. They are often more readily available in Colorado and can be a more cost-effective option.
Top Hardwoods for Colorado Fires
- Oak: Oak is one of the best firewood choices for backyard fires and campfires in Colorado. It burns slowly, produces a lot of heat, and has a pleasant aroma. Oak is perfect for those long, chilly Colorado nights when you want your fire to last.
- Hickory: Known for its high heat output and long burn time, hickory is another excellent choice. It’s especially popular for campfires due to its strong, classic woodsy scent, which adds an extra layer of ambiance to any outdoor gathering.
- Maple: Maple burns hot and clean, making it a great option for both backyard and campfire use. It also splits easily, which makes it convenient for firewood preparation.
- Ash: Ash is a favorite among Colorado residents because it burns well even when not fully seasoned. It provides a steady heat and is relatively easy to split and handle.
Top Softwoods for Colorado Fires
- Pine: Pine is abundant in Colorado and makes a great fire starter due to its high resin content. It ignites quickly, but it burns faster than hardwoods, so it’s best used in combination with a slower-burning wood like oak or hickory.
- Douglas Fir: This popular Colorado softwood burns hot and produces a lovely crackling sound, adding to the ambiance of your fire. It’s ideal for outdoor fires, but be cautious of the higher creosote production compared to hardwoods.
- Spruce: Spruce burns quickly and is easy to find in Colorado. It’s a good choice for a quick, warm fire, especially if you’re camping and need to warm up or cook food in a hurry.
The Importance of Seasoned Firewood
Regardless of the type of wood you choose, ensuring that your firewood is properly seasoned is crucial. Seasoned wood has been dried for at least 6-12 months, reducing its moisture content to below 20%. This makes the wood easier to ignite, burns cleaner, and produces more heat. Unseasoned or green wood, on the other hand, tends to smoke heavily and can be difficult to burn efficiently.
Storing Your Firewood in Colorado
Proper storage of firewood is key to keeping it dry and ready to burn. In Colorado, where the weather can vary widely, it’s important to store your firewood off the ground and covered with a tarp or in a firewood shed. This helps protect it from snow, rain, and excessive moisture, ensuring it stays dry and ready for use.
Sustainable Firewood Practices
When choosing firewood, consider sourcing it locally to reduce your environmental impact. Purchasing firewood from local suppliers not only supports the local economy but also helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases that can be transported with firewood from other regions.
The best type of firewood for your backyard fires and campfires in Colorado will depend on your specific needs, such as the duration of the fire and the ambiance you want to create. Hardwoods like oak, hickory, maple, and ash offer long-lasting, high-heat fires perfect for extended use. Softwoods like pine, Douglas fir, and spruce are great for quick, hot fires and easy ignition. Remember, the key to a great fire is not just the type of wood but also ensuring it’s well-seasoned and properly stored.
At Firewood Delivery Denver, we provide high-quality, seasoned firewood suited for Colorado’s unique climate and your specific firewood needs. Whether you’re planning a backyard gathering or a weekend camping trip, we’ve got you covered with the best firewood options available.
