When comparing locust and oak firewood, both are excellent choices, but each has different strengths depending on your needs for heating and burning efficiency.
1. Heat Output (BTUs)
- Locust: Black locust, in particular, is one of the hottest-burning firewoods, producing around 27 to 29 million BTUs per cord. It’s known for generating intense heat over long periods, making it ideal for cold climates or wood stoves.
- Oak: Oak also offers high heat output, with 24 to 28 million BTUs per cord (depending on the species, with white oak typically being higher). Oak provides a consistent and reliable heat source.
Winner: Locust, for slightly higher heat output.
2. Burn Time
- Locust: Black locust is extremely dense, meaning it burns very slowly and can last longer than most other firewoods. This makes it great for overnight burns or times when you want long-lasting heat.
- Oak: Oak is also dense and burns slowly, though not as long as black locust. It’s still an excellent choice for long burn times, but you may have to add logs more frequently compared to locust.
Winner: Locust, for longer burn times.
3. Ease of Splitting
- Locust: Black locust can be difficult to split due to its hardness and interlocking grain. However, once split, it dries quickly and is highly durable.
- Oak: Oak can also be tough to split, especially when dry. Red oak is easier to split than white oak, which is denser and more challenging.
Winner: Tie, as both are tough to split, though red oak might be slightly easier than black locust.
4. Seasoning Time
- Locust: Black locust has a unique advantage in that it seasons relatively quickly compared to other dense hardwoods, often ready to burn in 6 months to a year.
- Oak: Oak, due to its higher moisture content, typically requires 1 to 2 years to season fully. Burning green oak can result in poor performance, excessive smoke, and creosote buildup.
Winner: Locust, for faster seasoning time.
5. Creosote Production
- Locust: Black locust is a low-creosote producer, making it a great choice for reducing chimney maintenance and lowering the risk of chimney fires.
- Oak: Oak also produces minimal creosote when fully seasoned, though green oak can contribute to faster chimney buildup.
Winner: Tie—both are low in creosote when properly seasoned.
6. Coaling Properties
- Locust: Black locust produces excellent coals, holding heat for long periods and making it efficient for wood stoves and overnight burns.
- Oak: Oak is also well-known for its good coaling properties, providing steady heat over time, though not as efficiently as black locust.
Winner: Locust, for superior coaling.
Conclusion: Locust vs. Oak Firewood
- Choose Locust if you want maximum heat, long burn times, faster seasoning, and excellent coaling properties. It’s ideal for those looking to minimize wood usage while maximizing heat.
- Choose Oak if you need widely available, reliable firewood that burns hot and steady, and you’re willing to wait for it to season.
Both are exceptional firewoods, but black locust offers a slight edge in terms of heat and efficiency, while oak remains a more accessible and versatile option.