{"id":1413,"date":"2022-03-07T19:04:24","date_gmt":"2022-03-07T19:04:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/?p=1413"},"modified":"2022-04-16T20:05:53","modified_gmt":"2022-04-16T20:05:53","slug":"redwood-firewood","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/redwood-firewood\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Redwood Good Firewood?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>&nbsp;Redwood (<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sequoia_sempervirens\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sequoia sempervirens<\/a>) is the only species left belonging to the genus of sequoia. As such, redwood is the oldest living tree, shrub, or general living thing still alive, predating humans for thousands of years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, redwood is a very high valued timber wood. But is it worth burning as firewood?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Redwood is a softwood and carries the poor burning qualities that are common in softwoods. It will generate a decent amount of heat (18.3 BTUs) but will not last for long and will smoke terribly.<\/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\/redwood-firewood.jpg\" alt=\"redwood firewood thumbnail\" class=\"wp-image-1390\" srcset=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/redwood-firewood.jpg 500w, https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/redwood-firewood-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/redwood-firewood-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\/redwood-firewood\/#What_Are_The_Varieties_Of_Redwood\" title=\"What Are The Varieties Of Redwood\">What Are The Varieties Of Redwood<\/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\/redwood-firewood\/#What_Are_The_Physical_Characteristics_Of_Redwood\" title=\"What Are The Physical Characteristics Of Redwood\">What Are The Physical Characteristics Of Redwood<\/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\/redwood-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\/redwood-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\/redwood-firewood\/#How_Does_The_Wood_Smell\" title=\"How Does The Wood Smell?&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;\">How Does The Wood Smell?&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/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\/redwood-firewood\/#Heat_Output_And_Efficiency_Of_Redwood\" title=\"Heat Output And Efficiency Of Redwood\">Heat Output And Efficiency Of Redwood<\/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\/redwood-firewood\/#Fire_Characteristics_Of_Redwood\" title=\"Fire Characteristics Of Redwood\">Fire Characteristics Of Redwood<\/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\/redwood-firewood\/#Is_It_Okay_To_Burn_Redwood_In_A_Fireplace\" title=\"Is It Okay To Burn Redwood In A Fireplace?\">Is It Okay To Burn Redwood 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\/redwood-firewood\/#How_Expensive_Is_Redwood_Firewood\" title=\"How Expensive Is Redwood Firewood?\">How Expensive Is Redwood Firewood?<\/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\/redwood-firewood\/#How_Long_To_Season_Redwood\" title=\"How Long To Season Redwood\">How Long To Season Redwood<\/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\/redwood-firewood\/#Pros_And_Cons_of_Redwood_Wood\" title=\"Pros And Cons of Redwood Wood\">Pros And Cons of Redwood Wood<\/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\/redwood-firewood\/#How_Does_Redwood_Compare_To_Other_Firewood\" title=\"How Does Redwood Compare To Other Firewood?\">How Does Redwood 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-13\" href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/redwood-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-14\" href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/redwood-firewood\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_The_Varieties_Of_Redwood\"><\/span>What Are The Varieties Of Redwood<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Two types of redwood are native to the US and are therefore more common than other redwood varieties. They are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Coast redwoods &#8211; preferring to grow along the North American coast, coast redwoods are the tallest trees in the world<\/li><li>Sequoia redwoods \u2013 expanding more in width, sequoia redwoods prefer the mountains of Nevada<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You can expect both varieties of redwood to burn similarly and generate just as much heat as the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_The_Physical_Characteristics_Of_Redwood\"><\/span>What Are The Physical Characteristics Of Redwood<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Name<\/td><td>Redwood<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Heat per cord (Million BTUs)<\/td><td>18.3<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Weight dry (lbs per cord)<\/td><td>2652<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Weight green (lbs per cord)<\/td><td>4675<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Seasoning time<\/td><td>1 year<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Resin \/ Sap content<\/td><td>Moderate<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Splitting Difficulty<\/td><td>Easy<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Smoke<\/td><td>Moderate<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Smell<\/td><td>Spicy and earthy<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Coal Production<\/td><td>Poor<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Creosote Build-up<\/td><td>Moderate<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><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>As a softwood, redwood split very easily. It naturally grows in a straight grain, so is able to split just as easily dry as it does when green.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That being said, <a href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/what-to-use-as-kindling\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">redwood is better suited as kindling<\/a>. Kindling is always easier to split and produce once the wood has been seasoned, so you better wait until then to slit the wood if that is your intended use of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><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>Redwood does have a moderate amount of sap within its wood, though not as much as other softwoods like the notorious pine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Neither is the sap produced by redwood particularly sweet. It will not catch the attention of invasive bugs and beetles as easily as the sweet sap of <a href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/sugar-maple-firewood\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1148\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sugar maple logs<\/a> would. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Does_The_Wood_Smell\"><\/span>How Does The Wood Smell?&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A very pleasant-smelling wood, redwood will make your home smell like a forest with a hint of spice. It is not an overwhelming smell, just the right amount to be fragrant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Heat_Output_And_Efficiency_Of_Redwood\"><\/span>Heat Output And Efficiency Of Redwood<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For softwood, redwood has a brilliant heat generation of 18.3 BTUs. Though the heat will not last long, you will definitely be able to feel the heat of a redwood when sitting a fair distance away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fire_Characteristics_Of_Redwood\"><\/span>Fire Characteristics Of Redwood<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even though redwood is classified as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/parkhistory\/online_books\/shirley\/sec6.htm#:~:text=Both%20kinds%20of%20Redwood%20are,they%20are%20not%20easily%20killed.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fire-resistant species<\/a> as a tree, that is not the case once it has been turned into firewood logs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is a low-density softwood and burns up very quickly. You will be lucky to get more than two hours of heat out of one pack of wood in the stove. With next to no coal production, redwood struggles to maintain its own fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fire itself is fairly aggressive due to its high levels of sap. However, the smoke produced by redwood is mostly due to its high moisture content rather than its sap content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This means that redwood will produce moderate smoke and creosote but will not be as dangerous as other sappy softwoods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_It_Okay_To_Burn_Redwood_In_A_Fireplace\"><\/span>Is It Okay To Burn Redwood In A Fireplace?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It is better to only use redwood as kindling if you plan to burn it in your fireplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>High moisture and sap contents mean that it will happily crackle away when burnt, which will create a nice atmosphere if used in a log burner or a campfire. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, for the same reasons, it will also spark so it is not exactly the healthiest wood to burn in an open fireplace. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Expensive_Is_Redwood_Firewood\"><\/span>How Expensive Is Redwood Firewood?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;Since redwood is not usually sold commercially as firewood, it is hard to determine the cost of it. However, you can expect to pay a similar price for a seasoned cord of split redwood as you would pay for other types of firewood, around 450USD. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_To_Season_Redwood\"><\/span>How Long To Season Redwood<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Because it is already a very light wood when green, redwood will only take a year to season fully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In most cases, you will mostly need to ensure that it has fully dried out, which can be checked via a moisture meter.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your redwood has not fully seasoned after 12 months, you can leave it to season for longer. It is a fairly rot-resistant wood so it will not hinder the wood\u2019s performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pros_And_Cons_of_Redwood_Wood\"><\/span>Pros And Cons of Redwood Wood<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pros<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Easy to prepare<\/li><li>Rot resistant<\/li><li>Good kindling<\/li><li>Pleasant smell<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Cons<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Poor coals production<\/li><li>Fast and agressivly burning wood<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Does_Redwood_Compare_To_Other_Firewood\"><\/span>How Does Redwood Compare To Other Firewood?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Redwood tends to grow in areas where hardwoods thrive. That is why it is not commonly picked up as firewoods as there are other preferable woods within the same area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Douglas fir is particularly popular in the same areas that redwood is. In comparison, <a href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/is-douglas-fir-good-firewood\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Douglas fir firewood<\/a> can generate heat as <a href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/firewood-weight-btu-chart\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"817\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">hot as 20.7 BTU<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When pitted against other softwoods like pine, redwood performs moderately well. It will burn substantially <a href=\"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/white-pine-firewood\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1129\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">better than white pine<\/a> firewood for example and will not be as messy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><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>Which Is Better To Burn: Hard Or Softwood?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hardwood is typically denser and has less sap so, they will burn for longer and throw out less sparks and create less creosote if seasoned properly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What Is Greenwood?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Green wood is wood that has not been seasoned yet, in other words, it is freshly cut wood.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Redwood is better used as timber than as firewood. It can be considered a fair burning softwood, but there are far better hardwoods to choose from in the areas where it grows.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) is the only species left belonging to the genus of sequoia. As such, redwood is the oldest living tree, shrub, or general living thing still alive, predating humans for thousands of years. Today, redwood is a very high valued timber wood. But is it worth burning as firewood? Redwood is a softwood [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1390,"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\/1413"}],"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=1413"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1413\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1591,"href":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1413\/revisions\/1591"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1390"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1413"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1413"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theyardable.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1413"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}