BTU Of Firewood Chart


BTU of Firewood

Table of Contents

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit.  BTU is nothing more than the amount of energy needs to head a single pound of water and increase the temperature by a single degree. This might seem pretty basic, but it can make a huge difference for people who are attempting to heat their home using firewood.

Each specific type of wood will have its very own BTU rating. On top of that, the rating will change based on the wood’s moisture content.

Firewood BTU Chart

FirewoodBTU
Alder FirewoodOpens in a new tab.17.5
Almond32.9
Ash20.0
Aspen18.2
Avocado 20.8
Basswood13.8
Beech FirewoodOpens in a new tab.27.5
Birch21.8
Boxelder18.3
Pear26.0
Buckeye12.1
Cedar FirewoodOpens in a new tab.13.0
Cherry FirwoodOpens in a new tab.20.0
Chestnut18.0
Coffee Tree21.6
Cottonwood15.8
Dogwood24.8
Elm FirewoodOpens in a new tab.20.0
Eucalyptus FirewoodOpens in a new tab.34.5
Fir26.5
Hackberry FirewoodOpens in a new tab.21.2
Hickory27.7
Ironwood26.8
Juniper21.8
Locust Firewood27.9
Magnolia20.0
Maple FirewoodOpens in a new tab.24.0
Mulberry FirewoodOpens in a new tab.25.8
Red Oak FirewoodOpens in a new tab.24.6
Osage Orange FirewoodOpens in a new tab.32.9
Pecan FirewoodOpens in a new tab.22.5
Sassafras FirewoodOpens in a new tab.15.0
Spruce15.5
Sweet Gum FirewoodOpens in a new tab.20.6
Sycamore FirewoodOpens in a new tab.19.5
Walnut FirewoodOpens in a new tab.22.2
Willow17.6

 

Summary

At the end of the day, the BTU rating is very unique. It is never universal and will always vary from one wood to the next.

At the same time, the current condition of the wood will help determine the BTU.

If your wood is still wet, you can guarantee that the BTU rating is going to be much lower.

This is why it is pertinent to make sure that your wood has been dried completely before it is burned.

This is the best way to get the highest BTU rating and the most heat from your firewood.

Brian Koller

Growing up on a farm in eastern PA, I’ve grown fond of wildlife and the woods and learning about the critters and firewood and everything else in-between. I made this site to share my experiences and knowledge.

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