{"id":1284,"date":"2022-02-09T22:08:45","date_gmt":"2022-02-09T22:08:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/?p=1284"},"modified":"2022-02-09T22:10:21","modified_gmt":"2022-02-09T22:10:21","slug":"beech-firewood","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/beech-firewood\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Beech Good Firewood?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Common to the northern and eastern regions of North America, beech (<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Beech\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fagus<\/a>) is a genus of trees belonging to the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Beech\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fagaceae<\/a>\u00a0tree family. It is often found growing near sugar maple and ash trees, able to survive in a range of soil conditions and growing up to 100 ft tall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But is it worth harvesting a 100ft beech tree to use as firewood?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Having a high density and low sap content, beech is very high-quality firewood. It generates enough heat to warm your home for hours. It produces up to 29 million BTUs per cord while being a clean-burning wood<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Beech-firewood-thumbnail.jpg\" alt=\"beech firewood thumbnail\" class=\"wp-image-1275\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Beech-firewood-thumbnail.jpg 500w, https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Beech-firewood-thumbnail-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Beech-firewood-thumbnail-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_62 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #000000;color:#000000\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/beech-firewood\/#What_Are_The_Varieties_Of_Beech\" title=\"What Are The Varieties Of Beech\">What Are The Varieties Of Beech<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/beech-firewood\/#What_Are_The_Physical_Characteristics_Of_Beech\" title=\"What Are The Physical Characteristics Of Beech\">What Are The Physical Characteristics Of Beech<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/beech-firewood\/#Does_its_Wood_Split_Easily\" title=\"Does its Wood Split Easily?\">Does its Wood Split Easily?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/beech-firewood\/#How_Much_Sap_Does_It_Have\" title=\"How Much Sap Does It Have?\">How Much Sap Does It Have?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/beech-firewood\/#How_Does_The_Wood_Smell\" title=\"How Does The Wood Smell?\">How Does The Wood Smell?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/beech-firewood\/#Heat_Output_And_Efficiency_Of_Beech\" title=\"Heat Output And Efficiency Of Beech\">Heat Output And Efficiency Of Beech<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/beech-firewood\/#Fire_Characteristics_Of_Beech\" title=\"Fire Characteristics Of Beech\">Fire Characteristics Of Beech<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/beech-firewood\/#Is_It_Okay_To_Burn_Beech_In_A_Fireplace\" title=\"Is It Okay To Burn Beech In A Fireplace?\">Is It Okay To Burn Beech In A Fireplace?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/beech-firewood\/#How_Long_To_Season_Beech\" title=\"How Long To Season Beech?\">How Long To Season Beech?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/beech-firewood\/#Pros_And_Cons_of_Beech_Wood\" title=\"Pros And Cons of Beech Wood\">Pros And Cons of Beech Wood<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/beech-firewood\/#How_Does_Beech_Compare_To_Other_Firewood\" title=\"How Does Beech Compare To Other Firewood?\">How Does Beech Compare To Other Firewood?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/beech-firewood\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions:\">Frequently Asked Questions:<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/beech-firewood\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-are-the-varieties-of-beech\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_The_Varieties_Of_Beech\"><\/span>What Are The Varieties Of Beech<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Though there are roughly 10 species of beech trees that grow all over the world, the most common to grow across America is the American beech. In fact, it is the only beech tree that is native to North America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-are-the-physical-characteristics-of-beech\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_The_Physical_Characteristics_Of_Beech\"><\/span>What Are The Physical Characteristics Of Beech<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Name<\/td><td>Beech<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Heat per cord (Million BTUs)<\/td><td>27.4&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Weight dry (lbs per cord)<\/td><td>3978<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Weight green (lbs per cord)<\/td><td>4590<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Seasoning time<\/td><td>1 &#8211; 2 years<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Resin \/ Sap content<\/td><td>Low<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Splitting Difficulty<\/td><td>Moderate<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Smoke<\/td><td>Minimal<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Smell<\/td><td>Slightly nutty<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Coal Production<\/td><td>High quality<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Creosote Build-up<\/td><td>Little<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"does-its-wood-split-easily\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_its_Wood_Split_Easily\"><\/span>Does its Wood Split Easily?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you can find a beech wood that hasn\u2019t frown knots, then it will be fairly easy to split by maul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, beech does tend to develop knots so finding beech wood without knots is a hard task. If you have a hydraulic splitter, then a knotty beech will not be much of an issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You will also want to make sure to wear protective gear while splitting beech as it does tend to chip off aggressively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-much-sap-does-it-have\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Sap_Does_It_Have\"><\/span>How Much Sap Does It Have?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Beech has one of the lowest sap levels of any other wood type. This is why it is so easy to work with and will be less dangerous when burnt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Woods with high levels of sap like pine are messier and are a pain to burn. That is partly why <a href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/beech-firewood\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">beech is the superior firewood<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-does-the-wood-smell\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Does_The_Wood_Smell\"><\/span>How Does The Wood Smell?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Being from the same tree family as chestnut, beech emits a slight nutty smell. It is very faint and not as fragrant as chestnut, but the smell is still evident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, if unseasoned, beech will be unpleasant smelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"heat-output-and-efficiency-of-beech\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Heat_Output_And_Efficiency_Of_Beech\"><\/span>Heat Output And Efficiency Of Beech<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Beech is one of the hottest burning woods available, generating a<a href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/firewood-weight-btu-chart\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"817\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> high BTU of 27.4<\/a>. This is just as <a href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/dogwood-firewood\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1200\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">hot as some species of\u00a0dogwood<\/a>, but can sometimes be too hot to use in your indoor fireplace for more than a few hours.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fire-characteristics-of-beech\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fire_Characteristics_Of_Beech\"><\/span>Fire Characteristics Of Beech<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Due to its naturally low moisture levels and pretty much no sap within its wood, beech firewood is a clean-burning wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It will produce more smoke than other woods of the same quality but will not be as smoky as cedar and spruce for obvious reasons. Even if you do find your beech wood to produce more smoke than normal, it is a clean-burning wood so will not create as much creosote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Such low sap levels also mean that the fire itself will not create any sparks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beechwood can generate such a high heat because it is a very dense wood. As such, the hot flames generate their heat slowly and over a longer period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The coals produced by beech wood are of very high quality, allowing the fire to keep burning for longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"is-it-okay-to-burn-beech-in-a-fireplace\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_It_Okay_To_Burn_Beech_In_A_Fireplace\"><\/span>Is It Okay To Burn Beech In A Fireplace?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In short, yes, beech is perfectly fine to burn in a fireplace. Its lack of sap means that it will not spark, and the minimal amounts of smoke beech wood do create is clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Be aware of what kind of fireplace you burn beech wood in. Its high heat may be too hot unless burnt in a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.homebuilding.co.uk\/advice\/open-fire-vs-log-burner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">log burner<\/a>, so just be aware of that when using beech wood during the warmer months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-long-to-season-beech\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_To_Season_Beech\"><\/span>How Long To Season Beech?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The density of beech wood means that you will need to give the wood at least a year to season. This is despite its low moisture and sap content. For the best burning quality, wait 2 years for it to season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pros-and-cons-of-beech-wood\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pros_And_Cons_of_Beech_Wood\"><\/span>Pros And Cons of Beech Wood<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pros:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Highly efficient<\/li><li>Low sap content<\/li><li>High-quality coals<\/li><li>Little creosote production<\/li><li>Clean burning<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Cons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Takes a while to season<\/li><li>Can be difficult to prepare<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-does-beech-compare-to-other-firewood\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Does_Beech_Compare_To_Other_Firewood\"><\/span>How Does Beech Compare To Other Firewood?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Beechwood burns just as well as pacific dogwood and <a href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/birch-firewood\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1220\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">is better than yellow birch<\/a>. Though it takes the same amount of <a href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/cherry-firewood\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1241\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">time to the season as cherry wood<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In <a href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/mesquite-firewood\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1211\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">comparison, mesquite firewood<\/a> only takes 6 \u2013 8 months to season and generates better heat. However, chestnut wood (of which beech is related) generates a significantly lower heat and takes a full 2 years to season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"frequently-asked-questions\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Can I Use Beech On A Stove Top?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beech is better suited for use on a BBQ as it burns too hot to be used on a stove.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Is Beech A Hardwood?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, beech is hardwood. Much like oak, maple, and hickory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Can I Use Beech Outside?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beech is good for both indoor and outside use. You will be able to feel its heat without having to be too close to the fire on both occasions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"conclusion\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Beech is very high-quality firewood. It may emit more smoke than you would expect of wood with low sap, but its heat output and clean-burning capabilities make it a quality wood.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Common to the northern and eastern regions of North America, beech (Fagus) is a genus of trees belonging to the\u00a0Fagaceae\u00a0tree family. It is often found growing near sugar maple and ash trees, able to survive in a range of soil conditions and growing up to 100 ft tall. But is it worth harvesting a 100ft [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1275,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1284"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1284"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1284\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1288,"href":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1284\/revisions\/1288"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1275"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1284"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1284"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1284"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}