When comparing maple and oak firewood, both are great choices, but they have distinct characteristics depending on your heating and burning needs.
1. Heat Output (BTUs)
- Oak: Oak produces 24 to 28 million BTUs per cord, making it one of the top firewoods in terms of heat output. It’s ideal for colder climates where you need a lot of heat for extended periods.
- Maple: Hard maple, such as sugar maple, produces around 24 to 25 million BTUs per cord, slightly less than oak but still an excellent heat source. Soft maple, like silver maple, produces less heat, around 18 to 20 million BTUs per cord.
Winner: Oak for slightly higher heat output, though hard maple is close.
2. Burn Time
- Oak: Oak burns long and slow, making it a great choice for overnight burns or extended heating sessions. Its density ensures that once the fire is established, it can last for hours without needing to be replenished frequently.
- Maple: Hard maple also burns slowly, though not as long as oak. Soft maple burns faster, making it less ideal for extended fires.
Winner: Oak for longer burn times.
3. Seasoning Time
- Oak: Due to its density and high moisture content, oak requires 1.5 to 2 years to season properly. If burned before fully seasoned, oak will produce more smoke and burn inefficiently.
- Maple: Hard maple typically takes 6 months to 1 year to season fully, which is significantly faster than oak. Soft maple seasons even faster.
Winner: Maple, for faster seasoning time.
4. Ease of Splitting
- Oak: Oak can be difficult to split, especially when dry. Red oak is easier to split than white oak, but overall, oak is one of the tougher woods to process by hand.
- Maple: Hard maple is easier to split than oak, and soft maple is even easier, making maple a more user-friendly wood for those splitting by hand.
Winner: Maple, for easier splitting.
5. Coaling Properties
- Oak: Oak produces excellent coals, which hold heat for long periods, making it ideal for wood stoves where consistent heat is needed overnight.
- Maple: Hard maple also produces good coals, though not quite as long-lasting as oak. It still provides steady heat but may require more frequent log additions.
Winner: Oak, for better coaling properties.
6. Availability and Cost
- Oak: Oak is widely available and often considered a premium firewood, which can make it slightly more expensive, depending on your location.
- Maple: Maple is also commonly available, especially in northern regions. It can sometimes be more affordable than oak, particularly in areas where it is abundant.
Winner: Maple might have an edge on cost and availability in certain regions, though this can vary.
Conclusion: Maple vs. Oak Firewood
- Choose Oak if you’re looking for maximum heat, long burn times, and excellent coals. It’s great for wood stoves, fireplaces, and long-term heating needs.
- Choose Maple if you want firewood that seasons faster, is easier to split, and still provides good heat. Hard maple is a solid choice, while soft maple works better for quick, short burns.
For the best of both worlds, some people like to mix maple and oak firewood: use maple to get the fire going and oak to sustain it for the long haul.