Some types of wood provide strength. Other types create heat. Yet, cedar is both strong and creates heat while adding one other element; cedar enhances the experience of a fire. From its sweet smell, to its gentle crackle and popping sounds, cedar firewood is both the experience of the fire as much as involving just the heat and functionality in it.
If you are preparing for outdoor evenings by your backyard fire pit, or preparing to warm up the inside of your living room by your fireplace, cedar in either situation will provide great warmth; provided you know how to use it correctly. Let’s explore a bit deeper into why cedar firewood is favorite and how you really try and use cedar wood features.
In many ways cedar fits into an experience – it is part of that feeling of warmth, nostalgia, or even just that experience of pleasantness you have when you get close to, or catch a whiff, of warm cedar.
Understanding Cedar’s Popularity in the Firewood World
Cedar firewood has certainly carved out its own space in homes throughout North America. It does not rank highest in the heat scale, and it does not have the slowest burn rate, but it has character that more than compensates for this.
The appeal of cedar begins with its ignitability. Cedar splits easily and ignites quickly, making it an excellent choice for kindling or for lighting a fire on a chilly evening. Cedar also burns cleanly, producing little smoke when it is well seasoned. Its sweet, woodsy aroma? It is a part of why burning this kind of wood is appealing, even in smaller spaces.
And then it’s the ambience. Cedar flames tend to flicker and crackle, and provide a nostalgic campfire experience, even indoors. It’s not surprising that cedar firewood is often used in homes for not just warmth, but atmosphere.
Pros and Cons of Cedar Firewood
While cedar has a large following, it isn’t always the first choice of wood for a burn. Here’s what you need to know:
Pros:
- Aromatic Appeal: unique smell is what makes spaces both indoors and outdoors even better.
- Quick Ignition: This is one of the easiest woods to start burning, making it an ideal option for kindling.
- Pest Control: Cedar’s oils help repel moths and other bugs.
- Low Smoke (When Seasoned): It burns relatively cleanly when properly dried.
Cons:
- Burns Fast: Cedar burns fairly rapidly compared to hardwoods, which may make it necessary to frequently refuel.
- Sparking: Cedar will light and pop as it is burned even more so than other woods, so keep that in mind with an open fire.
- Lower Heat Output: It burns hot at first, but cannot maintain heat for long as oak or maple does.
The Best Ways to Use Cedar Firewood
Cedar is burned quickly and hotly, so it’s frequently utilized to complement wood stacks, rather than replace them. Here are some ways to incorporate cedar into your firewood experience:
Fire Starters: A few pieces of cedar make great fire starters for hardwoods.
Blended Fires: Blend cedar with slower-burning hardwoods, such as oak or ash, to enjoy the instant heat of cedar and the extended warmth of higher-density hardwood.
Short Outdoor Fires: A great choice for a quick outdoor get-together in the backyard when you want some ambiance outdoors without spending all night outside.
Fragrance-Forward: At times when the setting is right, such as when you’re planning a cozy evening; consider burning cedar straight for unrivaled cedar fragrance.
Is Cedar Right for You?
It’s difficult to find a wood that provides instant gratification quite like cedar, with its bright flame, homey aroma, and immediate warmth. Cedar serves best for:
- Homes that prefer to use a fire for ambiance rather than as a house’s main source of heat
- Firewood aficionados who would like the fire to be less of a chore by easily getting a fire started, and who will have the opportunity of a longer lasting firewood!
- Anyone wanting to build their kindling stock with something a little better than newspaper and sticks
It does not always matter what kind of firewood or kindling is the hottest or will last the longest as much as it matters what kind of fuel fits your space, your pace, and your style. Cedar can really bring character and comfort to your indoor fire experience so that it is a solid choice for anyone who isn’t just wanting a fire for heat.
Timber Ridge Firewood: Premium Cedar, Ready When You Are
At Timber Ridge Firewood, we are aware that not all firewood is the same—cedar is a great example. If you get it in the right place and season it correctly, cedar is the best wood to augment your fires with aesthetics and aroma.
Whether you are getting a bundle for a weekend gathering, or you want to add cedar to your regular mix, we take.
We know the responsibility to make your firewood experience hassle-free and remarkable—which is how good firewood should be. Looking for cedar? Experience a difference with Timber Ridge Firewood to know quality and enjoy the warmth that burns well, every time.
