Live oak can be used as firewood, but it has both advantages and drawbacks compared to other types of oak. Here’s a detailed look at whether live oak is a good firewood choice:
Pros of Live Oak Firewood:
- High Heat Output:
- Live oak is a dense hardwood, making it excellent for heat production. It delivers around 26 to 32 million BTUs per cord, similar to white oak, which means it can provide long-lasting, efficient heat for your home.
- Long Burn Time:
- Due to its density, live oak burns slowly and steadily, making it ideal for overnight fires. It produces durable coals that provide consistent heat even after the flames die down.
- Good Coaling:
- Live oak creates excellent coals, which hold heat for a long time. This makes it especially useful for wood stoves and fireplaces, where you want long-lasting heat without constantly feeding the fire.
Cons of Live Oak Firewood:
- Seasoning Time:
- Live oak has a high moisture content and needs to be properly seasoned before burning. It takes 1.5 to 2 years to season fully, which is longer than some other types of firewood. If burned green, it will produce excess smoke and creosote buildup in your chimney.
- Difficult to Split:
- Live oak can be very difficult to split due to its tough, twisted grain. Splitting green live oak is somewhat easier, but once it’s dried, the task becomes much more challenging.
- Heavy:
- Live oak is heavier than other oak species, which makes it more cumbersome to handle, stack, and transport. Its weight is another factor to consider if you’re splitting and moving the wood by hand.
Final Verdict: Is Live Oak Good Firewood?
Live oak is excellent firewood if you can manage the long seasoning time and the difficulty of splitting it. Its high heat output and long burn time make it ideal for cold winters and wood stoves, but you need patience to let it dry properly before burning. If you have access to live oak, it’s a great choice, especially for sustained, long-lasting heat.