Yes, red oak is good firewood, though it has some particular traits you should consider. Here’s why it’s a popular choice:
1. High Heat Output
- Red oak produces 24 million BTUs per cord, which means it burns hot and provides a substantial amount of heat. It’s ideal for heating homes in colder climates.
2. Long Burn Time
- Due to its density, red oak burns slowly and steadily, making it excellent for long, sustained fires. It’s particularly useful in wood stoves for overnight burns, where you want to keep the fire going without needing to add more logs frequently.
3. Good Coaling Properties
- Like white oak, red oak produces excellent coals, which hold heat well and last long after the flames die down. This is great for keeping your space warm for extended periods.
4. Seasoning Time
- The biggest drawback of red oak is its long seasoning time. Red oak can take 18 months to 2 years to fully season because of its high moisture content. Burning it before it’s fully seasoned results in excessive smoke, inefficient burning, and less heat output.
- To ensure it burns well, it’s critical to let red oak dry out properly, with a moisture content below 20%.
5. Splitting
- Red oak is relatively easy to split when green, but it becomes more difficult as it dries. If you’re splitting by hand, it’s best to do so soon after cutting it.
Final Verdict:
Red oak is excellent firewood if you have the patience to let it season properly. It provides good heat, long burn times, and produces durable coals. However, be prepared to wait for it to dry, as it can take longer to season compared to other hardwoods. If you’re planning ahead and have space to store it for seasoning, red oak will serve you very well as firewood.