If you have a home that is either fully dependent on wood burning for heat, or if you simply enjoy a log fire during the winter months, it is important to know what materials to use to ensure the best possible burning performance. The wood you choose needs to be able to burn efficiently, must be long-lasting, and should be readily available. In this regard, oak is one of the very best options available, and in this blog, we’re going to explain exactly why.
An overview of oak
Oak trees are some of the most distinctive in nature. The trunks are often incredibly wide, and the branches routinely look like flailing arms. It is one of the most common trees in the UK and has long been revered because its timber is as malleable as it is strong. From the 15th to the 19th century, nearly all warships and trading ships were made from oak, and even today it is still one of the most important materials in the furniture and construction sectors. There are close to 600 species of oak around the world, and nearly all of them produce acorns, which is a staple food for many animals – from squirrels to chipmunks, rabbits to deer. Though the characteristics vary somewhat between species, most oaks have the capacity to grow very tall, with many of them being able to reach 75 feet in height with ease. With regard to firewood, nearly all oak species are able to produce firewood that is effective, but the most common trees used are white oak – which takes a year to produce a new batch of mature acorns – and red oak, which takes two years to grow its acorns. Aside from this trait, the oaks look somewhat similar, though white oaks tend to have more rounded leaves, and red oaks often have leaves that taper to a point.
The seasoning of oak
This is one of the most important things you should know about the seasoning of oak, it takes a long, long time. If you are in a hurry for firewood, chopping down an oak tree is not going to be your best option. Oak firewood needs to be dried for a minimum of two years before it is ready to burn, but if you have the capacity to wait even longer – three or four years is best – then it will burn even better. A rule of thumb is that when oak firewood is seasoned, it should have a moisture content of between 15 to 20 percent, which will make it ideal for burning over an extended period of time. The most popular approach in this regard is kiln dried oak logs.
Splitting oak
Some people will want to cut the wood themselves and, while this is time-consuming and somewhat laborious, it is worth highlighting that, should you wish to follow this preparation route, it is in your best interests to let the oak sit for around three months in a dry place before attempting to cut it. Most oaks are actually far easier to cut when frozen, but if you do not have the capacity to freeze all of your wood, leaving it to dry for an extended period of time is the best option. However, it is worth remembering that even when cut, oak is not going to be ready to burn for a long time. Luckily, if you do not want to cut the wood yourself, and don’t want to have to wait years for the wood to be fully ready for burning, CoziLogs is here to help.
How does it burn?
Oak is well-known for burning in a manner that is long and slow. Quite simply, if you want a wood that is going to persevere over an extended period of time, and is going to provide heat for hour after hour, oak is the superlative choice. However, this all depends on how long the oak has been dried for – if it is still ‘green’ then oak will likely sizzle when it is set alight, which will lead to lots of smoke, an acrid smell, and will not last as long.