What are hardwoods? It’s a question people often ask when they’re ready to up their firewood game.

Picture this: you’re gathered around your fire pit on a crisp evening, watching flames dance while friends share stories.

The fire burns steady and warm for hours, giving you those perfect glowing coals for roasting marshmallows.

That’s the magic of choosing the right firewood—and understanding what are hardwoods is your secret weapon for amazing backyard fires.

If you’ve ever wondered why some wood burns all night while other logs seem to disappear in minutes, you’re about to get answers.

Let’s explore what are hardwoods and why these premium burning woods will transform your fire pit experience.

What are Hardwoods? A Complete Answer

Here’s the easiest way to understand what hardwoods are: they come from trees that lose their leaves every fall—like oak, maple, and cherry trees.

Softwoods come from evergreen trees that keep their needles year-round, like pine and fir.

So, if you are looking for a little more, check out this “scientific” answer to the question.

Moving on…😉

The real difference? Hardwoods are nature’s slow-burn champions. They’re denser, heavier, and packed tighter than softwoods.

When you hold a piece of seasoned oak versus a chunk of pine, you’ll immediately feel the weight difference.

Why understanding what are hardwoods matters for your fire pit:

• Hardwoods burn 2-3 times longer than softwoods

• They produce more heat per log

• You get those coveted glowing coals that last for hours

• Less smoke means more enjoyment, fewer watery eyes

Softwoods have their place too:

• Great for starting fires (they catch quickly)

• Perfect kindling material

• Usually cheaper and easier to find

Think of softwood as your fire starter and hardwoods as your marathon runners.

What are Hardwoods Best For? Top Fire Pit Species

Not all hardwood varieties are created equal.

Here are the champion performers that’ll make your neighbors jealous of your fires:

Oak: The Heavyweight Champion

Why it’s amazing: Burns for 3-4 hours, produces incredible heat, and creates long-lasting coals perfect for cooking.

Burn time: All evening

Best for: Long gatherings, cold nights, cooking over coals

Maple: The Crowd Pleaser

Why it’s amazing: Burns clean with minimal smoke and splits easily. Sweet, pleasant aroma.

Burn time: 2-3 hours

Best for: Family gatherings, when you want steady heat without fuss

Ash: The Quick Starter

Why it’s amazing: Lights easily (even when not perfectly seasoned), burns clean, and produces good heat.

Burn time: 2-3 hours

Best for: When you want a fire without much planning ahead

Common Ash Types:

• Black Ash: Moderate heat output, easy to split, and burns steadily. Great for general-purpose firewood.

• White Ash: High heat output, low smoke, and easy to season. Ideal for indoor heating and fireplaces.

Pro tip: Ash is one of the few hardwood types you can burn with higher moisture content, but seasoned is still better.

Hickory: The Flavor Master

Why it’s amazing: Highest heat output, amazing aroma, perfect for cooking.

Burn time: 3-4 hours

Best for: Winter nights, BBQ sessions, when you need maximum heat

Common Hickory Types (in the U.S.):

• Mockernut Hickory: Dense, long-burning wood with high heat output and a pleasant aroma. Excellent for heating and smoking meats.

• Pignut Hickory: Produces intense heat and a steady burn. Great for heating and adding rich flavor to smoked foods.

• Shagbark Hickory: Premium firewood with exceptional heat output and slow burn time. Perfect for heating, smoking, and grilling.

Pro tip: Can be tough to split, so buy it pre-split if possible.

For more details on these and other types of hardwood firewood, check out our firewood BTU chart and our collection of firewood profiles (both hardwoods and softwoods) that provide detailed specs, pros and cons, etc. for over 40 types of firewood commonly used in the U.S.

How to Identify Quality Hardwoods (Shopping Guide)

When you’re shopping for firewood, knowing what are hardwoods supposed to look and feel like makes all the difference.

Here’s your guide to identifying top-quality burning wood:

Visual Clues:

• Heavy for its size – if it feels light, it’s probably softwood or not well-seasoned

• Tight bark – avoid logs with loose, flaky bark falling off everywhere

• Clean cuts – freshly cut ends should look solid, not spongy or punky

• Gray/weathered appearance – seasoned wood often has a weathered look

The Sound Test:

Knock two pieces together. Well-seasoned hardwoods make a sharp “crack” sound. Green or soft wood makes a dull “thud.”

The Smell Test:

Fresh hardwood varieties smell clean and woody. Avoid anything that smells sour, moldy, or musty.

Seasoning: The Secret to Great Burns

Here’s the truth: even the best hardwood species are terrible if they’re not properly seasoned (dried). Fresh-cut wood can be 50% water—you’re basically trying to burn a wet sponge.

Seasoning Timeline for Different Wood Types:

• Oak and Hickory: 12-18 months

• Maple and Ash: 6-12 months

• Cherry and Apple: 6-8 months

Signs Your Wood is Ready:

• Ends have cracks radiating from the center

• Bark falls off easily

• Feels lighter than when freshly cut

• Makes that sharp “crack” sound when pieces hit together

Storage Tips:

• Stack off the ground (use pallets or 2x4s)

• Cover the top but leave sides open for airflow

• Face cut ends toward prevailing wind

• Don’t wrap in tarps—wood needs to breathe

What are Hardwoods vs Softwoods: When to Use Each

Use Hardwoods When:

• You want a fire that lasts more than an hour

• It’s cold and you need serious heat

• You’re cooking over the fire

• You have guests and want consistent warmth

Use Softwood When:

• Starting your fire (excellent kindling)

• You only want a quick 30-minute fire

• You’re practicing fire-building skills

• Budget is tight (usually cheaper)

Pro move: Start with softwood kindling, add a few softwood logs to get established heat, then switch to hardwoods for the long haul.

What are Hardwoods Like Regionally? Buying Tips

What’s Usually Available:

• Northeast: Oak, maple, Black Ash, cherry

• Southeast: Oak, hickory, pecan, dogwood

• Midwest: Oak, White Ash, maple, walnut

• West: Oak, Madrone, fruit woods

Seasonal Shopping Strategy:

• Spring: Best time to buy next year’s wood (cheapest prices)

• Summer: Order for fall delivery, prices start rising

• Fall: Premium prices, limited selection

• Winter: Most expensive, often poor quality available

Money-saving tip: Buy a full cord in spring when prices are lowest, even if you only burn a face cord per year.

Now that we’ve covered all things hardwood firewood, check out the table below which lists all hardwood firewood types mentioned in the article.

It’ll come in handy when making the right fire pit firewood choice when you are ready to buy or chop your own.

FAQs: What Are Hardwoods?

Wrap-up: What Are Hardwoods?

Now you know what hardwoods are and why they’re the secret to fire pit success: choose the right hardwood varieties for your needs, make sure they’re properly seasoned, and store them correctly.

Whether you go with dependable oak, aromatic hickory, or easy-burning ash, you’re set up for countless memorable evenings around your fire.

Ready to upgrade your fire pit game? Start with a small purchase of seasoned hardwoods from a reputable local supplier.

Once you experience the difference quality burning wood makes, you’ll never go back to grabbing random logs from the hardware store.

Here’s to warm fires, good friends, and the simple pleasure of choosing the perfect wood for your perfect evening.