Not all firewood burns the same way — and for fire pit use, the differences matter. Heat output, smoke production, sparking tendency, and seasoning time all vary significantly from one wood type to the next. This chart gives you the key specs on over 50 wood varieties so you can make a smarter choice for your setup.
The BTU column tells you how much heat you’ll get per cord. The spark and smoke columns matter most for safety and enjoyment — particularly if you have kids around the fire or neighbors nearby. Seasoning time tells you how long wood needs to dry before it burns cleanly. Softwood varieties are shown in italics — they burn faster and are best suited for kindling or quick fires rather than long burns.
If you found this page through our fire pit safety statistics article, the spark column is especially worth your attention. Certain wood types throw embers aggressively, and wood that isn’t fully seasoned will pop as moisture vaporizes — both of which increase risk around people and property.
How to Use This Chart
Click any column header to sort — highest to lowest on first click, lowest to highest on second. Use the search box to find a specific wood type by name. Use the filter dropdowns to narrow results by spark level or smoke level. The BTU bars give you a quick visual comparison of heat output across wood types.
Softwoods (pine, cedar, fir, etc.) are shown in italics. They burn hotter and faster than hardwoods and are ideal for getting a fire started, but they’re not the best choice for a sustained evening burn.
| Wood Type ↕ | BTU (per cord) ↓ | Smoke ↕ | Sparking ↕ | Seasoning ↕ |
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BTU values and burning characteristics can vary based on moisture content, wood density, and regional growing conditions. Always consult your local firewood supplier for region-specific recommendations. For additional guidance, contact your state agricultural cooperative extension office.
Choosing the Right Wood for Your Fire Pit
For most backyard fire pit use, seasoned oak, hickory, or maple hit the sweet spot — high heat output, low spark activity, and manageable smoke. They take longer to season (12–24 months depending on the species), but the payoff is a cleaner, more predictable burn.
If you’re in a hurry, ash and cherry season faster and still deliver solid heat with low sparking. Avoid Osage orange and eucalyptus near people or structures — both throw embers aggressively. Softwoods like cedar and pine can be useful for getting a fire started, but their high spark ratings and faster burn rate make them a poor main fuel choice for a long evening around the fire.
For everything firewood — how to buy it, store it, and pick the right species for your needs — visit our complete firewood resource page.