Unlike white pine, lodgepole pine (Pinus Contorta) is more widely available in western regions of the United States. Its growing habits stretch all the way down the west coast, from Canada to Mexico.
But how does lodgepole pine wood burn?
As firewood, lodgepole pine performs very well and is a safe choice for your indoor fireplace. You can get a decent amount of heat from its fire (with a BTU of 17.7), and that fire lasts longer than most pines due to lodge pine being denser. However, it is still a softwood and performs as such.
What Are The Varieties Of Lodgepole Pine Wood?
As a subspecies itself, lodgepole does not come in any varieties. However, it is closely related to the 3 other trees in the same subspecies. Those include:
- Shore pine
- Bolander’s beach pine
- Tamarack
What Are The Physical Characteristics Of Lodgepole Pine Wood?
| Name | Lodgepole Pine |
| Heat per cord (Million BTUs) | 17.7 |
| Weight dry (lbs per cord) | 2564 |
| Weight green (lbs per cord) | 3315 |
| Seasoning time | 6 – 12 months |
| Resin/ Sap Content | Moderate – high |
| Splitting Difficulty | Easy |
| Smoke | Low |
| Smell | Resinous |
| Coal Production | Poor |
| Creosote Build-up | Low – Moderate |
Is it Easy To Split?
Even though pine is typically easy to split – if you can overlook the messy sap – lodgepole pine is a little bit more difficult.
It is one of the slower-growing trees of its species, so it’s given longer to toughen up. However, it does tend to have a straight grain with few knots, so is pretty easy to split. Especially with a decent maul or with a hydraulic splitter.
How Much Sap Content
Pine is nutritiously sappy, often scaring people away from using it as firewood due to the number of sparks and creosote it produces. Lodgepole pine poses less of an issue when it comes to sap.
It does still have ample sap in comparison to chestnut or even poplar. But lodgepole pine has one of the lowest sap contents of any pine species.
This makes it easier to work with and safer to burn than ponderosa pine.
What Does it Smell Like?
Lodgepole pine does provide some of the comforting aromas that pine is known for creating. Though that fragrance is less present.
Instead, lodgepole takes on resinous undertones, which remain mild.
If you would prefer more aromatic firewood, burn tulip poplar or sugar maple. They will both produce a sweeter smell that is more present.
Moisture Levels
As a species, pine dries out very quickly due to the low levels of moisture that is stored in its wood.
Lodgepole is very much the same. Though it holds less moisture than white pine, which is quite surprising seeing as it often grows by the coast.
Heat Output and Efficiency
As a source of heat, lodgepole pine is one of the better pine varieties.
It is still softwood, so does not provide as much heat as oak, maple or black locust. But for softwood, it does burn well.
Lodgepole can generate a BTU as high as 17.7, making it one of the higher burning pines. It also helps that its wood tends to be denser than other pines, taking longer to burn out.
However, lodgepole pine does burn faster than hardwood maple. To make the most of a lodgepole pine’s heat, mix it in with hardwoods while burning. This will create a longer-lasting heat.
Fire Characteristics Of Lodgepole Pine
For a pine, lodgepole pine firewood presents fewer preparation issues than most pines. Now let’s take a look at the kind of fire it produces.
Creosote build-up
The creosote that lodgepole produces is of a lower level than pines that have a higher sap content. Fewer sap results in less smoke being produced, creating fewer creosote problems in your fireplace.
That being said, lodgepole does burn slower than white pine and contains more sap than the bottom of the barrel Russian olive firewood or poplar. So, it will create more creosote the longer it is left to burn.
Amount Of Smoke
Some people have a terrible experience with pine due to the amount of smoke that it can produce – especially when not left to season for long enough.
Lodgepole pine will not smoke as much as other pine species as it contains less sap. But It is also a softwood, despite being denser than most pines, thus burning out quicker.
Does It Produce Coals?
When firewood produces high-quality coals, it acts as more fuel for the fire, allowing the fire to burn longer and hotter.
It is usually hardwoods that produce better-quality coals which is why they are the preferred choice of firewood.
As a pine, lodgepole pine produces a typical number of coals. But even when compared to softwood like poplar, lodgepole pine creates very few coals, and they are not of good quality.
Is It Okay To Burn Lodgepole Pine In A Fireplace?
Out of all the pine firewood you could use, lodgepole pine is probably the most suited for fireplace use.
The lower sap levels mean that lodgepole firewood is less likely to create a build-up of creosote. It also does not crack and spark as much.
As a softwood, it does burn quickly. But you can get a moderate amount of heat from its short-lived fire. It is also a denser wood than most pines so while it does burn quicker than oak, it is still a good heating choice when you want to warm up quickly.
As you mix lodgepole in with other more efficient firewoods, you can warm your home safely.
How Long To Season Lodgepole Pine Wood?
Just like other pines, you will only need to season lodgepole pine for 6 – 12 months. The main issue it presents during seasoning is that it is more prone to rotting.
Pros And Cons Of Using Lodgepole Pine as Firewood
Pros:
- Most efficient pine
- Low moisture content
- Moderate heat
- Lower sap content
Cons:
- Weak fragrance
- Quick burning
- High creosote
How Does Lodgepole Pine Compare To Other Firewood?
If you must burn pine, then you should favor lodgepole pine as firewood. Compared to white pine, it has a better density and can produce a hotter fire for longer.
Though its coals are poor, it does not produce as much of a smell as most pines if you prefer it.
Lodgepole pine is also still a softwood. While it does perform surprisingly well as a softwood, hardwoods like oak and hackberry will be a better firewood choice. Especially during the winter months.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Pinewood Softwood Or Hardwood?
Pine varieties are classified as softwood. Like all conifers, this means that it does not make as good firewood as hardwoods and is not a preferred heating choice by many.
Does Lodgepole Pine Make Good Kindling?
You can easily use lodgepole pine to get a quick moderately heated fire going in no time. Though it makes no better kindling than any other pine.
Is it Better To Split Greenwood?
Some firewoods are easier to split when freshly cut (green) as they still contain a lot of moisture so are easier to split. However, in the case of pine, let it season before splitting.
This will dry some of its sap content and will also provide an easier splitting experience.
Conclusion
Lodgepole pine works admirably as pine firewood and is a sound choice for a closed indoor fireplace. You can obtain a significant amount of heat from its fire, but do not expect too much from it as you would expect from premium-class firewood.
Hi!
I am the guy behind Theyardable.com. I grew up on a homestead and I am here to share the knowledge I have and things I learn while living in the countryside.
